Corgi AA33318 1:72 Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress USAAF 305th BG Flak Eater 1944
- Description
- Condition
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
A magnificent, heavyweight 1:72 scale diecast masterpiece replicating one of the most iconic and visually striking heavy bombers to serve in the European theater of World War II. This premium replica within Corgi's Aviation Archive Collector Series (AA33318) honors the legendary Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress (Serial #44-6009), famously nicknamed "Flak Eater".
Operating with the USAAF 305th Bombardment Group, 364th Bombardment Squadron out of RAF Chelveston, England, in August 1944, this aircraft was a vital component of the Allied daylight strategic bombing campaign. To counter the devastating head-on frontal attacks preferred by Luftwaffe fighter pilots, the definitive "G" variant of the Flying Fortress introduced an electrically operated Bendix chin turret. The crew of "Flak Eater" took full advantage of this new defensive asset, painting a highly distinctive and aggressive "shark mouth" design directly onto the chin turret to serve as a psychological deterrent to oncoming enemy fighters.
Despite the incredibly hostile and chaotic nature of the air war over occupied Europe, "Flak Eater" proved its name and vindicated the decision to apply the predatory nose art. The bomber successfully navigated through intense flak and fighter opposition to complete at least 28 combat missions, surviving the war relatively unscathed. After its valiant service, the aircraft returned to the United States in June 1945, where it was later scrapped at Kingman Army Airfield, Arizona.
Highly sought after by advanced military historians and aviation collectors, Corgi's 1:72 scale B-17 series is widely regarded as some of the finest, high-weight diecast models available. This massive replica boasts exceptional structural detailing and features an array of defensive armaments, including finely molded M2 Browning .50 caliber machine guns, alongside fully rotating top and ball turrets.
The model's wings feature functional deployable flaps and realistically simulated black de-icing boots on the leading edges. Underneath, the four detailed engine cowlings house accurately rendered Wright R-1820-97 "Cyclone" engines, complete with visible supercharger details on the bottom of each engine nacelle. For an incredible display of operational realism, the hinged bomb-bay doors can be opened to reveal a fully sculpted ordnance payload consisting of eight 500 lb bombs. Included is a heavy-duty, all-metal presentation stand to support this historic heavy bomber in a dynamic in-flight configuration.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA33318
Aircraft: Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
Serial/Tail Code: #44-6009
Nose Art / Nickname: "Flak Eater"
Unit: USAAF 305th Bombardment Group, 364th Bombardment Squadron (305th BG, 364th BS)
Base Command: RAF Chelveston, Northamptonshire, England
Livery Theme: Natural Metal Finish with "Shark Mouth" Chin Turret and Green Tail Fin
Date/Period: August 1944 (World War II)
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition: 1,300 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight Diecast Metal
Special Features: Massive solid metal construction, iconic "shark mouth" chin turret graphics, rotating top and ball defensive gun turrets, clear cockpit and nose glazing, highly detailed Wright R-1820-97 "Cyclone" engines, underside supercharger detail, deployable wing flaps, simulated de-icing boots on wing leading edges, functional hinged bomb-bay doors, pre-loaded 8x 500 lb ordnance bomb load, heavy-duty all-metal presentation flight stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 12.25" or 31.1 cm
Width (Wingspan): 17.25" or 43.8 cm
Model Condition -
Box condition -
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
This model has sold. Its condition details have been removed because they described the specific item that was available. If another example becomes available, it will be inspected and listed with its own condition details and photographs.
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Dispatch & Tracking
Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.
If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.
Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.
UK Delivery
-
Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.
-
Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.
-
Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.
-
Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.
-
Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.
Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.
If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.
Import Duties & Taxes
For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.
Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.
If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.
We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.
Returns
You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.
Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.
We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.
Choose options
- Description
- Condition
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
A magnificent, heavyweight 1:72 scale diecast masterpiece replicating one of the most iconic and visually striking heavy bombers to serve in the European theater of World War II. This premium replica within Corgi's Aviation Archive Collector Series (AA33318) honors the legendary Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress (Serial #44-6009), famously nicknamed "Flak Eater".
Operating with the USAAF 305th Bombardment Group, 364th Bombardment Squadron out of RAF Chelveston, England, in August 1944, this aircraft was a vital component of the Allied daylight strategic bombing campaign. To counter the devastating head-on frontal attacks preferred by Luftwaffe fighter pilots, the definitive "G" variant of the Flying Fortress introduced an electrically operated Bendix chin turret. The crew of "Flak Eater" took full advantage of this new defensive asset, painting a highly distinctive and aggressive "shark mouth" design directly onto the chin turret to serve as a psychological deterrent to oncoming enemy fighters.
Despite the incredibly hostile and chaotic nature of the air war over occupied Europe, "Flak Eater" proved its name and vindicated the decision to apply the predatory nose art. The bomber successfully navigated through intense flak and fighter opposition to complete at least 28 combat missions, surviving the war relatively unscathed. After its valiant service, the aircraft returned to the United States in June 1945, where it was later scrapped at Kingman Army Airfield, Arizona.
Highly sought after by advanced military historians and aviation collectors, Corgi's 1:72 scale B-17 series is widely regarded as some of the finest, high-weight diecast models available. This massive replica boasts exceptional structural detailing and features an array of defensive armaments, including finely molded M2 Browning .50 caliber machine guns, alongside fully rotating top and ball turrets.
The model's wings feature functional deployable flaps and realistically simulated black de-icing boots on the leading edges. Underneath, the four detailed engine cowlings house accurately rendered Wright R-1820-97 "Cyclone" engines, complete with visible supercharger details on the bottom of each engine nacelle. For an incredible display of operational realism, the hinged bomb-bay doors can be opened to reveal a fully sculpted ordnance payload consisting of eight 500 lb bombs. Included is a heavy-duty, all-metal presentation stand to support this historic heavy bomber in a dynamic in-flight configuration.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA33318
Aircraft: Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
Serial/Tail Code: #44-6009
Nose Art / Nickname: "Flak Eater"
Unit: USAAF 305th Bombardment Group, 364th Bombardment Squadron (305th BG, 364th BS)
Base Command: RAF Chelveston, Northamptonshire, England
Livery Theme: Natural Metal Finish with "Shark Mouth" Chin Turret and Green Tail Fin
Date/Period: August 1944 (World War II)
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition: 1,300 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight Diecast Metal
Special Features: Massive solid metal construction, iconic "shark mouth" chin turret graphics, rotating top and ball defensive gun turrets, clear cockpit and nose glazing, highly detailed Wright R-1820-97 "Cyclone" engines, underside supercharger detail, deployable wing flaps, simulated de-icing boots on wing leading edges, functional hinged bomb-bay doors, pre-loaded 8x 500 lb ordnance bomb load, heavy-duty all-metal presentation flight stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 12.25" or 31.1 cm
Width (Wingspan): 17.25" or 43.8 cm
Model Condition -
Box condition -
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
This model has sold. Its condition details have been removed because they described the specific item that was available. If another example becomes available, it will be inspected and listed with its own condition details and photographs.
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Dispatch & Tracking
Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.
If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.
Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.
UK Delivery
-
Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.
-
Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.
-
Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.
-
Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.
-
Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.
Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.
If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.
Import Duties & Taxes
For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.
Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.
If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.
We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.
Returns
You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.
Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.
We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.
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