Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA33304
Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress Diecast Model
USAAF 97th BG, 414th BS, "Yankee Doodle", RAF Grafton Underwood, England, September 1942
Limited Edition | 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
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| Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress | | 12.25" | | 17.25" |
The first B-17s saw combat in 1941, when the British Royal Air Force took delivery of several B-17s for high-altitude missions. As World War II intensified, the bombers needed additional armament and armor. The B-17E, the first mass-produced model Flying Fortress, carried nine machine guns and a four thousand-pound bomb load. It was several tons heavier than the prototypes and bristled with armament. Upon their arrival in the UK the US Army Air Force re-acquired several B-17Es built for the RAF and these still carried the Dark Earth/Dark Green & Pale Blue camouflage of the RAF. This B-17E took part in the first USAAF combat mission of the 8th Air Force daylight bombing offensive, an attack on the railway marshalling yards at Rouen, France, 17th August 1942. It remained based with 414 Squadron at Grafton Underwood in East Anglia until September 1942.
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 2003-2010 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 ordinance 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 2003-2010 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 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
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