Franklin Mint Armour Collection B11F001
Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Diecast Model
USAAF Air Rescue Service, Puerto Rico, 1951, (SB-17G) |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress | | 18.5" | | 26" |
The USAF Air Rescue Service of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) operated SB-17s as open ocean search and rescue aircraft during the late 1940s and early to mid-1950s.
SB-17G (Serial #44-83575) is a true survivor. She was built in Long Beach, California by the Douglas Aircraft Company in 1945 and served in both the USAF ASRS and MATS. In April 1952, #44-83575 was instrumented and subjected to the effects of three different nuclear explosions. After a thirteen-year "cool down" period, #44-83575 was sold as part of an 800-ton scrap pile and Aircraft Specialties Company began the restoration of the aircraft. After serving as a fire-bomber for another twenty years, she was purchased by the Collings Foundation and restored once again, this time back to wartime configuration, and re-painted as #42-31909 "Nine-O-Nine". She is still flying and now tours the United States Airshow circuit each year.
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 2003-2012 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Franklin Mint's 1:48 scale B-17 series brings new meaning to the term "heavy bomber." Weighing in at almost 8 pounds, these are quite possibly the largest and heaviest diecast models on the market. In this large scale, the series is able to capture detail that can be lost in smaller scales, such as the beautifully detailed "Norden" bombsight, which is easily visible through the nose copula. The canopy is removable, providing a clear view of the large cockpit interior, nicely detailed pilot and co-pilot instruments and controls, and a well detailed bulkhead that leads further into the interior. Rotating and pivoting machine gunner positions (in most releases) and Wright "Cyclone" engine detail inside the engine cowlings add a finishing touch.
© Copyright 2003-2012 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" range presents diecast detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. Armour Collection diecast airplanes from The Franklin Mint require no glueing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box. Made from diecast metal and plastic components, the die cast airplanes in the Franklin Mint's Armour Collection are 100% true to scale.
Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" 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.
- Detailed cockpit interiors.
- No pilot figures.
- Sturdy fixed metal landing gear for static display.
- Authentic fixed ordnance loads.
- Accurately detailed underside.
© Copyright 2003-2012 The Flying Mule, Inc.
