Franklin Mint B11E201 1:48 MiG-17F 3020 North Vietnamese Air Force Colonel Tomb Vietnam War

A striking and substantial 1:48 scale diecast representation of North Vietnamese Air Force MiG-17F aircraft 3020, one of the most recognisable Vietnamese fighter aircraft associated with the air war over North Vietnam. Released within the Franklin Mint Armour Collection under model code B11E201, this retired collector model is traditionally marketed under the famous “Colonel Toon” or “Colonel Tomb” story.

The MiG-17 played a major role in the Vietnamese People's Air Force during the Vietnam War. Although already an older design when confronted by increasingly sophisticated American fighters, its agility at lower speeds and relatively small size allowed experienced Vietnamese pilots to challenge aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II, F-8 Crusader and F-105 Thunderchief.

Aircraft 3020 became particularly well known through photographs showing its distinctive North Vietnamese camouflage and numerous red victory markings. It was associated with the 923rd Fighter Regiment and was flown by several Vietnamese pilots during its operational career, including experienced MiG-17 pilots such as Lê Hải.

Franklin Mint and many older collector references describe 3020 as the personal aircraft of the mysterious North Vietnamese ace “Colonel Toon”, also known as “Colonel Tomb”. Post-war research has established that no such individual ace existed. The legend appears to have developed among American aircrews during the conflict, with the victory stars carried by aircraft such as 3020 mistakenly interpreted as the personal score of a single pilot.

North Vietnamese practice meant that victory markings could represent successes achieved by several pilots while flying the same aircraft. This makes 3020 historically interesting in its own right, even without the Colonel Tomb legend, as the markings reflected the operational history of the aircraft rather than one individual's combat record.

The aircraft represented by the model is generally described as a MiG-17F, although 3020 is also identified historically as a Chinese-built Shenyang J-5, the licence-produced development of the Soviet MiG-17. Externally the aircraft retained the familiar swept-wing configuration and compact appearance which characterised the MiG-17 family.

The MiG-17F was powered by a Klimov VK-1F turbojet with afterburner and carried a particularly heavy cannon armament comprising one 37 mm cannon and two 23 mm cannon. Rather than relying on guided missiles, MiG-17 pilots had to manoeuvre into relatively close range before opening fire, placing considerable emphasis on turning performance and pilot skill.

Its combination of swept wings, high-mounted horizontal stabilisers and circular nose intake gave the MiG-17 one of the most distinctive fighter profiles of the early Cold War. During the Vietnam conflict, the type demonstrated that a comparatively simple subsonic fighter could remain dangerous when employed effectively against faster and technologically more advanced opponents.

This retired Franklin Mint Armour Collection release has considerable display presence in its large 1:48 scale. The model combines heavyweight diecast construction with the distinctive camouflage and markings of aircraft 3020, detailed cockpit treatment, swept wings, prominent cannon installation, external fuel tanks and detailed undercarriage.

Fact Sheet

Dimensions

Model Condition - Mint (10/10)

• The model is in mint condition overall.

Box condition - Excellent (8/10)

• The box is in excellent condition overall for its age, with some shelf wear present.

Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.

Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.