'Back in Black' for Aviation Archive trio
Welcome to the latest edition of Corgi Die-cast Diaries, your regular blog review of all the news, updates and topical stories from the captivating world of Corgi die-cast model collecting.
After our previous blog featured project updates dominated by the latest developments from our Vanguards 1/43rd scale model car range, we return to the subject of aviation in this latest edition and a trio of impending Aviation Archive releases which are all linked by a rather distinctive common theme, the colour of their liveries. As we take a detailed look at each model in turn, we will be spanning 66 years of aviation advancement in die-cast model form, from the early days of aerial combat, right through to an iconic Cold War jet, one which actually caused quite a stir when it made a fleeting appearance in this highly unusual scheme.
As always, you can look forward to an impressive selection of exclusive product imagery thanks to our talented Corgi photographer and we can confirm that all images feature final production samples of each model, our now traditional indicator that all three models can't be all that far away from release - we had better start clearing some space in those display cabinets in preparation. As this aviation centric edition of die-cast Diaries will be spanning 66 years of aviation development, we will be taking each model in 'era' order, with the Great War Albatros first, night fighting Hawker Hurricane second and the most unusually presented Blackburn Buccaneer you are ever likely to see taking the final slot.
Strap yourselves in for a wild Aviation Archive ride with the latest edition of our Corgi model development update blog.
Models to grab the display limelight
A model representation of 66 years of aviation development in model form, it has to be said that this future Aviation Archive trio look particularly attractive.
The title we went with for this section seems a little strange when we will be talking about three new models which are all finished in black liveries, however, in the opinions of many an Aviation Archive collector, it could actually hardly be more accurate. You might expect that when it comes to producing collectable scale model aircraft, subjects which are finished in flamboyant paint schemes, or feature interesting nose artwork would be the most popular subjects with the majority of model collectors and whilst this is a pretty accurate assessment, it is not always the case. Throughout the 24 year history of the Aviation Archive range, model representations of aircraft presented in smart black liveries have always proved incredibly popular and when displayed amongst any collection of models, have always stood out from the crowd, positively demanding the attention of anyone inspecting that collection.
From a development and manufacturing perspective, you might think that the Corgi team is taking an easy option when producing a model finished in a largely black scheme, however, the exact opposite is true and these can actually be extremely challenging projects to undertake. This is not just because an almost completely black model makes it difficult for our artworker to replicate detail on the all important decoration guide which is so crucial in the production of any new model, but also because if you don't accurately represent the 'in scale' shade and lustre of the black finish correctly, the resultant model isn't going to look too good. When you do get it right, the production model can look stunning and they are always amongst the most popular releases in any Corgi model range.
They always say that good things come in threes and that is certainly the case when it comes to the Aviation Archive range, well, for this edition of the blog at least. We are delighted to confirm that all three of the attractive new black painted models featured in the lead image above are now on final approach, with each one surely destined to soon be taking its place in model collections all over the world, adding a little class to any display. Let's take a closer look at each model in turn now and see why they were selected for inclusion in the latest Aviation Archive range.
Unquestionably one of the most famous fighting aeroplanes of the Great War, the Albatros D series of German biplane fighters was produced in large numbers during WWI and were used by many of the leading Luftstreitkräfte aces to help them increase their victory tallies. The D.V series were arguably the most distinctive fighting aeroplanes of WWI, with its cultured, rounded fuselage being quite a deviation from the more box-like appearance of earlier variants. Despite the fact that more than 4,600 'D Series' Albatros fighters were eventually produced, only two original examples survive to this day, one in America’s National Air and Space Museum, with the other being on display in the Australian War Memorial Museum.
Thankfully, the two static museum examples do not tell the full story of surviving Albatros fighters, because thanks to the skill and steadfast dedication of a special team of talented craftsmen and their use of clever reverse engineering techniques, millions of people around the world have had the opportunity to see one of these Great War aviation classics actually in the air at various Airshows and open day events across the world. Built in New Zealand by Sir Peter Jackson’s ‘The Vintage Aviator Limited’ (TVAL) company, they have managed to produce several stunning replica builds of these iconic aircraft over the past few years, newly built replica aircraft, but ones built to exacting standards and accurate to the originals in almost every respect.
An exclusive first look at the new Albatros box presentation, along with a further view of the latest advanced production sample model.
Their sixth build in this series was eventually finished in the distinctive colours of German ace pilot Otto Kissenberth, an Albatros he flew during his time with Jasta 23. In a relatively recent development which delighted British aviation enthusiasts, the aircraft was sold to a new owner, who in turn had the Albatros shipped to the UK. Arriving by container at the famous Old Warden airfield during 2018, the Albatros was reassembled by the hugely experienced engineering team at the Shuttleworth Collection, with the grass strip at Old Warden also later playing host to the aircraft's first post re-assembly test flight.
This magnificent aircraft is now kept at the famous Great War aerodrome at Stow Maries in Essex, where she is cared for and operated on behalf of its owner by the WWI Aviation Heritage Trust. If you are lucky, you might see this magnificent aircraft fly on airfield open days and the odd Airshow event, where she provides a unique link to the early days of aerial combat and the intrepid fighting aviators of the Great War.
A proud Bavarian, Otto Kissenberth trained as a mechanical engineer in the years prior to the outbreak of the First World War, but as the world descended into conflict, followed his interest in flying and joined the German Air Service. Initially serving as a reconnaissance pilot, he would later transfer to a new single seat fighter unit, where he would go on to score his first three combat victories. During an Allied bombing attack against the Mauser rifle factory in southern Germany, Kissenberth flew his fighter aggressively against multiple enemy raiders, blunting the attack with his fearless flying and dispatching three enemy aircraft in the process. This early fighter unit would later be used as the nucleus of the new Royal Bavarian Jagdstaffel 16, a unit where Kissenberth would continue to increase his personal victory tally.
Our 1/48th scale Great War fighter series of models are amongst the most popular in the Aviation Archive range and this new Albatros will only enhance its proud reputation.
Otto Kissenberth has been described as being something of a character, brave and tenacious in the air, but a fighter pilot with a rather unusual trait - he flew combat missions whilst wearing his spectacles, something only two other Luftstreitkräfte fighter aces were known to have done. Given command of Royal Bavarian Jasta 23 at the beginning of August 1917, Kissenberth would continue his association with the Albatros D series of fighters and in particular, aircraft serial number D2263/17, a machine in which it is thought he would go on to score the majority of his 20 aerial victories. As his personal aircraft, it was distinctive by virtue of its smart black fuselage and the large yellow and white Edelweiss emblem it sported on either side of the fuselage, just behind the cockpit.
The Edelweiss flower possessed a particular significance for servicemen of European origin at that time, as it symbolised a man's courage and bravery. The flower only grows on high Alpine peaks and if you came back with one following a climbing expedition, everyone knew you had put yourself in quite some personal danger to do so and were therefore worthy of their respect.
Further adding to the fascinating story of this Great War Albatros ace, Kissenberth was unusual in that he claimed a British RNAS Sopwith Camel aircraft as his own, one which had been forced down intact by another pilot in his unit. Overpainting the Camel’s British insignia with new German markings (for obvious reasons), he apparently flew the aircraft on many occasions and incredibly, used this captured aircraft to score the last of his 20 aerial victories on 16th May 1918, when he used it to bring down a British SE5a fighter near the town of Tilly-Neuville.
The Great War series of 1/48th scale fighter aircraft are amongst the most popular in the entire aviation archive range, and this stunning new Albatros will only serve to enhance the reputation of this series. Albatros AA37811 is due for release during the first half of November, so we won't have to wait too long for this stunner now.
When the Hawker Hurricane entered squadron service at the end of December 1937, it heralded a new era of aviation for a Royal Air Force which could now boast the introduction of their first high speed monoplane fighter. From a design perspective, the Hurricane was probably more evolutionary than revolutionary, taking many of its design philosophies from the successful series of sleek Hawker biplanes which preceded it - in fact, the new fighter was initially referred to by Hawkers as the ‘Fury Monoplane’ project. A clever combination of traditional design and manufacturing techniques, whilst at the same time introducing many technological ‘firsts’ for a British monoplane, such as an enclosed cockpit, retractable undercarriage and the adoption of eight machine gun armament, the Hurricane could be described as the right British aeroplane at exactly the right time in history. In the days when speed was the main requirement in securing superiority in the skies, the Hurricane was the first RAF fighter to exceed 300 mph in level flight, which at that time represented an incredible 100 mph increase over existing biplane fighters already in service.
An extremely rugged aeroplane, the traditional manufacturing techniques adopted by Hawker designers meant that the Hurricane was less complicated and much cheaper to produce than the revolutionary Spitfire which followed it into service. Perhaps of even greater significance, it was also much easier to repair if sustaining damage in combat, because after all, these aircraft needed to be in the air and fighting, as opposed to being in a hangar needing to be patched up. Despite the Spitfire taking the popular accolade of being Britain’s aviation saviour during the Battle of Britain, the competent and dependable Hurricane actually accounted for 2/3rds of the RAF’s aerial victories claimed during the Battle of Britain, a fact which arguably makes the Hawker Hurricane the most important fighter aircraft in British aviation history.
A stunning Hurricane addition to the Aviation Archive range, Widge Gleed's magnificent Hurricane fighter was one of the most famous and most photographed aircraft of the post Battle of Britain era.
Having proved instrumental in defeating the Luftwaffe by day during the summer of 1940, the Hurricane was also called upon to challenge them by night as the conflict moved to a nocturnal bombing campaign following their inability to overcome the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.
Having already gained his pilot’s licence as a civilian, Ian Richard Gleed successfully applied for an RAF commission in 1936 and on completion of his training, was posted to No.46 Squadron at Kenley, where he would fly Gloster Gauntlet fighters. Later transferring to No.266 Squadron as a Flight Commander, Gleed was fortunate to survive an incident in early 1940 when the Spitfire in which he was flying broke up in mid-air, however, whilst he was able to get out of the aircraft safely, the incident did result in him requiring a period of hospitalisation.
On his return to flying duties, Gleed was posted to No.87 Squadron who were flying Hawker Hurricane fighters at the time, but soon found himself in France as part of the Royal Air Force component of the British Expeditionary Force. He would immediately make his mark on the fighting in France, not only showing great courage in the face of the enemy, but also taking a heavy toll of Luftwaffe aircraft along the way. It is thought that Flt. Lt. Gleed may have achieved ‘Ace’ status in a shorter time than any other RAF pilot in WWII, taking just two days to dispatch 2 Bf 110s, a Bf 109 and two Do17 bombers, with several other aircraft claimed as either shared victories or ‘probables’ during the same period. Despite this, the inexorable advance of German forces could not be halted and the Hurricanes of No.87 Squadron would soon be forced to fly back to England.
More from 'Figaro the cat', a really unusual and extremely attractive Hawker Hurricane livery.
Once back in Britain, No.87 Squadron were initially stationed at Church Fenton in Yorkshire, but were soon on the move again, this time south to Exeter. Unusually, the Squadron refused the opportunity to trade their Hurricanes for new Spitfires, as it was reported that Gleed and fellow pilot Roland Beamont were easily able to out-manoeuvre Spitfires during mock dogfight trials and actually preferred the Hawker aircraft. Seeing service throughout the Battle of Britain, once the Luftwaffe’s raids moved to night bombing attacks, No.87 Squadron were given the task of providing nightfighter protection for the Bristol area and whilst this nocturnal force was still very much in its infancy, Gleed was able to add a further two Luftwaffe aircraft to his growing victory tally.
Perhaps one of the most famous Hurricanes of the entire Battle of Britain period, Ian Gleed’s Hurricane P2798 was the subject of several famous wartime photographs which have appeared in numerous reference books over the years, ones which show the aircraft in several distinctly different presentations. Featuring a distinctive red spinner and unusual red painted area on the engine cowling behind the spinner, the aircraft also sports unique ‘Figaro the Cat’ artwork on the starboard side of the fuselage, under the cockpit – Figaro appears to be enthusiastically taking issue with a swastika. Once transferred to night operations, the standard day camouflage of this aircraft was almost completely overpainted in black, except for the rudder and Gleed’s personal markings, which retained the camouflage sections on which they were originally painted, including the area under ‘Figaro’ the cat.
Taking advantage of our relatively recent decision to re-tool our 1/72nd scale Hurricane Mk.I, this beautiful new model has to be one of the most appealing of all the Aviation Archive Hurricanes ever produced and in this black nightfighter livery, will make for a handsome addition to any model collection. It is due to be in our warehouse well before Christmas, so please keep an eye out for further updates on this one.
Although the Buccaneer was originally developed as one of the world’s most advanced naval strike aircraft, it would also go on to operate with distinction in the colours of the Royal Air Force, even though initially, it has to be said that they were less than enthusiastic at the prospect. Offered the Buccaneer as a possible replacement for their ageing Canberra fleet in the low level strike and reconnaissance roles, the RAF could see no further than the exciting prospect of operating the British Aircraft Corporation TSR.2 at that time, an aircraft which appeared to presented them with everything they were looking for. The high profile cancellation of the TSR.2 programme forced the RAF to look in the direction of the American General Dynamics F-111 as an alternative, but as this programme continued to have problems of its own, the British Government would later also decide to end their interest in this aircraft as well. With no other viable option available to them and a proven British built option basically being available ‘off the shelf’ so to speak, the Government decided that the RAF would take the Buccaneer as their Canberra replacement, even if they initially felt the decision was somewhat forced upon them.
Entering Royal Air Force squadron service some seven years after it entered service with the Royal Navy, an initial order for 26 new aircraft was placed with Blackburn, with the RAF machines possessing a number of differences from their seaborne counterparts and designated S.Mk.2B. It was also decided that with the retirement of the Navy’s last big carriers, the RAF would inherit former Royal Navy Buccaneers, aircraft which would constantly remind their new land based owners of their proud naval heritage. It is also interesting to note that the new aircraft ordered for the RAF would retain the folding wings and arrester hook of the original Royal Navy Buccaneers, as these features did not detract from the performance of the aircraft. This is perhaps just as well, because the Government were desperate to avoid the cost of any further re-design work.
Has there ever been a more attractively presented Blackburn Buccaneer in British service?
For an aircraft type the Royal Air Force were initially not particularly keen to take, the Blackburn Buccaneer would go on to prove an exceptionally capable machine in RAF service and by the time it was eventually scheduled for retirement, they were extremely reluctant to let it go. Although ultimately operating a naval aircraft they had originally dismissed, it didn’t take long before the camouflaged Buccaneers of the Royal Air Force showed why this was definitely no second choice aircraft type.
During the impressive 32 year service history of Britain’s Blackburn Buccaneer force, there can surely have been no finer looking aircraft than Buccaneer S.2B XT279 wearing her stunning black livery, even though the decision to present her in this manner was not without some controversy. The story behind this stunning scheme appears to be that during the early 1980s, one of RAF No.16 Squadron’s Buccaneers was finished in a smart all black finish, with a large yellow ‘Saint’ stick man on either side of the tail and yellow codes, a scheme which undoubtedly made her the most distinctive jet in Germany at that time. The only problem with this was that the scheme was applied whilst the Squadron Commander was away from duty and it fell squarely into the ‘unofficial’ category.
The aircraft would later take part in a formation flypast over RAF Germany HQ, but by the time she landed back at RAF Laarbruch, the ‘Top Brass’ were aware of the scheme and all hell had broken loose! The Buccaneer was quickly tucked away in a hangar with base personnel ordered to remove the scheme immediately - in addition to this, all photographic evidence of the unofficial scheme was ordered to be destroyed, as it seemed to have hit a nerve with someone high up. Thankfully, a small number of images did survive the cull and ever since, modellers and enthusiasts have been fascinated by the story of RAF Germany’s stunning black Buccaneer.
A final look at the latest advanced production sample model of the beautiful new RAF No.16 Squadron Buccaneer S.2B.
From an Aviation Archive collector's perspective, the range can now boast no fewer than three of RAF No.16 Squadron’s distinctive black jets, with this beautiful short-lived Buccaneer scheme soon to join previously released Tornado GR.1 AA33622 and SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1A AA35411. We can't think of a more enigmatic line-up of post war Royal Air Force jet types in scale die-cast form and we very much look forward to seeing pictures of the trio once the Buccaneer is released. We are hoping that AA34114 will be with us before Christmas, but again, we will keep you updated on its actual release date in a future edition of the blog.
That's mission accomplished for this edition of the blog, but we will be back as usual in two weeks' time with a further look at all the latest Corgi model developments, project updates and exclusive image reveals. Between editions, we are always interested to hear your views on all things Corgi, so if you feel like dropping us a line to comment on anything blog or Corgi model related, or indeed to suggest a topic you would like us to include in a future edition, please feel free to do so at diecastdiaries@corgi.co.uk.
If you can’t wait for the next blog, you will find plenty of Corgi model collecting discussions taking place on our official social media channels, access to which can be obtained by clicking on the respective links at the foot of the Corgi website homepage.
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Thank you for continuing to support our Die-cast Diaries blog. Our next edition is scheduled for publication on Friday 4th November - where has this year gone?
Related Products
Albatros D.V 2263/17 Otto Kissemberth
AA37811 |
1:48 Scale
Further Reading
Related Products
Albatros D.V 2263/17 Otto Kissemberth
AA37811 |
1:48 Scale
Further Reading
Preserving history with Aviation Archive
Marauding update and a wonderful world of Vanguards
