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 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.
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 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" 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 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
