Corgi AN32107 Messerschmitt Bf 109E Diecast Model Luftwaffe JG 3 Udet, Hans von Hahn, Corgi 50th Anniversary Edition

Corgi AN32107 Messerschmitt Bf 109E Diecast Model Luftwaffe JG 3 Udet, Hans von Hahn, Corgi 50th Anniversary Edition

To celebrate 50 years of diecast model production, Corgi created a limited edition model of Messerschmitt Bf 109E in 2006 pieces. The model comes with a presentation display plinth, hand-painted resin pilot figure, and replica pilot's notes for the aircraft. It features permanently extended landing gear and an empty pilot's seat. However, it doesn't include a display stand and is for "ground display" only.

The model was first released in June 2000 as the third 1:72 scale model type in the range and the first non-British aircraft. The model was chosen for the pilot, Hauptmann Hans von Hahn, a leading Luftwaffe ace of both the French campaign and The Battle of Britain.

The Messerschmitt Bf 109E was the mainstay of the Luftwaffe's fighter squadrons during the Battle of Britain. It was considered to be as effective as the Spitfire, and the leading German Messerschmitt pilots were among the best aerial fighters the world had ever seen. Many fighter units, including JG 2 "Richthofen", JG 26 "Schlageter" (later commanded by Adolf Galland), and JG 3 "Udet," utilized the Bf 109E. This model belonged to JG 3 "Udet" and was flown by Group Commander Hauptmann Hans "Vati" von Hahn, who ended the war with 34 kills.

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was designed to meet the Luftwaffe's need for a single-seat fighter/interceptor. It was first flown on May 28th, 1935. Its all-metal construction, closed canopy, and retractable gear made it one of the first true modern fighters of WWII. This versatile aircraft served in many roles and was the most produced aircraft of the war, serving as the backbone of the Luftwaffe. The top three aces of Germany flew the Bf 109, claiming a total of 928 victories between them. Armed with two cannons and two machine guns, the Bf 109's design underwent constant revisions, which allowed it to remain competitive until the end of the war.