[C17driver]

I've noticed that many of you state that they enjoy collecting aircraft that have a historical connection. When Corgi recently announced their 2008 proposed releases I took note of the Spitfire Mk IX of Wing Commander Jack Charles. This aircraft is part of their "90 years of the RAF" series. At first I thought, "great, another Spitfire. Just what we need." Then I remembered a picture I had seen in an excellent book on the Spit that I owned. Here is the picture of the real aircraft. This aircraft was flown by Wing Commander (Sq Leader then) Jack Charles. He was the Canadian Co of 611 Sq. After he scored the 1000th kill for Biggin Hill they chalk it up on the propeller blade of his aircraft. The 999 represented the 999th kill made on the same sortie by Sq Leader Rene Mouchotte of the Free French who was assigned to 611. There was a $1500 prize for the pilot who shot down the 1000th kill for Biggin Hill. Because the two kills were so close together, Jack and Rene shared the prize. Lastly, the kills were confirmed by Wing Commander Alan Deere.

[parsig9]

Don't have the Spit b/c JEJ MZ commission was out the same time and they're so close, but I'd like the Jack Charles book. Thanks for the post.

[Tundra04]

I like this one...Isn't it the same as the Spitfire/Merlin release? Except without the markings on the prop.

[C17driver]

Originally Posted by Tundra04

I like this one...Isn't it the same as the Spitfire/Merlin release? Except without the markings on the prop.

I didn't even pay attention to that. They look the same to me. Same serial #'s, PT-396. So maybe Corgi had a bunch of these left unsold from 2 years ago and some marketing wizard raised his hand at a meeting and said, "Why don't we put new props on these 2500+ unsold aircraft, chuck the engine and increase the price? They'll never know the difference." Hmmmm.

[Tundra04]

Originally Posted by C17driver

I didn't even pay attention to that. They look the same to me. Same serial #'s, PT-396. So maybe Corgi had a bunch of these left unsold from 2 years ago and some marketing wizard raised his hand at a meeting and said, "Why don't we put new props on these 2500+ unsold aircraft, chuck the engine and increase the price? They'll never know the difference." Hmmmm.

Ah marketing goobs, they always seem to find a way to get their hands in my wallet. Either way, I still like this scheme and will probably pick it up.

[Phantom Phan1200]

Neat little piece of history, thanks for posting.