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Product Review: Corgi 1:72 Scale Short Sunderland

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 12:48 pm
by tmanthegreat
I received my Corgi 1:72 Scale Short Sunderland Mk. III Flying Boat model yesterday, which I had ordered from The Flying Mule. In short, this is a fantastic offering from Corgi and I am really impressed with it.

Has anyone else gotten one? I'd be curious to hear your thoughts. My review is below. Rather than post pictures, here is the link to pictures of the actual model on TFM's website: http://www.flyingmule.com/products/CG-AA27501

Construction:
The model is large and comes packaged in a classic styrofoam tray, like most of Corgi's large aircraft offerings. Mine has no defects and perfect paint applications with the camouflage upper surfaces and white sides and underside. Its really a rather striking look, standing out from most of my other diecast 1:72 planes. The model is pretty large and some of Corgi's other "heavies" look a little small sitting next to it, including the B-17, Lancaster, PBY, etc. The Short Sunderland was a big plane and the Corgi model really shows that.

There is a lot of diecast used in the construction of the model - more than I was expecting. The entire fuselage is diecast, as are the upper surfaces of the wings and the tail. Plastic is used for the underside of the wings, pontoons, and horizontal stabilizers. The various radar antennas are detailed on the rear fuselage and under the wings. The pontoons are one of my favorite features as Corgi included the bracing wires. With all the little wires and antennas, this is one model that you will want to be careful handling.

Overall the detailing is crisp, but the aircraft has the various nuances of Corgi diecast planes including noticeable seam lines and rather deep panel lines. The panel lines look almost like the iron plating used on a ship, but are pretty well covered by the paintjob. One nice feature is that all the windows (or portholes if you will) are clear plastic, not painted. Looks much more realistic.

Features:
This model really harkens back to the classic Corgi 1:72 scale WWII aircraft as it includes a lot of working features. Obviously the props turn. The nose turret rotates, the gun elevates, and there is a gunner figure. Even more, the nose turret retracts into the fuselage to open up the mooring cockpit for use when the plane was docking. The spacious cockpit is detailed with the two pilots, seats, and controls. Some detail is seen behind the cockpit with the door leading to the navigator and radio compartments (both not really detailed). The dorsal turret rotates and has elevating guns and the crew figure. The tail turret also rotates and has the quad .30 cal guns with gunner figure.

My favorite working feature is the depth charge racks. It took me a while to figure out how to open them, but in the end found that you have to push the door panel inwards slightly and pull it down using a tab on the door. The depth charges then slide/pull out on the racks. Looking through the open doors, Corgi did detail some of the interior bulkheads, which I like. The model also comes with the landing gear and trolley used for when the plane was pulled ashore to be serviced. Those would have not been carried in flight. I thought it was neat that Corgi included that particular display option as well.

Opinion:
Overall, I am very satisfied with this latest offering from Corgi. In many ways moreso than their Vulcan from last year. The Sunderland really fits more in line with the quality and functionality that company is known for. While it isn't cheap, I think the model is well worth the price. If you're into WWII bombers or seaplanes, The Corgi Short Sunderland is definitely worth getting :D

Re: Product Review: Corgi 1:72 Scale Short Sunderland

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 12:53 pm
by hworth18
Thanks for the review Tristan!! I don't collect 1/72 anymore but I have been eyeballing this ever since Corgi announced it. Most of the other comments I have seen posted were also very favorable so I may just break my "NO 1/72" rule and pick this one up just so I can say I have a Short Sunderland. :)

Re: Product Review: Corgi 1:72 Scale Short Sunderland

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 2:16 pm
by aferguson
Yes I have one as well. Probably the best Corgi model I own. They did an excellent job. My only criticisms are that the paint colours are a bit dark (grey and green) and there should be more white and less grey/green around the base of the tail.....this is easy to correct with a bit of white paint if one is so inclined.

Otherwise it's a beauty with many repaints to come, no doubt.

Re: Product Review: Corgi 1:72 Scale Short Sunderland

Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2015 2:17 am
by snake
Great review Tman.

Have heard nothing but positives from Corgi's latest release, and a bold move to release the Sunderland.

Does fit in with Corgi's heavies, and mediums, and was much anticipated. And sounds like they really did do a good job on this one. But stillhas some of the Corgi "trademarks", mostly join lines.

Had this on pre order, and still have to follow through.

Know I should get it, but collecting has slowed way down, and $250 shipped.

Feel the same as I do with the 1/18 Harrier. Want it, but big, and expensive. :lol:

Re: Product Review: Corgi 1:72 Scale Short Sunderland

Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2015 1:36 pm
by tmanthegreat
snake wrote:Great review Tman.

Have heard nothing but positives from Corgi's latest release, and a bold move to release the Sunderland.

Does fit in with Corgi's heavies, and mediums, and was much anticipated. And sounds like they really did do a good job on this one. But stillhas some of the Corgi "trademarks", mostly join lines.

Had this on pre order, and still have to follow through.

Know I should get it, but collecting has slowed way down, and $250 shipped.

Feel the same as I do with the 1/18 Harrier. Want it, but big, and expensive. :lol:
Thanks Snake... As you're Canadian and the Sunderland was an aircraft used extensively by the British Commonwealth, you should get one eventually! Corgi did a stand-up job with it, IMHO, and I really like it better in many respects than the Vulcan (which I feel they cheapened out on). The Sunderland tends to dwarf many of the other 1:72 heavies, showing just how large of a plane it was. I once took the opportunity to go through the beautifully restored Sunderland at the RAF Museum in Hendon, UK. They have it set up where you can walk through the whole thing. It's a massive plane!