A very special release of Corgi's excellent Mk.IX Spitfire, produced to mark the 70 years since the Spitfire's first flight, complete with a separate 1/24 scale Merlin engine model.

Armed with two deadly Hispano 20mm cannon, Spitfire LF IX PT396/EJ-C is modelled as flown by Wing Commander 'Jack' Charles (Royal Canadian Air Force), Officer Commanding Tangmere wing during August 1944. The aircraft markings include D-Day invasion recognition stripes and the Canadian maple leaf emblem.

This is commemorative pack also includes a highly detailed diecast model of the Spitfire's powerplant, the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, in 1/24 scale. Rated at 1,000bhp when the Spitfire was designed, the Mk.Ix was powered by 1,500 or 1,700bhp versions. The Merlin achieved excellent reliability and powered many RAF aircraft, from the Spitfire, Hurricane and Mustang fighters to the potent Mosquitos and Lancaster heavy bombers. Even today its great sound is instantly recognisable if one passes overhead.

Display stands are supplied for both the aircraft and engine models.

A large scale model of the RAF's Hawker Hurricane, in service with 85 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. In the ten days of Blitzkrieg 85 Squadron lost 24 Hurricanes in action, bringing just three back from the continent. However, it had exacted a heavy toll on the Luftwaffe, the unit’s pilots being credited with 90 confirmed kills. One of No 85 Sqn’s more successful members was South African Albert Lewis, whose seven-kill tally in France included five Bf 109Es downed on 19 May. Awarded a DFC for his exploits the following month, Lewis adopted P2923 soon after it arrived at Castle Camps on 11 June. This aircraft was lost in combat in August 1940 while being flown by fellow No 85 Sqn ace (and Lewis’s close friend) Flg Off ‘Dickie’ Lee. The latter was seen to chase a trio of Bf 109Es out to sea some ten miles off the Essex coast. No traces of Lee or P2923 were ever found.
Limited Edition. Wingspan: 15.15" Three hand-painted metal figures included. UK carriage paid.

Add a little authentic variety to your Spitfire collection with this aircraft serving with the US army air force in the western desert theatre during 1943.