[Hornchurch]

Well well, going through the Diecast Aviation 'Bible' site tonight (Tricatus), & what do I see ?

A Red (Civilian marked) Handley-Page Halton (Halifax) in 'Berlin Airlift' / 'Eagle Aviation' colours.........

SUPERB !!!!!!!!!!!!!

A VERY brave move by Corgi - & yes, I can just imagine how many folks will either 'knock-it', refuse to buy, or 'Baulk' at the sight of something so esoteric !!!!!!!!!!!!


Personally as a Long-Time Halifax enthusiast, I think it marks a 'Bold-Move' by Corgi & a GREAT alternative to the archtype camouflage

Somewhere in my collection, I've got at least Eight pix, of civilian marked Halifax/Haltons in Post-War colours/markings, though inevitably, the pictures are Black & White

(Sir Freddie Laker "cut his teeth" metaphorically-speaking, on a Dozen or so Halifaxes/Haltons, forming his airline Postwar)


Yes, I can imagine this (A.A.37205) MAY 'Bomb', sales wise & prove hard to shift, but it certainly WILL enlighten those who are unaware of the Halifax's contribution to Post-War aviation, not to mention it's use in the Berlin Airlift.
Would be nice to see the 'Silver' civilian option too, at a later date, with pannier


Regarding A.A. 37204 - as many predicted, Corgi have 'gone with the obvious' - & producing THE most famous Halifax of all-time - LV.907 "Friday The 13th" (which in Halifax terms, is like replicating the B.17 'Memphis-Belle' or B.24 'Witchcraft')

Like 'No4mkit' I'm rather wary of Corgi's rendition of the mid-upper turret (in this case, 'close', but a bit TOO tall) BUT these are Pre-production 'model' shots, so we can live in hope the final casting is even morew accurate ???? !!!!!!!!!

Personally, I'll buy several of the 'Halton' - can imagine it'll come as a shock to many - & may not sell well (presumably), as folks who are not too familiar with this plane, 'opt' (if at all) for the more traditional camoflaged versions.........

I've already heard numerous on various forums 'gripe' about the 'Middle-East' version & say they won't buy - but then again, I would imagine if many were to ACUALLY read about it's Combat history, & SEE the Real-Life 'Mid-Air' action photo's, taken from the Attacking Ju.88's (from K.G.40) DURING THE COMBAT ITSELF, they MAY change their minds ???????????

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Originally Posted by Hornchurch

Regarding A.A. 37204 - as many predicted, Corgi have 'gone with the obvious' - & producing THE most famous Halifax of all-time - LV.907 "Friday The 13th" (which in Halifax terms, is like replicating the B.17 'Memphis-Belle' or B.24 'Witchcraft')

Like 'No4mkit' I'm rather wary of Corgi's rendition of the mid-upper turret (in this case, 'close', but a bit TOO tall) BUT these are Pre-production 'model' shots, so we can live in hope the final casting is even morew accurate ???? !!!!!!!!!

Strikes me a bit odd that Corgi chose not to do this with the markings of the 'real one' in the Yorkshire Air Museum. Albeit, the Corgi marking choice is bolder, it does seem odd for something sold under the banner 'Survivors'. In the end, I could care, though -- I'm in for the Mk ll version coming shortly which looks pretty accurate from what I've seen.

I do agree the civilian version is a bold move by Corgi, but not my cup of tea.

[timbo]

Put me down for one of each. I love the civvie one. Very striking colors and this sort of conversion was an important part of early post war aviation.

What is the difference between the models and the museum F-t-13 colors? Which one is more accurate?

[kabelace]

I agree Hornchurch, it is a brave move by Corgi. The more I look at this aircraft on Tricatus the more it grows on me. It would certainly stand out in ones collection, and shows that these machines where/are not just machines of war. I will probably get one as I believe they will end up in the discount bins rather quickly, and be able to pick it up at a good price. If this happens, unfortunately it will more than likely mean Corgi will think twice about such bold moves in the future.

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Originally Posted by timbo

What is the difference between the models and the museum F-t-13 colors? Which one is more accurate?

Above: 'Friday the 13th' on display at the Yorkshire Air Museum



Above: 'Friday the 13th' - as interpreted by Corgi

Here is your difference. The rudders. You pose a valid question. Which is the most accurate? I would have to say the Museum sample is, but Corgi may be representing an earlier, more common or familiar, paint scheme. Personally, I find Corgi's more appealing. I'll be in for at least one.

[mikeb1958]

Great. I save up my 6 tokens and send them in back in May to Corgi for a Halifax and what will us 'blue token folks' getting soon? A crappy silver Halifax. Now there is some funky red Halifax that looks even worse in my opinion. I would rather have the silver one than this bloody ugly thing.

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Originally Posted by mikeb1958

Great. I save up my 6 tokens and send them in back in May to Corgi for a Halifax and what will us 'blue token folks' getting soon? A crappy silver Halifax. Now there is some funky red Halifax that looks even worse in my opinion. I would rather have the silver one than this bloody ugly thing.

And for 'free' you will. The red one you pay for. Now as to that crappy silver Halifax -- you can just send it to me, should you despise it so much -- I'll give it a great home!

[timbo]

Originally Posted by JustPlaneNuttz

Above: 'Friday the 13th' on display at the Yorkshire Air Museum



Above: 'Friday the 13th' - as interpreted by Corgi

Here is your difference. The rudders. You pose a valid question. Which is the most accurate? I would have to say the Museum sample is, but Corgi may be representing an earlier, more common or familiar, paint scheme. Personally, I find Corgi's more appealing. I'll be in for at least one.

The Yellow and black markings look familiar to me - I think these were depicted on the Airfix kit from the 70's. IMHO I think I prefer it this way.

Question would I have is that if the tail markings are accurate for an earlier incarnation, would the nose + mission markings be accurate fo that tail version?

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Originally Posted by timbo

The Yellow and black markings look familiar to me - I think these were depicted on the Airfix kit from the 70's. IMHO I think I prefer it this way.

I'm pretty sure they are too, although I can't say for sure, as there seems to be a bit different ('C' versus 'F' registration). Both my Brother and I built this very kit in the mid-60s. I agree with you, it does look much more regal and majestic with those broad yellow bands! I seriously want this one beside the Mk ll version.



Above: The famous Halifax Mk lll kit most of us built during the 60's-70s. Is it 'Friday the 13th'?

Originally Posted by timbo

Question would I have is that if the tail markings are accurate for an earlier incarnation, would the nose + mission markings be accurate fo that tail version?

Good point. I really haven't a clue. (Of course, we are still looking at Corgi's pre-pro model as well.) Is there a 'Halifax aficionado' out there who can weigh in on this? Seems like a lot of us are curious.

* Additional info: There seems to be a MAJOR discrepancy with the current image that I posted from the Yorkshire Air Museum and some images that Hornchurch has posted from a YAM visit (Not sure when, though). His stunning photos show Ft13th EXACTLY as Corgi is about to release. See page 2 of his photos under 'Image Hosting' > 'View All Users Images'. What is YAM doing?

[sniperUK]

Friday the 13th at Elvington is marked as 13th portside with the yellow tail markings and as an Elvington based Free French aircraft with the red tail markings on the starboard. Yellow is correct for the wartime markings and portside present day.