Corgi Showcase Noseart Series CS90397
Consolidated B-24J Liberator Diecast Model
USAAF, "Tubarao"
| 1:300 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Consolidated B-24J Liberator | | 2.75" | | 4.5" |
The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber, built by Consolidated Aircraft. It was produced in greater numbers than any other American combat aircraft of World War II and still holds the record as the most produced U.S. military aircraft. It was used by many Allied air forces and every U.S. branch of service during the war, attaining a distinguished war record with its operations in the northern European, Pacific and Mediterranean theaters.
Often compared to the better known B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-24 was a more modern design with a higher top speed and greater range yet it had a similar bomb load and defensive armament. Nevertheless, popular opinion among aircrews and general staff tended to favor the B-17's rugged qualities above all other considerations. The B-24 was notorious among American air crews for its tendency to catch fire. The placement of the B-24's fuel tanks throughout the upper fuselage and its lightweight construction, designed both to increase range and optimize a ssembly line production, made the aircraft vulnerable to battle damage. The B-24 was more difficult to fly as well, with heavy control forces and poor formation flying characteristics. The B-24 nevertheless provided excellent service in a variety of roles thanks to its large payload and long range.
Designed to meet a USAAC requirement for a heavy bomber with performance superior to that of the B-17, the B-24 was first flown on December 29th, 1939. Somewhat overshadowed by the popularity of the B-17, the B-24 was actually produced in larger numbers than any American aircraft during WWII with 18,431 aircraft eventually produced. The B-24 was a more modern design than the B-17 with a higher top speed and greater range with a similar bomb load and defensive armament eventually being deployed to all theaters of war: Africa, Europe, India, the Atlantic and the Pacific. The first model produced on a large scale between was the B-24D, featuring a "greenhouse" nose, two waist-gunners and a top-side turret. Found to be vulnerable to head-on attack, the design was modified leading to the B-24H and the B-24J models which included a nose turret and a ball turret that, unlike the B-17, could be retracted into the belly when not in use. The Liberator's distinctive slab-sided fuselage helped it earn the nickname "Flying Boxcar".© Copyright 2003-2009 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Showcase Collection Noseart Series" presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft paired with a scale reproduction noseart panel. During WW2, young airmen separated from home, family, loved ones and a familiar way of life often sought ways of escaping the harsh reality of war by personalising their aircraft with what has become known as nose art. Humour, slogans, nicknames, cartoons, girls; all were used to bring a touch of light relief to their deadly day-to-day existence. The Corgi Showcase range aims to capture some of the superb works of art that adorned aircraft on all sides of the conflict. Each model is displayed alongside a diecast body panel featuring the art in colourful, large-scale detail.
Corgi "Showcase Collection Noseart Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Diecast metal larger scale noseart panel.
- Realistic panel lines and surface details.
- Pad printed markings that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Poseable stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Moving parts such as propellers, rotors and swing-wings where applicable.
- Descriptive, collectible data card.
© Copyright 2003-2009 The Flying Mule, Inc.
