Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA33314
Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress Diecast Model
USAAF 303rd BG, 358th BS, "Hells Angels", RAF Molesworth, England, 1943 | Limited Edition
1000
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress | | 12.25" | | 17.25" |
Boeing B17F serial number 41-24577, better known as 'Hells Angels', was the first US 8th Air Force B17 to complete 25 missions on May 13th 1943. The following day, Captain Irl E.Baldwin the legendary pilot of 'Hells Angels', became the first officer from the 303rd BG (H) to complete a combat tour of 25 missions after a raid on Kiel, Germany. Taking its name from a 1930 Howard Hughes movie, 'Hells Angels' was assigned to the 358th Bomb Squadron, part of the 303rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at Molesworth in Huntingdonshire, England from 1942-45. In January 1944 the 303rd BG(H) adopted the name of 'Hells Angels' in tribute to one of its most famous planes. After successfully completing 48 missions, Boeing B17F 'Hells Angels' returned to the United States on January 20th 1944 to embark on a morale boosting tour of war production factories. When the tour finished in May 1944, 'Hells Angels' was transferred to the USAAF for use as an aircrew training aircraft before being scrapped in August 1945.
Designed to meet a US Army Air Corps requirement for a multi-engined bomber to replace the B-10, the B-17 first flew on July 18, 1935. Best known for its role in the US Army Air Forces' daylight strategic bombing campaign during World War II, the B-17 could fly high and had a long range, and was capable of defending itself from enemy fighters. It was also tough, withstanding extensive battle damage, and was capable of carrying a 6,000 lb bombload. The B-17 became one of the symbols of Allied air power, equipping 32 overseas combat groups and dropping a total of 580,631 metric tons of bombs on European targets. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale B-17 series includes the early war B-17E and late war B-17F and B-17G variants. Corgi's WWII heavy bombers are some of the most sought after diecast models available in 1:72 scale. True to the "Flying Fortress" name, the model is bristling with M2 Browning .50 caliber machine guns, including those found on the rotating top and bottom ball turrets. Detail of the massive Wright R-1820-97 "Cyclone" engines can be spied inside the cowlings while supercharger detail is clearly visible on the underside of each engine nacelle. The wings feature deployable flaps and simulated die-icing boots on the leading edges while the bomb-bay doors are hinged to reveal an ordnance load of eight 500 lb bombs. The mold comprises a large number of diecast components including the fuselage, wings and empennage and includes a heavily constructed all metal display-stand to support this massive aircraft for in-flight display.
© Copyright 2003-2013 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.
