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Code: HM-HA9102    Add to wishlist
Status: Sold out - Discontinued
We regret this item is no longer available for sale. Please see the product description for links to similar items we still have available.

Hobby Master 1:144 Air Power Series HA9102
Consolidated B-24D Liberator Diecast Model
USAAF 392nd BG, #41-23689, RAF Wendling, England, January 1944, Formation Assembly Ship

1:144 Scale   Length   Width
Consolidated B-24D Liberator   5.5"   9.25"

B-24D-1-CO 41-23689 was built in San Diego and delivered on July 18, 1942. It was initially assigned to the USAAF 44th BG and named Minerva. Minerva was one of the first B-24’s to be used in Europe and survived the Ploesti Raid. In January 1944 the aircraft became the property of the 392nd BG and took on the role of assembly ship. This type of aircraft normally was unarmed but Minerva retained some armament for a while. In 1944 the aircraft was damaged and salvaged by the 93rd BG.

The role of the assembly ship in the history of the Liberator is often overlooked. Their use was to help assemble a group formation by providing a point of contact easily visible by all the other Liberators in the group and as such these were often decorated in gaudy fashion. Once the group was in formation the mission leader would take the lead and the assembly aircraft would depart and return to base. As such they were often stripped of all guns. Within the Eighth Air Force they were also known as 'Judas Goats' as they were felt to be leading the other B-24's to their slaughter.

Consolidated B-24D Liberator

Designed to fill a United States Army Air Corps need for a heavy bomber, the B-24 Liberator was first flown on December 29, 1939. The USAAC originally asked Consolidated to build the B-17 under license, but the company instead chose to submit a more modern design with greater speed, greater range and a heavier bomb load. Despite these advantages, the B-24 was more difficult to fly, had poor formation-flying characteristics, and was much more vulnerable to battle damage, which meant it never became the favored bomber among American aircrews. It did prove more than serviceable, however, especially for long-range missions.

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Hobby Master 1:144 Air Power Series

The Hobby Master "1:144 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.

Hobby Master "1:144 Air Power Series" 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.
  • Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
  • Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
  • Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

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