Corgi AN32011 Hawker Hurricane Mk I Diecast Model RAF No.85 Sqn, Peter Townsend, Corgi 50th Anniversary Edition

Corgi AN32011 Hawker Hurricane Mk I RAF No.85 Sqn, Peter Townsend, Corgi 50th Anniversary Edition

CCorgi produced 2006 pieces of a limited edition model to celebrate 50 years of diecast model production. The model includes a presentation display plinth, hand-painted resin pilot figure, and replica pilot's notes for the aircraft. It features permanently extended landing gear and an empty pilot's seat. However, it does not come with a display stand and is intended for "ground display" only.

The aircraft depicted in the model, P3854, was initially with No.7 OTU and later served with Nos 85 and 257 Squadrons before transfer to No.56 OTU and being struck off charge on 2nd August 1941. Squadron Leader Peter Townsend of No.85 Squadron based at Church Fenton flew the aircraft depicted, carrying the code VY-Q and wearing the squadron's hexagonal badge below the cockpit. The aircraft had ousted the marking from its original position on the fin by an RAF flash.

The Hawker Hurricane Mk I was based on the Fury biplane and designed by Sydney Camm as a monoplane fighter. It first flew on November 6th, 1935. The Hurricane was suitable for various roles, including intruder, ground strafing, and night fighter, due to its wide-set landing gear, easy handling, reliability, and stable gun platform. Steel-tube construction meant cannon shells could pass right through the wood and fabric covering without exploding. The Hurricane underwent many modifications during its lifetime, including an upgraded Merlin engine and interchangeable multi-purpose wings, staging twelve 7.7mm guns and two 40mm anti-tank guns, and carrying two 500lb bombs.

Corgi's 1:72 scale Hurricanes are beautifully recreated, with simulated fabric stretched over the wings, rudder, elevators, and empennage stringers. On most releases, the top engine cowling is removable, revealing details of the famous Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. Each release highlights a fighter or attack variant with tank-busting cannons mounted under each wing for ground attack or internal mounted machine guns inside the wing for air-to-air combat, complete with vents to eject spent shell casings. The pinned landing gear quickly locks into place for ground display.