Corgi unveils new 'The Peoples Mosquito' model at Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show
Corgi has unveiled a new die-cast model celebrating The People’s Mosquito, as the ambitious project to return an airworthy, British-built de Havilland Mosquito to Britain’s skies gathers pace.
Revealed at the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show, the new 1:32 scale model, de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI - ‘The People’s Mosquito’ celebrates the remarkable project currently rebuilding one of Britain’s most iconic Second World War aircraft.
The People’s Mosquito was established with the goal of returning an airworthy, British-built de Havilland Mosquito to UK skies. The aircraft is currently being manufactured in Rye, East Sussex, in what is the first British Mosquito build for more than 70 years.
Britain has been without the sight and sound of a Mosquito on its airshow circuit since the tragic loss of RR299 at Barton Airfield in 1996.
As part of its involvement with the project, Corgi also carried out historical research into potential wartime liveries for the aircraft, presenting The People’s Mosquito with five options for consideration. The team selected de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI ‘Moonbeam McSwine’, which will now feature on the completed aircraft.
‘Moonbeam McSwine’ was flown by American pilot 1st Lt. James Forrest ‘Lou’ Luma of the USAAF, while serving with No. 418 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, on night intruder missions from RAF Ford in West Sussex in 1944.
Nicknamed the ‘Wooden Wonder’ because of its distinctive timber construction, the de Havilland Mosquito became one of the most versatile aircraft of the Second World War, serving in roles ranging from bombing and reconnaissance to night fighting and low-level intruder operations.
David Mather, Head of Marketing at CORGI, said:
“The Mosquito is one of the most iconic aircraft in British aviation history, and The People’s Mosquito is an incredibly exciting project for anyone with an interest in aviation.
“At Corgi, we spend a huge amount of time researching the aircraft and stories behind our models, so it has been fantastic to put some of that expertise towards the project too. ‘Moonbeam McSwine’ has a fascinating history and will make a fitting identity for the aircraft when it eventually returns to British skies.
“To unveil our new model here at Duxford, surrounded by so much aviation history, makes it particularly special.”
Mark Hitchcock, CEO, The People’s Mosquito, said:
“Our ambition is to return an airworthy, UK-built Mosquito to British skies, while celebrating this remarkable aircraft and honouring those who designed, built, flew and maintained it. We’re delighted to have Corgi supporting that mission, not only by bringing The People’s Mosquito to life in miniature, but through their historical research which helped us select ‘Moonbeam McSwine’ as the livery the aircraft will eventually carry. It’s a fantastic way to help us continue to Fly, Educate and Remember.”
The Mosquito FB.VI proved particularly effective in the night intruder role during the Second World War. Combining speed and range with formidable firepower from four 20mm cannon and four .303 machine guns, the aircraft gave crews the ability to cross into occupied Europe at low level and target enemy aircraft, airfields and other targets.
Its wooden construction led some crews to affectionately refer to the aircraft as ‘Flying Furniture’, but its speed, versatility and fighting capabilities established the Mosquito as one of the most celebrated aircraft of the Second World War.
Corgi’s new de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI ‘The People’s Mosquito’, RRP £229.99, is available to pre-order at corgi.co.uk and selected stockists.
