Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA34018
Consolidated B-24H Liberator Diecast Model
USAAF 453rd BG, #42-52154 Male Call, James 'Jimmy' Stewart, 1944 | Limited Edition
1500
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Consolidated B-24H Liberator | | 11.25" | | 18.25" |
Often unfairly overshadowed by both the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and later B-29 Superfortress, the distinctive Consolidated B-24 Liberator was the third of America's heavy bombers used during WWII and has the distinction of being the most heavily produced four-engined bomber in aviation history. Serving in every theatre of operation during the Second World War, the Liberator formed the backbone of the Allied daylight bombing offensive against Germany and with its shoulder mounted, highly efficient wing, deep fuselage and H-shaped tail unit, the Liberator's impressive range also helped to close the 'Atlantic gap' in the vital sea battle against German U-boats, which threatened Britain's critical supply lines.
Like so many other of the 18,500 B-24s produced during WWII, Liberator 42-52154 'Male Call' was an extremely hard working machine, surviving the war having completed an impressive 95 bombing missions - she is thought to have been the only survivor of the original 61 aircraft assigned to the 453rd Bombardment Group, which arrived at RAF Old Buckenham airfield on 21st January 1944. The aircraft was one of the Liberators flown by celebrated Hollywood actor James 'Jimmy' Stewart during his time as Group Operations Officer with the 453rd Bombardment Group at the Norfolk airfield.
Designed to fill a United States Army Air Corps need for a heavy bomber, the B-24 Liberator was first flown on December 29, 1939. The USAAC originally asked Consolidated to build the B-17 under license, but the company instead chose to submit a more modern design with greater speed, greater range and a heavier bomb load. Despite these advantages, the B-24 was more difficult to fly, had poor formation-flying characteristics, and was much more vulnerable to battle damage, which meant it never became the favored bomber among American aircrews. It did prove more than serviceable, however, especially for long-range missions. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale B-24 series includes the early war B-24D and late war B-24H and B-24J variants, with the notable addition of a nose gun turret and retractable ball turret. Corgi's WWII heavy bombers are some of the most sought after diecast models available in 1:72 scale. The large size and spot on recreation of the Liberator's distinctive shape has lead to this mold's popularity, along with such subtle details as simulated fabric control surfaces. The mold incorporates a large number of diecast components and includes a heavily constructed all metal display-stand is included to support this massive aircraft for in-flight display.
© Copyright 2003-2021 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
