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B-24 Liberator Model, USAAF, “Sky Witch” - Corgi AA34004
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Description
Corgi Aviation Archive Series Diecast Model
Consolidated B-24D Liberator - “Sky Witch”, Captain J.J. Ryan, 400th BS, 90 BG, USAAF, Mokmer Airstrip, Biak, November, 1944
1:72 scale. Length: 11.25". Wingspan: 18"
Limited Edition
This B-24D Liberator wore standard Olive Drab camouflage and was modified with a B-24J style nose turret. Internally the B-24D had been specially equipped for long-distance photo and visual reconnaissance through the fitment of an additional four 400-gallon fuel tanks on the command deck. Coming off the production line on July 28, 1942, it made its first shakedown flight 48 hours later and was delivered on August 2nd. It became one of the early B-24D Liberators to go to war with the ‘Jolly Rogers’ in late 1942. On November 7, 1944 and with Captain J.J. Ryan as pilot, 'Sky Witch' set forth on a search for an expected Japanese fleet in Brunei Bay days after the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Fighting a continuous forty-minute air battle with at least nine A6M5 Zeroes, the Liberator was credited with downing at least four. Getting clear it managed to fly a thousand miles back to friendly territory with photos and other intelligence, but the force of the battle had damaged the aircraft beyond repair and it never flew again.
The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber, designed and largely built by the Consolidated Aircraft Company, San Diego, California. 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 American military or naval aircraft. The B-24 Liberator was used by several Allied air forces and navies, and by every branch of the American armed forces during the war, attaining a distinguished war record with its operations in the Western European, Pacific, Mediterranean, and China-Burma-India Theaters. Between 1940 and 1945 a total of 18,482 B-24's were built.
Often compared with the better-known B-17, the B-24 was a more modern design with a higher top speed, greater range and heavier bomb load. However, it was also more difficult to fly, with heavy control forces and poor formation-flying characteristics. Popular opinion among aircrews and general's staffs tended to favor the B-17s rugged qualities above all other considerations in the European Theater.
The Corgi Aviation Archive features a wide selection of high quality, ready-made, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft. Corgi models are built with diecast metal and some plastic components.
The models in the Corgi Aviation Archive series feature: realistic panel lines, a detailed cockpit with pilot figure, historically accurate aircraft markings and landing gear with rubber tires. They can be displayed with the landing gear down or 'in flight' on the included stand.
Shipping is available only within the continental USA
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