Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA34020
Consolidated B-24D Liberator Diecast Model
USAAF 98th BG, #41-11825 Hail Columbia, Ploesti, Romania, Operation Tidal Wave, August 1st 1943 | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Consolidated B-24D Liberator | | 11.25" | | 18.25" |
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One of the lead pilots within a mighty force of 177 B-24 Liberator bombers sent to attack the oil production facilities at Ploiesti, Col John "Killer" Kane had recently requested the return of his personal aircraft "Hail Columbia" in advance of this important mission. Having flown this aircraft many times on previous missions, he handed it over to other crews after promotion to command the USAAF 98th Bomb Group, however, as he was now to take part in this maximum effort raid, wanted his trusted Liberator back. The mission was so vital to the Allied war effort that it would need to be flown at low altitude both to avoid detection and to ensure bombing accuracy, however, a loss rate approaching 50 percent was anticipated by planners hoping to strike a decisive blow.
"Hail Columbia" led the 98th BG to the Astra Romana refinery after the target had already been attacked by lead bombers, flying at rooftop height and straight into the flames and dense smoke of the devastation ahead. Kane released his bombs right over the target, but with his aircraft suffering significant damage, set a course over the Black Sea, across Turkey, and on to the British controlled Island of Cyprus, where he made an emergency landing. Colonel John Riley "Killer" Kane would be one of five "Operation Tidal Wave" airmen to be awarded the Medal of Honor for displaying conspicuous gallantry in the face of the enemy.
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 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale B-24 series includes the early war B-24D and late war B-24H and B-24J variants, with the notable addition of a nose gun turret and retractable ball turret. Corgi's WWII heavy bombers are some of the most sought after diecast models available in 1:72 scale. The large size and spot on recreation of the Liberator's distinctive shape has lead to this mold's popularity, along with such subtle details as simulated fabric control surfaces. The mold incorporates a large number of diecast components and includes a heavily constructed all metal display-stand is included to support this massive aircraft for in-flight display.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" 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 with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
