A highly collectable 1:144 scale three-aircraft presentation set bringing together a famous preserved B-17 Flying Fortress and two of the most recognisable United States Army Air Forces fighter schemes of the Second World War. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive, model 49502 is presented as the USAAF Commemorative Edition.
The centrepiece of the set is Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress “Sally B”, the preserved aircraft registered G-BEDF and carrying the original military serial 44-85784. Based at Duxford for much of its preserved life, Sally B has become an important flying memorial to the American airmen who served in Europe during the Second World War.
The B-17 is represented in its familiar olive-drab and neutral-grey presentation with “Sally B” nose artwork and the markings 41-24485/DF-A. Although the preserved aircraft was completed too late to enter wartime combat, its continued operation has helped preserve the sight and sound of the Flying Fortress for later generations.
The accompanying North American P-51D Mustang represents 44-72218, coded WZ-I and named “Big Beautiful Doll”. This aircraft was flown by Colonel John D. Landers while commanding the 78th Fighter Group from RAF Duxford during the final months of the war in Europe.
Its polished natural-metal finish is complemented by the distinctive black and white chequered nose associated with the 78th Fighter Group, black rudder, colourful nose artwork and prominent United States Army Air Forces insignia.
The third aircraft is Republic P-47D Thunderbolt 42-26671, coded MX-X and named “No Guts No Glory”. Associated with Benjamin Mayo and the 82nd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, the aircraft combines a natural-metal finish with D-Day identification stripes and the group's characteristic black and white chequered engine cowling.
The three models form a commemorative display rather than representing aircraft which operated together as one formation. Together, they celebrate the heavy-bomber, long-range escort and fighter-bomber aircraft associated with the United States Eighth Air Force in Britain.
Produced around 1999, this early Aviation Archive set combines diecast metal construction with detailed plastic components and permanently applied markings. The three aircraft are presented together with their original display arrangement and protective presentation cover.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive
Model code: 49502
Set Title: USAAF Commemorative Edition
Model One: Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
B-17 Aircraft Name: Sally B
B-17 Identity: G-BEDF / 44-85784
B-17 Display Markings: 41-24485 / DF-A
Model Two: North American P-51D Mustang
Mustang Serial: 44-72218
Mustang Markings: WZ-I
Mustang Name: Big Beautiful Doll
Associated Pilot: Colonel John D. Landers
Mustang Unit: USAAF 84th Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group
Model Three: Republic P-47D Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt Serial: 42-26671
Thunderbolt Markings: MX-X
Thunderbolt Name: No Guts No Glory
Associated Pilot: Benjamin I. Mayo
Thunderbolt Unit: USAAF 82nd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group
Associated Base: RAF Duxford, England
Conflict: Second World War
Operator / Country: United States Army Air Forces / United States
Scale: 1:144
Number of Models: Three aircraft
Release Period: Circa 1999
Material: Diecast metal with detailed plastic sub-components
Special Features: Three-aircraft commemorative presentation, Sally B nose artwork, Big Beautiful Doll Mustang markings, No Guts No Glory Thunderbolt markings, authentic USAAF insignia, detailed propeller assemblies, individual aircraft supports and protective presentation cover
Model Dimensions
B-17 Length: Approximately 6.25" or 15.9 cm
B-17 Wingspan: Approximately 8.75" or 22.2 cm
P-51D Length: Approximately 2.7" or 6.8 cm
P-51D Wingspan: Approximately 3.1" or 7.9 cm
P-47D Length: Approximately 3" or 7.6 cm
P-47D Wingspan: Approximately 3.4" or 8.6 cm