This aircraft is typical of the natural metal B-24's operated by the 'Jolly Rogers' (90th BG) in the last year of the war. Booby Trap operated from McGuire Field, which the 90th Bombardment Group shared with the 380th BG 'Flying Circus'. The tail markings are well known but less familiar to most is the fact that the 'Jolly Rogers' also had an A-20 and a C-47 with the same emblem, the skull and crossed bombs. The crew of Booby Trap were as follows: Major Stanley P Robeck, Unit Commander; 2 Lt John E Wise Jr, navigator: 2 Lt Irving Weinberg, bombardier; T/Sgt Leon E Lins, engineer; T/Sgt George J Erickson, radio operator; S/Sgt Kenneth A Johnson, gunner: S/Sgt George R Rothenberger, gunner: and S/Sgt James A Bregory, gunner. 44-40193 had made its first flight on 6th March 1944 and was delivered to the AAF at San Diego 48 hours later.
Consolidated B-24J Liberator
Designed to fill a United States Army Air Corps need for a heavy bomber, the B-24 Liberator was first flown on December 29, 1939. The USAAC originally asked Consolidated to build the B-17 under license, but the company instead chose to submit a more modern design with greater speed, greater range and a heavier bomb load. Despite these advantages, the B-24 was more difficult to fly, had poor formation-flying characteristics, and was much more vulnerable to battle damage, which meant it never became the favored bomber among American aircrews. It did prove more than serviceable, however, especially for long-range missions.
Corgi's 1:72 scale B-24 series includes the early war B-24D and late war B-24H and B-24J variants, with the notable addition of a nose gun turret and retractable ball turret. Corgi's WWII heavy bombers are some of the most sought after diecast models available in 1:72 scale. The large size and spot on recreation of the Liberator's distinctive shape has lead to this mold's popularity, along with such subtle details as simulated fabric control surfaces. The mold incorporates a large number of diecast components and includes a heavily constructed all metal display-stand is included to support this massive aircraft for in-flight display.
Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series
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.