24 November 2021
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Corgi Avro Vulcan B.2 XL319, RAF No.35 Squadron, Scampton, early 1980s
PRICE: £219.99
REF: AA27205
SCALE: 1/72
For an aircraft that was conceived as a high altitude nuclear strike bomber, the Avro Vulcan would prove itself to be extremely adaptable. When Soviet missile technology advanced to such a point where high altitude sorties were no longer viable, it proved just as capable when flying closer to the ground.
This change in mission profile would also see Vulcans finished in very different scheme presentations, with the initial all white anti-flash protective finish replaced with a grey and green camouflage for lower altitudes.
At first, the Vulcans retained their glossy white undersurfaces, highlighting the fact that the aircraft could still be required to deliver a nuclear payload, but these white under-surfaces would eventually be replaced by a matt light aircraft grey low visibility scheme. This particular Vulcan B.2 is wearing the standard scheme applied to these aircraft from the mid-1970s, a time when it once again became acceptable for squadrons to display their badge on the Vulcan’s tail.
XL319 was delivered to the RAF in October 1961 and served with 617, 44 and 83 Squadrons at Waddington and Scampton. Flown into retirement at the North East Aircraft Museum in January 1983, she's still there to visit.
Corgi's fifth large-scale release of this incredible aircraft continues the series in fine form. The mixture of diecast fuselage with plastic wings still gives the model a hefty feel without being too heavy for the scale undercarriage. The upper surfaces are finished beautifully in wonderfully matt camouflage paint and adorned with some truly astonishing fine printing, whilst the anti-flash white underside is just as good.
The sturdy undercarriage can either be fitted or hidden away, and Corgi's tried and tested stand system for large scale aircraft holds this fabulous lady securely for in-flight display. Another absolute beauty.