Corgi AA34007 Consolidated B-24D Liberator Diecast Model USAAF 448th BG, #41-23809 You Cawn't Miss It, RAF Bungay, England, February 1944, Formation Assembly Ship

Consolidated B-24D Liberator Diecast Model
USAAF 448th BG, #41-23809 You Cawn't Miss It, RAF Bungay, England, February 1944, Formation Assembly Ship

 The role of the assembly ship in the history of the Liberator is often overlooked. These aircraft were used to help assemble a group formation by providing a visible point of contact for all other Liberators in the group. As such, they were often decorated in a flamboyant manner. Once the group was in formation, the mission leader would take the lead and the assembly aircraft would depart and return to base. These aircraft were stripped of all guns. Within the Eighth Air Force, they were also known as 'Judas Goats' as they were believed to be leading the other B-24's to their destruction. The 448th BG was the last of the Eighth Air Force B-24 units to go operational in December 1943, starting its life with B-24D's.

The B-24 Liberator was designed to fulfill the need of the United States Army Air Corps for a heavy bomber. It was first flown on December 29, 1939. The USAAC had originally asked Consolidated to manufacture the B-17 under license, but the company decided to submit a more modern design that had greater speed, range, and a more substantial bomb load. However, the B-24 was more challenging to fly, had poor formation-flying characteristics, and was more susceptible to battle damage. As a result, it never became the favored bomber among American aircrews. Nevertheless, it was more than serviceable, particularly for long-range missions.

Corgi's 1:72 scale B-24 series includes early war B-24D and late war B-24H and B-24J variants. The collection features a nose gun turret and retractable ball turret. Corgi's WWII heavy bombers are among the most sought-after diecast models in 1:72 scale. The model's popularity is owing to its large size and spot-on recreation of the Liberator's unique shape, in addition to its subtle details such as simulated fabric control surfaces. The mold has a large number of diecast components, and it includes a heavily constructed all-metal display-stand to support this massive aircraft for in-flight display.

Corgi's "Aviation Archive" range offers 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 are present. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals are also included. Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels, poseable presentation stands to display the aircraft "in flight," and many limited editions with numbered certificates of authenticity are part of the package. The collection also includes detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures, authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards, and selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies, and access panels. Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces, and swing-wings are also available.