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 | 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
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| Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress | | 12.25" | | 17.25" |
PLEASE NOTE: This item has a planned release date of March 2010 and is only available for PRE-ORDER at this time.- Orders are not shipped until complete. If you wish to receive in-stock items prior to pre-ordered items, you must place separate orders.
- Release dates are subject to change. Consider them to be estimates as manufacturers frequently revise them.
- Credit Cards are not billed until time of shipment. Check or PayPal payment (not recommended) is required at time of order.
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 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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