Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series

 1/72 : AA37209  CG37209

Handley Page Halifax B.MK III, RAF

No.51 Expensive Babe, Snaith, England, March 1945 

One of the most important factors in reducing the effectiveness of Luftwaffe bombing operations during the Second World War was the lack of a heavy bomber capable of being deployed in large numbers. In comparison, the Allies had almost no choice, and after the introduction of the four-engine Short Stirling, Bomber Command operations took on a new dimension of offensive capability. The second "heavy" four-engine aircraft to enter service with the squadrons was the Handley Page Halifax, an aircraft that would undergo constant development for the remainder of the war and eventually over 6,000 units were produced. Highlighting the incredibly dangerous missions these powerful aircraft were designed to undertake, of these, only five Halifaxs would make their mark in completing 100 or more operational sorties and take their place in the annals of Bomber Command history. Handley Page The Halifax B.III LV937 "Expensive Babe" was one of these five aircraft. It entered RAF service with 578 Squadron in March 1944 and served only one month with that unit before being transferred to 51 Squadron at Snaith the following month. It was transferred to 51 Squadron at Snaith the following month. She served long in that squadron over the following months, recording her historic 100th operation on March 25, 1945, during a raid on Osnabruck. Highlighting the international contribution to Bomber Command during the Second World War, the crew on this important date consisted of Australian, New Zealand and British airmen, all of whom were welcomed by the station commander on their return.

• Die-cast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Panel lines, antennas, access panels and realistic surface details.
• Markings and stamped plates that will not fade or peel like decals
• Interchangeable landing gear extended / retracted with rotating wheels.
• A display to display the plane "in flight".
• Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
• Detailed and hand-painted characters of pilots and crew members.
• Loads of genuine detachable ammunition
• Some interchangeable features such as speed brakes, open awnings and access panels.
• Some moving parts such as turrets, control surfaces and swivel wings