Corgi AA35012 Gloster Meteor F.Mk.8, WH480 'M', RAF

Corgi AA35012 Gloster Meteor F.Mk.8, WH480 'M', RAF Biggin Hill, 1953 Aviatio

A man destined to achieve great things as a member of the Royal Air Force, Yorkshireman John ˜Dusty™ Miller trained as a military pilot in America under the UK-US ˜Arnold™ Scheme, showing himself to be so proficient that he was retained as a flight instructor. He eventually joined an operational RAF squadron flying Beaufighters in an anti-shipping strike role, but advanced his career significantly during the early years of jet aviation.  Given command of No.41 Squadron at Biggin Hill, flying the Meteor jet from Summer 1951, his personal aircraft was one of the most colourful of that era, defending Britain™s airspace in style. Miller was one of the first RAF pilots forced to eject from his Meteor, when a turbine blade failure caused an in-flight fire above Essex in April 1952. But, once back flying, he continued his rise through the ranks.  With his potential for senior rank, Miller was forced to turn his back on ten years of flying jet fighters to take command of a Vickers Valiant nuclear bomber squadron, as his seniors wanted to take him away from what he was expert in, to broaden his service experience.  During his time with the V-Bomber force, he was the officer responsible for introducing the Blue Steel air-launched nuclear stand-off missile into RAF service. When he left the RAF in 1969, he had achieved the rank of Air Commodore.

Safety Warning

A detailed die-cast scale model for adult collector. Not Suitable for children under 14 years.

• Product Info This exceptional CORGI Aviation Archive 1:72 scale diecast model celebrates the Gloster Meteor F.8 flown by Squadron Leader John 'Dusty' Miller DFC, one of Britain's pioneering jet fighter pilots. Ready to display straight from the box, this meticulously crafted collectible captures the distinctive markings of Miller's personal aircraft from his time commanding No.41 Squadron at Biggin Hill during the early jet age. With authentic detailing throughout and premium quality finishing, this model commemorates one of the most colourful Meteors to defend Britain's airspace during the Cold War era.
• Key Features Ready to display – no assembly required Premium 1:72 scale diecast construction Rotatable propeller for added authenticity Historically accurate markings and paint scheme Includes display stand
• History A Yorkshireman destined for greatness, John 'Dusty' Miller proved his exceptional abilities as a pilot during training in America under the UK-US 'Arnold' Scheme, demonstrating such proficiency that he was retained as a flight instructor. After eventually joining an operational RAF squadron flying Beaufighters in anti-shipping strikes, Miller's career truly soared during the dawn of jet aviation.
• History continued: Given command of No.41 Squadron at Biggin Hill in summer 1951, Miller flew the Meteor jet in one of the era's most striking liveries, defending British airspace with both skill and style. His tenure wasn't without drama – in April 1952, a turbine blade failure caused an in-flight fire above Essex, forcing him to become one of the first RAF pilots to eject from a Meteor. Undeterred, Miller returned to flying and continued his ascent through the ranks.