{"product_id":"corgi-aa31801-1-144-boeing-b-29-superfortress-usaaf-58th-bw-esso-express","title":"Corgi AA31801 1:144 Boeing B-29 Superfortress USAAF 58th BW Esso Express","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA monumental long-range heavyweight engineered to strike deep within hostile territories.\u003c\/strong\u003e This highly detailed 1:144 scale diecast model by Corgi (AA31801) replicates the legendary Boeing B-29 Superfortress (#42-6242), affectionately christened \"Esso Express.\" Operating during the final, high-stakes months of World War II, this aircraft served under the USAAF 58th Bombardment Wing, 468th Bombardment Group. The B-29 represented the pinnacle of wartime aviation technology, introducing cutting-edge advancements such as a fully pressurized crew cabin, an advanced analog missile control system, and a network of remote-controlled defensive machine-gun turrets. Designed as a high-altitude daytime strategic bomber, it famously adapted to carry out relentless low-altitude nighttime incendiary missions that ultimately altered the course of the war in the Pacific. This model serves as a definitive tribute to the heavy piston-engine era, finished in an authentic olive drab livery with its distinct tail markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for curators of Pacific theater operations and foundational strategic bomber collections, this Aviation Archive Collector Series release stands as a definitive historical artifact. Despite its compact 1:144 scale, the model is built with a heavy diecast metal construction, weighing in at well over a pound with minimal plastic components. Structural engineering highlights include a solid-metal wing and tail assembly integrated flawlessly with four Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney radial engine nacelles. Fine detailing includes thinly stamped, free-spinning all-metal propellers, internal radial engine details visible behind the cowlings, and transparent glazing on both the nose and the rear gunner's canopy positions. Complete with rigid, all-metal machine gun barrels and an elegant presentation stand to capture the heavy bomber in a commanding flight profile, this premium collectible delivers an uncompromised presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFact Sheet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tcv-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Corgi\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aviation Archive Collector Series\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel code:\u003c\/strong\u003e AA31801\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e Boeing B-29 Superfortress\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSerial\/Tail Code:\u003c\/strong\u003e #42-6242\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose Art \/ Nickname:\u003c\/strong\u003e \"Esso Express\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnit:\u003c\/strong\u003e USAAF 58th Bombardment Wing, 468th Bombardment Group (58th BW, 468th BG)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCampaign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pacific Theater \/ Strategic Firebombing Campaign\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate\/Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e World War II (Late Era)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScale:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1:144\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLimited Edition:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4,000 pieces worldwide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavyweight Diecast Metal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e Authentic olive drab livery, free-spinning all-metal propellers, detailed radial engine faces, transparent nose and tail gunner windows, sturdy all-metal defensive turrets, premium metal presentation display stand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eModel Dimensions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tcv-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.25\" or 21 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWingspan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 11.75\" or 29.8 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eCondition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel Condition - Good (6\/10)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePaint bubbling present on both sides of the vertical stabiliser.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall area of paint loss to the top of the fin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTray rub to the leading edge of the wing, with some paint loss.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePaint cracking\/crazing visible on the grey underside paint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBox condition - Fair (5\/10)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNoticeable wear is present including a rip, flexing to the box and missing surface art. All shown within the images.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePhotographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAny 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.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Corgi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57566552457598,"sku":null,"price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0773\/4640\/6704\/files\/IMG_2444.jpg?v=1781717030","url":"https:\/\/www.thecollectablesvault.com\/products\/corgi-aa31801-1-144-boeing-b-29-superfortress-usaaf-58th-bw-esso-express","provider":"The Collectables Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}