Bristol Beaufort Mk I RAF 

Middle East Check and Conversion Unit, EK979

Egypt, 1944 

Corgi 1:72  AA28903

After the Bristol Beaufighter was introduced in a maritime attack role, many Beaufort squadrons were sent to operate from bases in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Following a major reorganization in the theater of operations in late 1941 and early 1942, they once again inflicted heavy losses on the Axis navy. The Beauforts arrived in Egypt around August 1941, where they replaced the Blenheims and Martin Marylands that had previously defended the line. All the aircraft in this region were very different from those operating out of Britain, due to their attractive desert camouflage.

It was reported that, with Axis ships having virtually ceased daytime operations, the Beauforts in the Mediterranean spent more time training than conducting offensive strikes and that, as a result, more aircraft were lost in accidents and mechanical failures than in combat with the enemy. Nevertheless, the Beauforts proved to be extremely effective in harassing Axis ships in the Mediterranean, preventing the Afrika Korps from being resupplied by sea, which allowed ground forces to continue pushing back the Germans and ultimately led to the surrender of the Afrika Korps.

Later in the war, Mediterranean Beauforts were equipped with ASV radar to help crews locate increasingly elusive Axis ships, day and night, turning the tide of war in favor of the Allies.

Bristol Beaufort Mk I

Conceived to meet a requirement from the British Air Ministry for a reconnaissance/bomber aircraft, the Beaufort made its maiden flight on October 15, 1938.

The Corgi Aviation series includes collectible models designed for collectors by collectors.

The models are highly detailed, authentically decorated and made of die-cast metal.

The Corgi Aviation Series offers: 

• 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