Corgi y Corgi Premiums Europa (precio EUR)

Junkers Ju-52/3m g6e BJ+YD, Medical Evacuation Aircraft, Stalingrad, Air Bridge Operations, November 1942. Ordered to stay and hold their positions by Hitler, the encircled German 6th Army at Stalingrad were informed that the Luftwaffe were about to establish an Air Bridge to keep them supplied with the food, ammunition and general supplies needed to allow around 300,000 German troops to keep fighting. In the depth of a Soviet winter and woefully unprepared for such an undertaking, Luftwaffe crews quickly learned that if Soviet aircraft didn’t shoot them down during the flight in, they were just as likely to be destroyed on the ground, striking one of the many snow covered shell craters that littered Pitomnik airfield, or being hit by mortar or artillery fire from Soviet forces who were fighting their way ever closer. If they did land safely, inexperienced ground crews lengthened the time aircraft stayed in this ‘hell hole’ and when they did eventually leave, their aircraft would be laden with injured troops, desperate to escape the Stalingrad cauldron. With Luftwaffe supply efforts never coming anywhere close to delivering even the minimum quantities required by the beleaguered German troops in the Stalingrad region, Pitomnik airfield soon resembled something of an airfield graveyard, with burnt out and destroyed transport aircraft lining the edge of the runway, serving as something of a macabre aviation guard of honour for the aircrews which were still engaged in this increasingly desperate supply operation.

Undoubtedly one of the most effective aircraft types operated by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, the Junkers Ju 88 was developed as a speedy 'Schnell Bomber', but it was flexible enough to become arguably the most useful German aircraft of the entire war. In its C-6 variant configuration, the Junkers had been optimised for the heavy fighter role, easily making the transition to supporting the Luftwaffe's nightfighter force. Initially, single-engined fighters were used to defend German territory at night, however, due to the limitations of the German night defence network, they had neither the range nor firepower to pose a serious threat to British night intruders. The Junkers Ju 88, however, was a very different proposition, with its size, speed and firepower making this the consummate nocturnal hunter and many a Bomber Command aircraft would fall prey to their guns. The Luftwaffe airfield at Catania on Sicily was the principle airfield in the region and was used as the staging point for many Axis airborne operations across the Mediterranean and into North Africa. The airfield was also home to the nightfighting Junkers Ju 88 heavy fighters of I./NJG2, even though their fighters were regularly deployed across the entire Mediterranean Theatre. This aircraft was recalled to Catania during the Summer of 1942, presumably to provide night defence support for the proposed Axis invasion of Malta, as increased Allied night air incursions were expected.

Junkers Ju-87B-2 Stuka 'Ghost Bones', T6+GL Bones nose art, 3./StG.2 Immelmann, Battle of Moscow, December 1941 Without doubt one of the most instantly recognisable aircraft of the Second World War, the Junkers Ju-87 Stuka may not have been the most effective strike aircraft to see combat during the conflict, but it was certainly one of the most feared. Capable of providing strategic, precision bombing support for advancing Wehrmacht ground units, the Stuka heralded the coming of war and as such, had been designed specifically to instil fear and confusion into enemy troops and the terrified population at large. Attaching a wailing siren, known as the ‘Jericho Trumpet’, to one of the undercarriage spats on the Stuka’s airframe, only served to enhance the reputation of this aircraft, with its distinctive gull wings coming to represent the fearsome manifestation of Blitzkrieg! Although the Stuka had been found to be vulnerable against the modern fighters of the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain, it would go on to play a significant role during Operation Barbarossa, where its precision strikes were used to clear a path for advancing ground units along the vast front line. This 3./StG.2 Stuka wears the standard camouflage of Black/green and Dark green over light blue, but has a roughly applied winter distemper to give it additional protection whilst operating during winter conditions. It also features a representation of gaping mouth artwork over the air cooler and above, which is described as ‘Ghost Bones’, making this one of the most distinctive Stukas to serve on the Eastern Front.

This fitting die-cast tribute to the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Junkers Ju87B-1 Stuka makes an impressive addition to your Aviation Archive collection. This highly detailed 1:72 scale design features crew figures, rotatable propellers and a display stand, and includes the famous howling fan blades under the wing. This die-cast model has a limited edition run of 912 items. History During the late afternoon of 8th August 1940, more than 80 Ju87 Stukas and their fighter protection left their bases in Northern France to make one final attack of the day against the British Convoy CW9 ‘Peewit’ off the south coast of the Isle of Wight. The area had been attacked mercilessly by German naval and air forces since the early hours. Each Luftwaffe raid was met by strong opposition from the Royal Air Force, and this third raid was no exception. As Ju87 Stuka S2+LM was about to launch its diving attack, it suffered engine failure, causing the aircraft to immediately lose height. At the same time, a Hawker Hurricane from No.145 Squadron attacked the aircraft, with a short, well-aimed burst from the fighter, killing the rear gunner and severing fuel lines, ensuring the pilot had to immediately look for a suitable place to set the stricken aircraft down. Landing in a field at St Lawrence, just inland from the sea, the aircraft came to rest in a wooded area, but remained relatively intact, incredibly, with its full complement of bombs still in place. Significant as one of the Stukas which took part in the devastating raids against Convoy CW9 ‘Peewit’ in the English Channel, this particular aircraft was also the first intact Stuka to fall into British hands, and was immediately prepared for transportation to the mainland for evaluation.

Junkers Ju88 A-5, F1+AS, 8./KG76, Orscha-Süd, Russia, December 1941 Operation Barbarossa Air War As arguably the most versatile German aircraft of the Second World War, Luftwaffe Junkers Ju-88 units were probably the most capable strike assets they had available at the start of Operation Barbarossa and they would be used extensively throughout the campaign. During the opening attack in the early hours of 22nd June 1941, hand-picked, experienced Ju-88 crews were sent as pathfinders to ‘light up’ the Soviet airfields closest to the western edge of the invasion, illuminating targets for the main attack force which followed just minutes later. Immediately returning to their bases, they were refuelled and loaded with standard bombs, so they could head back to the target airfields and participate in the rout of the Soviet Air Force. In other sectors, the Ju-88s of KGs 76 and 77 reported the inexplicable loss of several experienced crews, losses which have since been attributed to friendly fire incidents during the melee of the initial attacks. As the German invasion gathered momentum, Ju-88 units would be constantly employed in attacking Soviet airfields ahead of ground units, but would also become extremely proficient at targeting Soviet troop and armour concentrations which were threatening the flanks of advancing German columns. This attractive 8./KG.76 Ju-88 came down behind German lines during the early winter of 1941, probably due to engine trouble, as it was later recovered and returned to operational condition. Looking resplendent in its winter whitewash, it also features the distinctive wasp emblem of the unit on its front fuselage.

Featuring childhood favourites from the past three decades, this special bundle combines some of the most popular CORGI models from the worlds of Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Harry Potter and Paddington into one perfect gift package!

It became clear almost immediately after the Land-Rover's launch in 1948 that it could be used in a far greater number of roles than Rover had initially envisaged. The vehicle modelled is the first Land-Rover built for the fire service, and thus the first to leave the Solihull works painted red instead of green. It was actually the first of a batch of four dispatched in February 1949 to the Derbyshire Fire Service, all of which were handed over to Derbyshire's Divisional Fire officer at the same time. They were among the last vehicles made using the R86 1948 model-year numbering sequence, before production of the subtly different 1949 model-year vehicles commenced. Other than the red paint they were all standard vehicles and were used to transport equipment and personnel around Derbyshire, a region where off-road capability is important because of the topography. All four were painted green to be sold off in the mid 1960s and the current owners, North Yorkshire-based Robert and Rachel Sargeant, spotted the vehicle on eBay in 2010. It was by then painted blue and had been off the road for 35 years but, although in very poor condition, it was complete and unmodified. The Sargeants embarked on a total restoration to return it to its original condition and livery that took 570 hours of work but was finished in time for the Series One Club's rally in June 2012. Engine: 1595cc 4IL IOEV; Power: 50bhp@4000rpm; Torque: 80lb.ft@2000rpm; Width: 61 inches; Length: 132 inches; Weight: 2,594lbs. Land Rover and the Land Rover Logo are trademarks owned and licensed by Jaguar Land Rover Limited.

Rover launched the Land Rover at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show. They displayed three examples: one indoors on the stand, and two outside demonstrating the new machine’s remarkable abilities. All three were pre-production prototypes; different in detail specification to what emerged when production commenced. The vehicle modelled was one of the demonstrators, although it was then left-hand drive. After the show, it was allocated to Jack Swain’s Engine Department, converted to right-hand drive and used to test engine updates. It was retained by Rover, driven on trade plates, until 1955 when it was sold to a local buyer, Mr Smith, and given the Solihull number plate SNX 910. Thereafter, L07 had numerous owners in the Midlands and lived in Alvechurch Worcestershire for 20 years from 1968. By 2016, it was back in Solihull, sunk up to its axles in mud, awaiting a restoration. The owner offered L07 and another Series 1 to a Land Rover specialist. A friend of his spotted some of the unique prototype features in the pictures he showed him, and it was acquired by Jaguar Land Rover Classic in 2017. They were amazed by how original the vehicle was, and displayed it at Mell Square, Solihull, as part of Land Rover’s 70th anniversary celebrations. It was then mechanically restored by JLR Classic, who left the bodywork in its patinated state as it tells the vehicle’s incredible story. We’ve only made 1,000 of these limited edition die-cast Land Rover Series I 80” 1:43 scale models. Secure your Vanguards model today!

Southdown Motor Services Ltd. was formed in 1915 as a merger between Brighton Hove and Preston United Omnibus Co., Sussex Tourist Coaches and the London and South Coast Haulage Co. Ltd. Southdown Motor Services acquired the new PD3, BUF 277C in 1965, one of the later buses to be produced by Leyland as production stopped in 1967, assigned the number 277, it was predominately used on very popular Brighton Routes until 1977, it was bought by OK Motor Services and entered service with OK in 1977. BUF 277C remained in service until 1989, it was then passed on to Northumbria Motor Services as a driver training vehicle until 1992 and subsequently went out for preservation back to it’s green and cream livery of it’s glory days and is now a regular at bus meets and shows across the UK.

The Princess modelled can be seen on display at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, as it was used by Top Gear in an episode looking at BL cars. The team bought three cars, one each, with Jeremy Clarkson driving a Rover 3500 SD1 V8, Richard Hammond piloting a Triumph Dolomite Sprint and James May in the Princess modelled. James defended the Princess, quite rightly, as the most interesting and forward looking car BL ever made but the episode is probably most remembered for the team filling every car's interior entirely with water and attempting to drive the sealed cars around the test track while wearing dry suits; the Princess won with ease. BL project ADO 71, universally known as the 'wedge' Princess, was originally given the product planning name 'Diablo' and started development in 1970. Stylist Harris Mann initially envisaged it as a hatchback but internal politics overruled this as the Maxi and forthcoming Rover SD1 used this body style. It was launched in 1975 under three brand names, Austin, Morris and Wolseley, as the 18-22 Series indicating the two engines, an 1800cc 4-cylinder and a 2200cc 6-cylinder. Its initial reception with both customers and media was very promising; the car's daring styling and comfortable ride were much praised. However, within six months it had been re-launched as the 'Princess by Leyland' and strikes disrupted both quality and delivery schedules. A total of 224,942 were produced. Engine: 2222cc 6-IL OHC; Power: 110bhp@3520rpm; Torque: 125lb.ft@2700rpm; Maximum speed: 104mph; 0-60 mph: 13.5 secs; Weight: 2638lbs (without a water filled cabin). Austin and Morris are registered trademarks of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, Licensed by British Motor Heritage Limited. Licensing Agent: LMI www.bmh-ltd.com

Having been forced to endure the horrors of the surprise Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, the American people found themselves dragged into a war they had tried so hard to avoid, now determined to avenge this day of infamy. Their long fightback began with victory at the Battle of Midway in June 1942, but for the men of the USAAF 347th Fighter Group, their chance to inflict a huge psychological blow against the Japanese nation and specifically against man who had planned the Pear Harbor attack would come in April the following year. US Navy intelligence code-breakers had been monitoring Japanese communications for months and discovered that Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto planned to fly from Rabul to troops stationed in the Solomon Islands, to boost their morale in the wake of the Midway defeat. Flying in one of two Mitsubishi G4M 'Betty' bombers and protected by six Zero fighters, the formation was intercepted by sixteen US Lockheed P-38G Lightnings, whose pilots had made the long flight from Guadalcanal with one specific aim vengeance. In the ensuing dogfight, P-38G 'Miss Virginia' piloted by Rex T. Barber, slipped in behind the bomber carrying Admiral Yamamoto and unleashed a torrent of bullets from his .50 calibre machine guns, sending it crashing into the jungle below. 'Operation Vengeance' had been successful and one of America's most deadly enemies had been eliminated. In what proved to be one of the most significant aerial engagements of the Second World War, 'Operation Vengeance' was the ambitious plan to intercept an aircraft carrying Japan's most accomplished military tactician and architect of the Pearl Harbor attack, Isoroku Yamamoto. The mission was entrusted to brilliant US aviator Major John Mitchell, who would have to plot a course far enough away from islands inhabited by Japanese spotters and low enough to avoid detection by enemy radar, whilst ensuring his fighters intercepted the enemy formation at exactly the right moment. With only a map, his watch and a highly accurate compass borrowed from the US Navy installed in his fighter, the mission had only a slim chance of success, but was a risk they had to take. The only aircraft capable of undertaking this perilous 1000 mile round trip was the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and even then only by using drop tanks containing additional fuel indeed, due to short supply, each aircraft was fitted with a single large 330 gallon drop tank, as well as a smaller 150 gallon tank. As the sixteen Lightnings took off from Kukum Field, Guadalcanal at 7am on 18th April 1943, they had no idea of the size of the enemy force they would be facing, or if indeed they would manage to intercept them. In a feat of exceptional airmanship, the Lightnings arrived at the anticipated interception point just one minute behind schedule and to a shout of 'Bandits' from one of the American pilots. In the ensuing dogfight, 'Operation Vengeance' would strike a huge blow in the fortunes of the Pacific War and highlight that America would accept nothing less than total victory. LOCKHEED MARTIN, (Vehicle/Aeroplane Models) associated emblems and logos, and body designs of vehicles are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Lockheed Martin Corporation in the USA and/or other jurisdictions, used under license by Hornby Hobbies Ltd.

This exceptional CORGI Aviation Archive 1:72 scale diecast model brings to life the flamboyantly marked Lockheed P-38J Lightning "Virginia Marie", a prized collectible for aviation enthusiasts and military history aficionados. Ready to display straight from the box, this meticulously crafted model captures the distinctive markings of one of the 475th Fighter Group's most striking aircraft, a deadly twin-engine fighter that earned Japanese respect as part of the 'Bloody Butchers of Rabaul'. Premium diecast construction and authentic paint scheme reproduction make this a standout addition to any collection. Key Features Ready to display - no assembly required Authentic 1:72 scale diecast construction Features the distinctive progressive paint scheme of "Virginia Marie" Rotatable propellers for realistic presentation Includes display stand for immediate showcase History The Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighters flown by the USAAF 5th Air Force's 475th Fighter Group 'Satan's Angels' were among the most visually striking aircraft of the Pacific Theatre, but their bold appearance masked a lethal combat effectiveness. With twin engines providing added security and concentrated nose-mounted firepower, the Lightning became a formidable adversary that Japanese pilots learnt to fear and respect. The 475th Fighter Group's success earned them the ominous nickname 'Bloody Butchers of Rabaul' from their adversaries. "Virginia Marie" was delivered to the 433rd Fighter Squadron at Hollandia Airfield in early 1944, where she received her remarkable markings in an unconventional manner. According to pilot Carroll R. Anderson, the aircraft's striking scheme evolved progressively over several weeks, making liberal use of the squadron's medium blue identification colour. The final artistic touches were completed during the Group Commander's absence from base, allowing the dedicated ground crew to fully express their talents. Notably, "Virginia Marie" became the only Lightning in the 433rd Fighter Squadron to receive its complete intended paint scheme, making this aircraft a unique and celebrated example of wartime nose art and unit pride.

Lockheed P-38L Lightning, 'Putt Putt Maru', Col. Charles McDonald, 475th FG USAF, Philippines, 1945. Having seen the introduction of advanced monoplane fighter designs in both the German and Japanese air forces, America was only too aware that their own Air Force was in need of upgrade as a matter of urgency. To this end, an official requirement was issued in February 1937 for the production of a new pursuit fighter, an aircraft which would have to possess performance which had never previously been seen, not only on an American aircraft, but anywhere else in the world. The Lockheed Aircraft Company were one of six companies determined to satisfy this demanding requirement and entrusted the design of this radical new aircraft to talented designer Clarence 'Kelly' Johnson, who was basically given a free rein during its development. Almost immediately, he determined that a single engined aircraft could not satisfy these demanding specifications and started work on a twin engined design, one which featured twin booms to house the engines and superchargers, with a centrally positioned nacelle for the cockpit and the fighter's heavy armament. The new aircraft looked incredible and was a radical departure from any fighter aircraft design that had gone before it, with Lockheed being awarded a contract to produce a prototype example. The XP38 was a thing of beauty and after just a short 38 minute maiden flight, everyone at Lockheed knew they had a winner on their hands. In fact, officials were so impressed with the aircraft's performance that they immediately decided to make an attempt on the US Transcontinental speed record to highlight its potential, an attempt which saw the XP38 shatter the existing record by an impressive 23 minutes. Unfortunately, it appears that officials at the destination airport were not expecting the arrival of the strange new fighter and kept it holding so long that it actually ran out of fuel and had to make an emergency landing on a local golf course. Nevertheless, the aircraft had shown its potential and the US Army Air Force ordered sixty-six aircraft and America had their first 400 mph fighter. The introduction of the P-38 Lightning was not without its problems, however, this was not surprising bearing in mind its performance and configuration were so radically different to anything which had gone before it. Almost constant development would see the Lightning develop into a devastatingly effective high altitude interceptor and with engines which both drove outwardly rotating propellors, also eventually proved to be an incredibly stable aircraft. Possessing impressive range and firepower, the Lightning would eventually be used to avenge the Pearl Harbor attack, when sixteen P-38s of the 339th Fighter Squadron intercepted a bomber carrying Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the mastermind of that infamous raid, and shot it down. The P-38 Lightning would go on to serve with distinction in both the Pacific and European theatres, one of the most capable and distinctive aircraft of the Second World War. For US fighter pilot Charles Henry 'Mac' MacDonald, the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941 left him with a determination to do his duty in ensuring this disastrous day for America would only result in their eventual victory. Joining the USAAF and gaining his wings in May 1939, he would first be assigned to the 55th Pursuit Group and then on to the 18th Pursuit Group at Wheeler Field, Hawaii in early 1941 and was still there at the time of the Japanese surprize attack, arguably the darkest day in American military history. His continued service would see him gaining ever more responsibility and new postings, first back home in the US to train new pilots, then on to the savage fighting of the Pacific War. By October 1943, he had attained the rank of Major and was posted as the Executive Officer of the 475th Fighter Group's 'Satan's Angels', flying P-38 Lightnings out of Dobodura, New Guinea, where his reputation as a fighter ace and effective leader of men would soon be forged. Often asking his men to fly dangerous long range missions in their Lightnings over vast expanses of ocean, MacDonald, would often be the first aircraft into the air, leading from the from and inspiring his pilots to make their mark on the war. Eventually attaining the rank of Colonel, MacDonald became the Commanding Officer of the 475th Fighter Group and during this time, would welcome the arrival of a rather famous civilian advisor to the unit, long range aviator and US national hero Charles Lindbergh, who was cleared to fly with the unit. During his time in the Pacific, Lindbergh would help the 475th unlock the awesome potential of the P-38, using his knowledge of long range engine management to alter the power and fuel settings of their aircraft, modifications which extended the range of the Lightning by an incredible 100%. Now, 'Colonel Mac' and the pilots of the 475th could provide fighter cover for bombers attacking the Japanese oil refineries at Balikpapan in Borneo, with flight times of between twelve and fourteen hours needing to be flown. This raid was pivotal in turning the tide of the Pacific War and preparing American forces for the final push towards the Japanese home islands. Colonel 'Mac' Macdonald would end the war with 27 aerial victories, with several others either damaged or probably destroyed, making him the third most successful fighter ace in the Pacific Theatre. All victories were scored using the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and whilst he would use several different machines, they were all named 'PUTT... PUTT... MARU'. It is not known for sure what this name refers to, but it is thought that it could be a reference to the Japanese supply barges the unit were often sent to destroy, vessels which were referred to as Marus, with their rather agricultural engines making a putt putt chugging sound. Whatever the case, if they were in the sights of a 475th Fighter Group P-38 Lightning, they were on borrowed time.

London Bus Rainbow The Peace and Love Collection. Classic model vehicles embrasing the spirit of the 60's, and the modern inspiration taken from the rainbow! Hippy: In the mid 1960’s a movement began in the U.S. to celebrate Peace & Love, countering the country’s involvement in the Vietnam War and pushing for more civil rights for everyone. The psychedelic floral designs became synonymous with the movement, with the hippies as they were then known, using Flower Power to get their message across. Rainbow: The six colours seen in the rainbow designs of our modern communities have particular meanings: Red – life, Orange – healing, Yellow – sunlight, Green – nature, Indigo – serenity, Violet – spirit. All these represent goals and ways of life for these communities and the wish to share them with the wider population.

London Taxi Rainbow The Peace and Love Collection. Classic model vehicles embrasing the spirit of the 60's, and the modern inspiration taken from the rainbow! Hippy: In the mid 1960’s a movement began in the U.S. to celebrate Peace & Love, countering the country’s involvement in the Vietnam War and pushing for more civil rights for everyone. The psychedelic floral designs became synonymous with the movement, with the hippies as they were then known, using Flower Power to get their message across. Rainbow: The six colours seen in the rainbow designs of our modern communities have particular meanings: Red – life, Orange – healing, Yellow – sunlight, Green – nature, Indigo – serenity, Violet – spirit. All these represent goals and ways of life for these communities and the wish to share them with the wider population. Trade marks, designs and copyright, including LONDON TAXI, The London Taxi Company logo, and vehicle shapes, are owned by, and used with the approval of London EV Company Limited.

He is Vengeance. He is the night. He is Batman! Own a piece of Batman history with this exclusive 1966 Batmobile Bundle , featuring the Scalextric 1966 Batmobile and the CORGI 1966 Batmobile , with free postage included! Experience the thrill of racing with the detailed slot car from Scalextric and display the iconic CORGI model with its Batman and Robin figures. This limited-edition bundle is perfect for collectors and fans alike - grab yours now before POW! it's gone! This bundle includes: 1 x CORGI - RT26701 Batmobile with Batman and Robin - 1:43 Scale Die-cast model 1 x Scalextric - C4175 Batmobile - 1966 TV Series - 1:32 Scale Slot Racing Car

The Esprit modelled, the 278th made, came off the production line on July 18th 1977. Having been built to test numerous planned modifications including a new heater, headlight system and dampers, it was road-registered in Colin Chapman's name on August 1st and he used it as his personal transport to evaluate these changes. However, one day he arrived at the Hethel factory with the car enveloped in steam, kicked its door shut and proclaimed, "I never want to see that car again". Vehicle Engineering then used it as a test bed for more Series II improvements, including the wrap-around front-spoiler (from which the Series II moulds were taken), Smiths instruments and Speedline alloy wheels. Lotus sold it in October 1978 and current owner, Phil Leech, a life-long Lotus enthusiast, bought it in September 2003 after it had been sitting in BBC colleague Steve Preston's garden with a blown engine for six years. Steve didn't want to sell it to a friend because after so many years in the open with a smashed windscreen it was in a very poor state but he eventually listed it on eBay and, aware of its unique history, Phil bought it anyway! He then started a complete restoration which, due to a change of domestic arrangements and a move to Manchester, took twelve years. This historically significant Lotus has since been featured in Practical Classics and exhibited at the Birmingham NEC Restoration Show. Engine: 1973cc 4IL DOHC 16V; Power: 160bhp@6200rpm; Torque: 140lbs.ft@4900rpm; 0-60mph: 7.3 seconds; Maximum speed: 138mph; Weight: 1033kgs. Approved and licensed by Classic Team Lotus Ltd www.classicteamlotus.co.uk

White M3A1 Half Track DARING , D Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Armoured Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armoured Division, Cantigny, France, 31st August 1944 Manufactured by the White Motor Company of Cleveland, Ohio, the M3 Half Track was a robust armoured personnel carrier which saw extensive service during the Second World War and into the post war years. US military planners knew that it was critical for infantry units to support their advancing tanks, both the protect them from enemy infantry attack and to secure any territorial gains made. Introduced in 1941, the reliable M3 could carry 12 fully equipped troops at speeds approaching 45mph, whilst providing protection from small arms fire. It was said that wherever American troops went, so did their trusty M3 Half Tracks. The M3 A1 Half Track was an armored vehicle used by the United States, the British Empire and other Allies during WWII. Nearly 43,000 were produced and supplied to the US Army and Marines, as well as British Commonwealth and Soviet Red Army forces, serving on all fronts throughout the war. Between the world wars, the US Army sought to improve the tactical mobility of its forces with the goal of finding a high-mobility infantry vehicle, the M3 was developed.

Sent for evaluation having the opportunity to capture a fully working example of the enemy's latest battle tank is a situation which was highly prized by all the combatant nations during the Second World War, allowing their capabilities to be assessed and to ascertain the most effective ways of destroying them. This detailed evaluation would usually be carried out by a specialist Military High Command unit well behind the front lines, but getting your war prize back there during the heat of battle could be a challenging process. This particular early Sherman tank was captured by 1st Company, 501st Heavy Tank Battalion in Tunisia, during operations to counter the Anglo-American invasion of French North Africa in late 1942 and must have looked rather conspicuous parked amongst the German Tiger 1 and Panzer III tanks which were heading towards the fighting. The fascinating hand-painted warning on the side of the Sherman is basically warning German troops not to remove any items from the enemy tank, as it has been commandeered by German Military High Command and is destined to be sent back to Germany for test and evaluation. In addition to the rather crudely applied Balkenkreuz markings on the turret of the Sherman, the unit responsible for securing such a significant trophy also ensured their details were included in the hand painted warning on the hull sides of the tank, presumably knowing that the message would be seen by thousands of military personnel during its journey back to Germany and wanting their achievement recognised. The German Army had first encountered the American built Sherman Tank whilst fighting the British at the Second Battle of El Alamein in October 1942, but at that time, could hardly have envisaged how significant its combat arrival would prove to be. With the first examples falling into their hands and sent for evaluation following the Allied landings in French North Africa just a few weeks later, the Germans could not fail to have been impressed by the quality of a tank which represented the very embodiment of American mass production techniques and ultimately illustrated how the might of US industrial capacity would influence the outcome of the Second World War. Comparing it against the prowess of their own mighty Tiger Tank, they would have been more than confident that they held the technological advantage. However, the Americans were clever in understanding that their new tank would have to be transported to combat zones all around the world, often to ports and staging depots which had rather basic facilities. Larger tanks would have created an even greater logistical challenge than the significant one they already faced and as their Sherman would be used by all the armies of the Allied nations, the greater availability of M4 tanks would prove crucial in the outcome of the ground war. Eventually, over 50,000 Sherman Tanks of all types would be produced, making this the second most produced tank of the Second World War and an essential war winner.

McLanachan was first conceived and founded in 1984 by Matt McLanachan and since then it has been providing logistics services, with attention to detail and commitment to the client being the Company â„¢s hallmark. Based out of Central Scotland, McLanachan deliver and transport everything from temperature controlled pharmaceutical products to hazardous liquids and solids. The family run business â„¢s fleet of twenty-five vehicles and thirty-five trailers, can be found all over the UK and mainland Europe.

Martin B-26B-15-MA Marauder 41-31576/AN-Z 'Dinah Might', was given the important task of leading an anti-beach fortification raid against Widerstandsnest 5 (which means 'nest of resistance', or 'strongpoint') overlooking Utah beach. The raid happened only a couple of minutes before the landing craft released their troops on their assigned beaches on D-Day itself, one of the final missions to take place before the landings. Flown by Major David Dewhurst, the experienced Commander of the 553rd Bomb Squadron, US 8th Air Force, this was one final opportunity to neutralise German defensive fortifications, therefore giving Allied troops a better chance of making it off their assigned landing beach in the terrifying hours to come. Dewhurst's aircraft, which was named 'Dinah Might' after a Bing Crosby tune of the day, released its bombs at exactly 06.24.30 on D-Day, with navigation and timing critical to the success of the mission and the safety of the men waiting to make their historic seaborne assault. The details behind this final bombing raid of D-Day clearly illustrate why the Utah Beach D-Day Museum elected to finish their preserved Marauder in this historic scheme and why it forms such a poignant centrepiece for their impressive museum. 'Dinah Might's' target on that fateful morning in June 1944 was only metres from where this magnificent preserved aircraft is displayed today, even though it's actually only a representation of that famous wartime aircraft. The Aviation Archive die-cast model range features 1:72 and 1:48 scaled aircraft perfect for collectors both old and new. Each plane comes with a display and optional parts.