Small Scale Military Headquarters

Kinda like the II and I Spitfires, over the Corgi Mk.Is..I like the fact the Spit I from matchbox has weathering, like cordite trails under the wings from the shell ejectors.

plus the gear looks to be able to be positioned up or down?

I have two and they are gear up only. I have always thought the Matchbox Spitfire was just a little better than the Corgi version with the only con being no gear option. Other than that, I like them.

Thanks, Harry

I plan on in-flight for display so that works.

Yes, the Matchbox Spitfires were nicely done, especially for the price.

I agree with what Harry said. The gear-up is a downer, but the rest of the plane is nicely detailed and includes weathering. Cockpit is detailed with a painted figure and controls.

Overall, I liked the Matchbox 1:72/1:48 aircraft series. They were very much a bargain for their original $15 retail price and were well detailed and durable. Matchbox also had a number of "firsts" in terms of diecast aircraft that they often do not seem to get credit for (by firsts, I mean they were the first to produce a certain aircraft type before other companies). Matchbox "firsts" include the P-47, P-38, FW-190, F6F, Zero, F-86, Mig-15, F-104, F-100, Spad VIII, and Fokker DRI. I want to say Corgi at least had 1:72 versions of the Spitfire, P-51D, Bf-109, and Corsair out before Matchbox did, but I could be wrong.

I missed the Mk.1 on Ebay I was watching..sold for 31 I think, I got a Mk.II for 24.99

That entire Matchbox line of warbirds was top-notch and a great bargain. I recall scouring Targets looking for all of them.

picked up a Mk.I on ebay for 10.50, and a Beese 109E-1 for 14.99 so I have my duel set complete there. Next I need a Hurricane to match with my 110C-1 for the upcoming duel book.