On a previous thread (“Corgi Lanc fixed”), I asked for any verification on the accuracy of the new Corgi Lancaster Mk VI. Garindan kindly replied and added that the accompanying Mosquito may also have inaccuracies. The Mosquito is a Mk IX and was fitted with the Merlin 72 engine and required slightly longer cowlings, a slight step under the prop and a larger air intake.
Last week I got the Corgi USAAF Mosquito
PR Mk XVI and surprisingly, these modifications are present (the B/
PR Mk IX, B/
PR Mk XVI and B.35 all having similar engine installations). There is no astrodome on the cockpit, which I have read somewhere should be present (at least on the
PR Mk XVI) but then again it is not present on an illustration I have.
So if the Pathfinder set’s Mossie has the same cowlings as the US one but minus the drop tanks it should be ok (all or most B Mk IX s had their bays bulged at a later date to take a Cookie).
Garindan remarked how easy it would be for Corgi just to change the paint job on current models and though Manufacturers should be encouraged to diversify a bit I agree there are a heap of schemes that can be applied to the existing ranges. The US market would welcome Eagle Squadron Hurricanes/Spits and how about USAAF Spitfire Mk Vs in European and Med colours. Whilst I am on about it, how about an Italian Ju 87 or a Romanian He 111.
