1:72 Scale Diecast Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress Model, USAAF 303rd BG, 358th BS, "Hells Angels", RAF Molesworth, England, 1943 (Limited Edition)

This model measures 12.25" long by 17.25" wide.

Boeing B17F serial number 41-24577, better known as 'Hells Angels', was the first US 8th Air Force B17 to complete 25 missions on May 13th 1943. The following day, Captain Irl E.Baldwin the legendary pilot of 'Hells Angels', became the first officer from the 303rd BG (H) to complete a combat tour of 25 missions after a raid on Kiel, Germany. Taking its name from a 1930 Howard Hughes movie, 'Hells Angels' was assigned to the 358th Bomb Squadron, part of the 303rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at Molesworth in Huntingdonshire, England from 1942-45. In January 1944 the 303rd BG(H) adopted the name of 'Hells Angels' in tribute to one of its most famous planes. After successfully completing 48 missions, Boeing B17F 'Hells Angels' returned to the United States on January 20th 1944 to embark on a morale boosting tour of war production factories. When the tour finished in May 1944, 'Hells Angels' was transferred to the USAAF for use as an aircrew training aircraft before being scrapped in August 1945.

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

* Optional extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels

* Poseable presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight"

* Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity

* Detailed pilot and crew member figures

* Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards

* Selected interchangeable features such as airbrakes, opened canopies and access panels

* Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings

Note: This is a pre-order item and is schedule to ship in February, 2010.