Welcome
to my listing for the superb Corgi Aviation Archive English Electric Lightning F.Mk.1
This is AA32303
This 3rd
release from Corgi represents the "classic" English Fighter of the
late 50’s the Lightning F.MK.1.
This
example XM139 served with No.226 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) Squadron RAF based at RAF Wattisham and is
equipped with Firestreak infra-red homing missiles. As befitting a 50’s jet, she sports an
attractive High Vis Silver scheme with Red & white fin stripe, a large 139
on the nose alongside the National marking also worn on the nose.
The
airframe was scrapped after a spell as an instruction airframe during the 70’s.
Model is mint
but has been displayed, Plane is complete, mint 10/10, Box is 9.5++++/10
minor shelf wear from 20 years in my loft.
I will
consider reasonable offers.
Not
Limited but given the nature of the packaging and the target audience super
hard to find, especially in this condition.
One of a number of Rare,
limited or interesting releases I'm putting up for sale over the next few
days. I will happily combine postage, answer questions or provide
additional images International offers welcomed, the E-Bay system used but I
can and will quote for other methods if it suits.
226 OCU & Lightning XM139 F.Mk.1
The OCU was first established on 15 August 1946 at RAF Molesworth under
No. 11 Group of Fighter Command. It was created by redesignating the existing
No. 1335 Conversion Unit with the mission of training fighter pilots.
Over the years, the unit operated various aircraft, including the
Gloster Meteor, Hawker Tempest, de Havilland Hornet, and de Havilland Vampire.
In 1949, it moved to RAF Driffield in Yorkshire, where it disbanded for
the first time, only to be resurrected the following month at RAF Stradishall.
During this period, the OCU focused on training Meteor pilots.
In June 1963, the OCU reformed at RAF Middleton St George, flying the
English Electric Lightning. This came about through the merging of the
Lightning Conversion Squadron and the Fighter Command Instrument Rating
Squadron.
The unit relocated to RAF Coltishall in April 1964.
Notably, during 1968 and 1969, the OCU was involved in training pilots
of the Royal Saudi Air Force to fly their newly acquired Lightnings.
However, on 30 September 1974, the OCU disbanded at RAF Coltishall,
marking the end of its association with fighters.
C/N 95035 (constructor’s number) first flew on 12 January 1960 at
Samlesbury, It was assigned to 74 Squadron on 2 August 1960, initially marked
as ‘C’ and later as ‘F’. Subsequently, it served with the Operational
Conversion Unit (OCU) from 1964. Notably, it was stationed at Leuchars (marked
as Royal Scottish Air Force) in 1965. Afterward, it underwent maintenance and
wing change at Warton in 1969 before becoming the official RAF Fighter Display
Aircraft