Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA31101
Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Diecast Model
RAF No.214 Sqn
| 1:144 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress | | 6.25" | | 8.75" |
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a four-engine heavy bomber aircraft developed for the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC). Competing against Douglas and Martin for a contract to build 200 bombers, the Boeing entry outperformed both the other competitors and more than met the Air Corps' expectations. Although Boeing lost the contract due to the prototype's crash, the Air Corps was so impressed with Boeing's design that they ordered 13 B-17s. The B-17 Flying Fortress went on to enter full-scale production and was considered the first truly mass-produced large aircraft, eventually evolving through numerous design advancements.
The B-17 was primarily employed by the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) in the daylight precision strategic bombing campaign of World War II against German industrial, civilian and military targets. The United States Eighth Air Force based in England and the Fifteenth Air Force based in Italy complemented the RAF Bomber Command's nighttime area bombing in Operation Pointblank, to help secure air superiority over the cities, factories and battlefields of Western Europe in preparation for Operation Overlord. The B-17 also participated, to a lesser extent, in the War in the Pacific, where it conducted raids against Japanese shipping.
Designed to meet the USAAC requirement for a multi-engine long-range bomber, the B-17 was first flown on July 28th, 1935. During a lifelong improvement program, the B-17 received upgrades such as additional guns, raising the total number from seven to 13. These improvements helped the 15-ton aircraft earn its nickname "Flying Fortress." Noted for its ability to absorb heavy battle damage, complete its mission and return home safely, the B-17 operated in every WWII theatre involving US Forces. It accounted for over 290,000 sorties against ground installations and dropped over 640,000 tons of bombs.© Copyright 2003-2009 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi’s 1:144 scale B-17 series includes the early war B-17E and late war B-17F and B-17G variants. The cockpit canopy, ball turrets and rear gunner’s canopy feature transparent windows, a feature uncommon in smaller scales. All machine gun stations include a sturdy all-metal machine gun that won’t bend or break. These models are constructed almost entirely of diecast metal with only the smallest amount of plastic, a common quality of most of Corgi’s 1:144 series aircraft. The tail and wing with integrated engine nacelles are solid diecast metal. Radial engine detail is present inside the engine nacelles behind the thinly stamped all-metal propellers.
© Copyright 2003-2009 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" 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.
- Optional 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 pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as airbrakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2009 The Flying Mule, Inc.
