Corgi Aviation Archive Series Diecast Model

Gloster Meteor F.1 – EE216/YQ-E, T.D. ‘Dixie’ Dean, No. 616 Squadron, RAF, August 4, 1944, with a Fieseler Fi 103 (V-1 ‘Doodlebug’) flying bomb

1:72 Scale.  Length: 7”.  Wingspan: 7.2"


Limited Edition of 1,500 Models Worldwide

As the Gloster Meteor entered RAF service, it was originally charged with destroying V-1 flying bombs that were being sent indiscriminately in the direction of southern Britain. The first Meteor victory over a V-1 Doodlebug occurred on August 4, 1944, when Flying Officer T.D ‘Dixie’ Dean spotted a V-1 flying in the direction of Tunbridge Wells. Placing his Meteor EE216 in a shallow dive to build up speed, he lined up the V-1 in his gunsight and fired – after a short burst, all four guns jammed.

Dean was determined not to let the Doodlebug get away and maneuvered his Meteor alongside the flying bomb wing tip to wing tip. When he was positioned as close as he could, he flicked the control column of his Meteor and banked sharply away – the sudden airflow disruption caused the V-1 to go out of control and crash without causing injury on open ground. Dean had the first Meteor victory over a V-1 and was the first pilot to use the risky ‘tip and run’ tactic to destroy one these feared flying bombs.

The Gloster Meteor was the first British jet fighter and the Allies first operational jet aircraft used during World War II. First flown on March 10, 1943, the Meteor entered service with the RAF in July of 1944. Originally confined to operations over the United Kingdom, to preserve the secrets of its technology, the Meteor was soon used on anti-V1 flying bomb patrols. Their acceleration allowed them to be very effective in this role, accounting for 14 V1s destroyed by the end of the war. Specialized variants of the aircraft were developed for use in photo-reconnaissance and as night fighters. The Meteor was operated by several nations into the 1960s.


The Corgi Aviation Archive features a wide selection of high quality, ready-made diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft. Corgi models are built with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a Meteor F.1 features: