Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA34019
Consolidated B-24H Liberator Diecast Model
USAAF 467th BG, #42-52534 Witchcraft, RAF Rackheath. England, January 14th 1945 | Limited Edition
1200
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Consolidated B-24H Liberator | | 11.25" | | 18.25" |
The afternoon of 14th January 1945 was no ordinary day at USAAF Station 145 Rackheath, in Norfolk. Thirty B-24 Liberators from the 467th Bomb Group had been allocated to take part in a raid against steelworks at Hallendorf, near Hanover and had left the base at approximately 09.00. One of the aircraft taking part in the raid was named "Witchcraft" and on her return, she would set a mission record for the entire Second Air Division, one which had attracted the attention of USAAF "Top Brass". As the aircraft returned to their home airfield 6 hours and 35 minutes after they took off, 42-52534 "Witchcraft" landed and parked up in her usual hardstanding position, to be met by General Ketner, Commander of the 2nd Air Division and other high ranking officials, not to mention a film crew and members of the press - even the famous "Rackheath Band" were in attendance.
"Witchcraft" had just completed her 100th credited mission without suffering a single mechanical abort, a real testament to the efforts of her assigned ground crew. Known colloquially as the "League of Nations", the ground crew was led by M/Sgt Joe Ramirez, who was of Mexican heritage, with other members of his team being of Chinese, German, Dutch and American extraction. General Ketner presented each member of the ground crew with an award to mark this significant wartime achievement and a quite extraordinary bomber.
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 2003-2024 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.
