Franklin Mint Armour Collection B11F006
Consolidated B-24D Liberator Diecast Model
USAAF Antisubmarine Command, England, 1943
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Consolidated B-24D Liberator | | 16.75" | | 27.5" |
The USAAF Antisubmarine Command was established in October of 1942 to deal with the U-boat threat. They flew such aircraft as Douglas B-18 Bolo, Boeing B-17 Fortress, North American B-25 Mitchell, Lockheed B-34 Ventura, North American O-47, Douglas A-20 Havoc, and Lockheed A-29 Hudson, and the Consolidated B-24 Liberator. Their theatre of operation was the north and Middle Atlantic from Newfoundland to Trinidad, from the Bay of Biscay to the approaches to North Africa. As part of a deal cut with the Navy, the USAAF Antisubmarine Command was disbanded on August 24, 1943, and many of its B-24s were turned over to the US Navy where they were redesignated PB4Y-1.
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 superior to the B-17, the B-24 was first flown on December 29th, 1939. Also known as the Flying Boxcar, the B-24’s bomb load and defensive armament were similar to the B-17, but its design was more modern and it had a higher top speed and greater range. Unlike the B-17, which was vulnerable to head-on attack, design changes in the B-24 included a nose turret and a ball turret that could be retracted into the belly when not in use. 18,431 B-24s were built during WWII, more than any other American aircraft. © 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.
