Corgi Showcase Noseart Series CS90358
Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress Diecast Model
USAAF 91st BG, 324th BS, "Memphis Belle" |
| 1:300 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress | | 3" | | 4.25" |
The most famous Boeing bomber of them all, B-17F 41-24485 was 'rolled out' of the Seattle factory on 2 July 1942 and officially handed over the USAAF 13 days later. It was issued to the 91st BG on 31 August at Dow Field, Bangor Maine, where the unit was being equipped with 36 new B-17Fs before being sent to a combat zone. The aircraft was assigned to 2Lt Robert K Morgan and his crew in the 324th BS, and the B-17 received its now famous "MEMPHIS BELLE" name and nose art soon afterwards. The name was inspired by Bob Morgan's sweetheart, Margaret Polk, who lived in the city. Morgan's love affair with Miss Polk would be one of the most publicised USAAF romances of World War 2, and throughout his time in Europe, he flew the "MEMPHIS BELLE" with her photo taped to the instrument panel.
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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Showcase Collection Noseart Series" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft paired with a scale reproduction noseart panel.
During WW2, young airmen separated from home, family, loved ones and a familiar way of life often sought ways of escaping the harsh reality of war by personalising their aircraft with what has become known as nose art. Humour, slogans, nicknames, cartoons, girls; all were used to bring a touch of light relief to their deadly day-to-day existence. The Corgi Showcase range aims to capture some of the superb works of art that adorned aircraft on all sides of the conflict. Each model is displayed alongside a diecast body panel featuring the art in colourful, large-scale detail.
Corgi "Showcase Collection Noseart Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Diecast metal larger scale noseart panel.
- Realistic panel lines and surface details.
- Pad printed markings that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Poseable stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Moving parts such as propellers, rotors and swing-wings where applicable.
- Descriptive, collectible data card.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
