[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by timbo

Looks like Corgi are planning to do the composite French/Ft13th as currently exists at the YAM.

This posted from the UK DAF.

http://forums.diecast-aviation.eu/sh...t=6681&page=14

There is also a poll there as well so I would suggest you vote . Personally I think this is the wrong choice. I would prefer the WWII version as opposed to the composite.

I'd have to agree with timbo, Starman & smartd - timbo's echoed my sentiments, that it should be done as a complete aircraft (with no disrepect to the french aircrew intended)

The French markings on one side of the "Elvington-Composite" ARE distinctive, but mark that (individual a/c) as an "also-ran"........

Other than the extensive use of Red-Paint - it's instantly forgetable, annonymous even.

The general feedback from most Diecast enthusiasts/buyers/collectors is that the idea of "Dual-Markings" will cause sales to 'bomb'
Several posts, say just that .......... if it's bought out with dual-markings, they won't buy, (understandable perhaps)

Everyone who knew anything about Halifax's, were waiting for Corgi to announce that they were going to release a replica of the most Famous Halifax that ever flew........"Friday the 13th"

That's cause she's the (metaphorical) equivalent of "Memphis Belle" to B.17's, "Witchcraft" to B.24's & "Enola Gay" to B.29's

128 missions, Top scoring Halifax, most memorable nickname (tempting fate !)...... not to mention the countless re-productions of "Her" Image........ Paintings, Drawings, & even Royal Doulton China plates, with her flying over 'Whitby-Abbey' have (suprisingly) helped keep alive the memory of this iconic Bomber, prior to the Elvington YAM's example being painted up, as one & the same (1 x side, at least !)

As the real 'LV.907' survived the War, (only to be scrapped within a year) & Corgi have titled it as 'Survivors', it should rightly carry LV.907's markings on both sides ........ but you KNOW Corgi

[hworth18]

I voted for the WWII scheme as I just never liked the "composite" schemes of some other Warbirds..

[timbo]

Corgi could produce both - The WWII version in large numbers, and then say 250 as the composite release esp aimed and the YAM market. That would satify both segments, and if run off the line at the same time would also have minimal costs as the die's and production line would already be set for the Halifax.

The only positive thing about Corgi doing the comp in my book will be that I can save $100 to spend on something else!

[JETFAN]

As a Friday 13th enthusuast for very many years, I was really looking forward to getting the new Corgi model. If, in fact, Corgi does issue it in dual 158/346 markings, I will be much less inclined to buy it. This is not to knock the wonderful work of the museum at Elvington and its need to raise money; I think that a limited edition for the museum would be a good way for them to handle it, or better yet, have a run made in 346's colorful markings as a tribute to the two French units, 346 & 347 Squadrons, that operated Halifaxes from Elvington. There still remains a strong link between the museum and former members of the two squadrons.

I make a point of going to Elvington every year and will be there again in a few weeks. I was taken aback when I encountered the "French side" first and rushed around to view the other side to see if the famous markings had been expunged. Last year, I also had the pleasure of meeting Jim there and trading war stories.

The photo below was taken at Lissett on December 25, 1944; I acquired it from a former American crew member many years ago.

[JETFAN]

I have just received word from a friend who supplies the marking drawings that he did not provide anything on the 346 markings; he said it was done as Friday 13th on both sides.

[no4mkit]

JETFAN, that's one of the nicest pics of seen of Friday!

[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by JETFAN

As a Friday 13th enthusuast for very many years, I was really looking forward to getting the new Corgi model. If, in fact, Corgi does issue it in dual 158/346 markings, I will be much less inclined to buy it. This is not to knock the wonderful work of the museum at Elvington and its need to raise money; I think that a limited edition for the museum would be a good way for them to handle it, or better yet, have a run made in 346's colorful markings as a tribute to the two French units, 346 & 347 Squadrons, that operated Halifaxes from Elvington. There still remains a strong link between the museum and former members of the two squadrons.

I make a point of going to Elvington every year and will be there again in a few weeks. I was taken aback when I encountered the "French side" first and rushed around to view the other side to see if the famous markings had been expunged. Last year, I also had the pleasure of meeting Jim there and trading war stories.

The photo below was taken at Lissett on December 25, 1944; I acquired it from a former American crew member many years ago.

.................................................. .................................................. ........................................

SO GLAD you posted that pic' Jetfan !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Was toying with the idea of putting it out - with crediting your name/callsign on it !!!! (since you sent it to me last year, via P.M. ! ¬)

Esp' since I hadn't seen you around on here lately ! (why is that, guy ?)

It IS just such a superb image, of the most famous Halifax ever !!!!!!!!

Chuffed that you put the date down too !!!!!!! When you P.M.'d the 2 x pix, there was no date - now I know !!!!!!!!!

Would be interesting if you could "scale-up" the 'other' pic' - to make out her mission tally by that date ?????? (25/12/44)



Not sure if you, & the other guys on the forum are aware..........????????


But - "LV.907", NP*F , FLEW HER very 1ST MISSION (& took part) on 'THE' INFAMOUS "NURENBURG" RAID (30th/31st March 1944) !!!

( BOMBER-COMMAND'S EQUIVALENT OF THE "SCHWEINFURT" RAID !!!!!!!!!).........

......... THE RAF's biggest/heaviest loss of Night-Bombers of the entire war - 96 planes shot down, with a further 12 crashing on return.........

JUST THAT ONE RAID !!!!!!!!

(as opposed to the USAAF's 60 (or so) @ "Schweinfurt/Regensburg" !!!!!!!)

No wonder the crew painted 'Bad-Luck' charms all over her nose - originally she had a Tombstone w/crew's names on it (on nose !!!!!!!)
But as it reflected too much light in the searchlights, the Squadron Commander ordered it removed.......!!!!!!!!
Sadly, don't think ANY pix of that exist......

That image you have is just superb !!!!!!!!!!!

[JETFAN]

This was taken at Lisset after Friday !3th completed its 100th mission on Jan 22, 1945 flown by F/Lt Norman Gordon, a Canadian.. It was a raid on Gelsenkirchen. 100 ops in roughly nine months was quite a feat! "Bomber Squadrons of the RAF" has a photo of the crew after this raid. If you can find a copy, there is an excellent history of 158 Sqdn. entitled "In Brave Company" by W.R. Chorley published in 1990. It lists all of Friday's missions.

[smartd]

Originally Posted by JETFAN

This was taken at Lisset after Friday !3th completed its 100th mission on Jan 22, 1945 flown by F/Lt Norman Gordon, a Canadian.. It was a raid on Gelsenkirchen. 100 ops in roughly nine months was quite a feat! "Bomber Squadrons of the RAF" has a photo of the crew after this raid. If you can find a copy, there is an excellent history of 158 Sqdn. entitled "In Brave Company" by W.R. Chorley published in 1990. It lists all of Friday's missions.

Great close-up.
Model will make a super display piece when we get it next year.
I am confident it will be the WW11 model and not the composite museum piece.

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Oh wow! -- Stunning photos Jetfan. Thanks for posting them!

I certainly hope Corgi is looking at these wonderful photos too, as they clearly indicate the lack of the RAF identification flash on the outside of the rudders. They don't show up in any of my other reference either. I notice though in the Tricatus shots Corgi has opted to leave them on, as has YAM. (Accuracy??!!??)