Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Diecast Model USAAF 99th BG, 346th BS, '2nd Patches', Tortella, Spain, 1944

 Diecast Model USAAF 99th BG, 346th BS, '2nd Patches', Tortella, Spain, 1944

On 31st March 1944 B-17F 'Patches' of the 346th BS/99th BG effectively 'switched' places with B-17G 42-38201 of the 815th BS/483rd BG. The latter aircraft is seen here with a replacement wing panel, fin and crew access door. It carries 20 mission symbols and wears 99th BG late war markings with the addition of a shark-toothed chin turret which is a point of debate over when or if it, in fact, had been decorated as such. The black diamond Y represents the 99th Bomb Group and the 'I' the 346th Bomber Squadron. '2nd Patches' crashed on take off on the 24th August 1844 and was salvaged, whilst the original 'Patches' only survived until 31st March 1944.

Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress

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.

Corgi's 1:72 scale B-17 series includes the early war B-17E and late war B-17F and B-17G variants. Corgi's WWII heavy bombers are some of the most sought after diecast models available in 1:72 scale. True to the "Flying Fortress" name, the model is bristling with M2 Browning .50 caliber machine guns, including those found on the rotating top and bottom ball turrets. Detail of the massive Wright R-1820-97 "Cyclone" engines can be spied inside the cowlings while supercharger detail is clearly visible on the underside of each engine nacelle. The wings feature deployable flaps and simulated die-icing boots on the leading edges while the bomb-bay doors are hinged to reveal an ordnance load of eight 500 lb bombs. The mold comprises a large number of diecast components including the fuselage, wings and empennage and includes a heavily constructed all metal display-stand to support this massive aircraft for in-flight display.

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.