A marvellous pair of Bristols
With Corgi’s superb new tooling, diecast collectors now have two scales to choose from. Rick Wilson compares the options.
Oxford Diecast and Corgi models compared by Rick Wilson.
Br is tol' sF .2, a two-seat bi plane World War I fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, was developed by Frank Barnwell at the Bristol Aeroplane Company. Initially intended to be a replacement for the pre-war Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c reconnaissance aircraft, Rolls-Royce's new FalconV12 engine gave it the performance of a two-seat fighter.
By the autumn of 2015, it was clear that the ageing B.E.2c was very much out of its depth.The original requirement was for a new aerial reconnaissance and artillery spotting aircraft.Among other attributes and performance requirements, emphasis was placed upon the ability to defend itself in aerial combat.
Several new types were developed by the Royal Aircraft Factory, Armstrong W hit worth and the Bristol Aeroplane Company. Only 52 F.2A aircraft were manufactured by Bristol before production began of the definitive model, the F.2B, which first flew on 25 October 1916. Despite a problematic start with the F.2A, the definitive F.2B version proved to be a very manoeuvrable aircraft that could hold its own against single-seat fighters. Its robust design ensured that it remained in military service into the 1930s.
Corgi's newly-tooled, 1/48 scale tooling of the F.2B (No AA28801) arrived in the shops a couple of months ago, and featured in an extended review in the August issue of Diecast Collector. Corgi's stunning new model has been worth the wait, as it is packed with detail and the finish to the colour scheme is first rate, with the paint having a fabulously authentic matte finish.The graphics are perfectly applied too, really adding to the overall appeal of this great aircraft. One worthy of particular mention is the finesse of the lettering to the rear landing strut markers. Both pilot and observer figures really add to appeal of the model, and the tension wire supports to the wings are very nicely done indeed.
It's quite a size compared to some of Corgi's other World War I aircraft at this scale, the wingspan making this model a bit larger than Corgi's usual Great War aircraft, but the usual, included stand is more than up to its supporting role.A great model with a truly marvellous back story of when Edward, Prince of Wales, visiting No.139 Squadron in Italy was taken on several flights in Bristol F.2B Fighter D-8063 by
celebrated Canadian ace and friend,William Barker. On one such flight, it was reported that the Prince was taken close to the front lines, where he fired the aircraft's Lewis guns on enemy trenches.
Following hot on the heels, due to arrive either by the end of this year or early next, will be Corgi's second release as AA28802. Carrying registration markings for D8084/S, the model replicates an aircraft of No 139 Squadron, based atVillaverl in Italy, and flown by an Australian ace, Captain Sydney Dalrymple, in August 1918. D-8084 was unusual in that it carried Charlie Chaplin artwork on the port side engine cowling – a detail not missed by Corgi, of course.
Both Corgi models can be ordered (or pre-ordered in the case of AA28802) at www.corgi.co.uk, or by contacting your usual sales point. Price for both AA28801 and AA28802 is £76.99 each, and this reflects Hornby's recent announcements regarding price rises for its products across the board, due to the substantial increase in material and shipping costs it is having to pay (AA28801 was £69.99 when reviewed).
Downsizing a little, to Oxford Diecast's 1/72 scale release in its ‘budget' Oxford Aviation range, we now turn our attention to No AD001, a model that sells very well at heritage aviation sites and events throughout the country. It sells particularly well at Old Warden, in Bedfordshire, home of the incredible Shuttleworth Collection.The reason behind this is because that is where the aircraft is based that this model replicates.The real thing can still be seen flying on occasions – a truly evocative sight.
The eagle-eyed amongst you might have already spotted an obvious difference between this and Corgi's model, apart from the scale of course. Oxford's example features a two-blade propeller – this is not an error, far from it, as it shows particular attention to the appearance and specification of the real aircraft as it is today. Obviously, there is less detailing to these marvellous models than Corgi's larger sibling, but Oxford's replica still represents cracking value.
Oxford has since released two more versions of the F.2B – AD003 represents J7624 of ‘A' Flight, 2 Squadron RAF, in 1925, and AD005 is of A7288 of 11 Squadron RFC, November 1917.These latter two models are still available (AD001 is now showing as “Sold Out” on Oxford's website), priced at £14.95. See www.oxforddiecast.co.uk or contact your preferred retailer. DC