In collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, Corgi, the venerable diecast metal toy manufacturer, have collectively produced a scale replica, diecast metal collection of renowned aircraft and spacecraft displayed in the Washington, D.C. based Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Designed in England to exacting standards with extraordinary detail and quality that will satisfy any ardent aeronautic or space enthusiast, the Smithsonian Collection by Corgi is perfect for older children and novice collectors.
The Smithsonian Collection by Corgi Ryan NYP Spirit of St. Louis, which measures approximately 2-5/8-inches long with a 4-3/8-inch wingspan, is a period correct, accurate reproduction of the actual aircraft, and features detailed graphics and markings. A Display Stand is included.
According to the Smithsonian, "Our messenger of peace and goodwill has broken down another barrier of time and space," so spoke President Calvin Coolidge about Charles A. Lindbergh's extraordinary flight solo transatlantic light in 1927. Not until the Apollo moon landing in 1969 was the entire world again as enthusiastic about an aviation event as it was when Lindbergh landed hi little Ryan monoplane in Paris.
In 1922, a year and a half at the University of Wisconsin, Lindbergh left to study aeronautics with the Nebraska Aircraft Corporation. He was a "barnstormer" until 1924, when he enrolled as an army cadet in the Army Air Service. He won his reserve commission and began serving as a civilian airmail pilot, flying the route between St. Louis and Chicago.
Early in 1927, he obtained the backing of several St. Louis men to compete for the $25,000 prize offered by Raymond Orteig in 1919 for the first nonstop flight between New York City and Paris. In February of that year, Lindbergh placed an order with Ryan Airlines in San Diego for an aircraft with the specifications necessary to make the flight.
