I fell in love with the Westland Lysander series while searching for different aircraft in the Corgi range. I read up on it and my admirtion grew. I now have 4 Lysanders in different markings and representing the 3 British versions made between 1936 & 46, plus 1 Canadian version.
The Lysander was originally a plane designed by committee for the static trench warfare of WW1. Unfortunately it wasn't fast enough to prove itself against faster and more manoeuvrable of WW2 Luftwaffe aircraft and would have been resigned to history if it hadn't proved itself in Special Operations. It's very short landing / take off length meant it could land in a field, drop of Resistance personnel / equipment and leave relatively undetected.
The Corgi range is very wide and prides itself on being highly detailed and this Lysander keeps up this high standard of tradition The model is in the colours and marking of the one flown by FO Jim McCairns for Special OPs. The panel lines & decals compare very well with old photos of the actual plane.
Having my interest sparked by this little Aeroplane, I now have a number of books on the Lysander and Google it's history and phtographs when ever I can. It has taught me quite a few things I didn't know much about, during the war.
I can't wait for Lockdown to end and the Air shows to recommence, as I intend to travel to see the only flying exempt of the Lysander Mk3 Special OPs version, which is in the Shuttleworth collection UK.