A magnificent and deeply profound 1:72 scale diecast masterpiece honoring the ultimate sacrifice of an elite American bomber crew. This premium replica within Corgi's Aviation Archive Collector Series (AA33319) perfectly represents the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress (Serial #42-31322), affectionately christened "Mi Amigo" ("My Friend" in Spanish) by its bombardier, Lt. Melcher Hernandez. Operating with the USAAF 305th Bombardment Group, 364th Bombardment Squadron out of RAF Chelveston, England, the ten-man crew was assembled from right across America to fly grueling night-intruder and daylight bombing campaigns over occupied Europe to prepare the way for D-Day. On February 22nd, 1944, following a vital raid against a Luftwaffe airfield in Aalborg, Northern Denmark, "Mi Amigo" was knocked out of formation under sustained attack by enemy fighters and intense flak. Heavily crippled, with navigating equipment destroyed and multiple crew members severely wounded, the aircraft limped back home through thick cloud cover. Emerging at low altitude over Sheffield, England, the pilots discovered children playing below in Endcliffe Park; heroically choosing to stay with the plane rather than execute a catastrophic crash-landing directly onto the open grounds, the crew steered the bomber into a nearby wooded bank. All ten men on board paid the ultimate price, a selfless act of valor that completely averted a civilian disaster on the ground.
Highly coveted by advanced military historians for its emotional legacy and incredible display presence, this 1:72 scale model captures the definitive heavy bomber configuration of World War II. Constructed with a substantial diecast metal hull, the large model exhibits exceptional structural accuracy, accurately recreating the Flying Fortress's massive wingspan, sturdy fuselage detailing, and array of defensive firepower. Meticulously finished in its operational USAAF olive drab camouflage livery, the model highlights authentic "WF-V" squadron markings, crisp panel definitions, and high-fidelity custom "Mi Amigo" nose art. Complete with realistic engine nacelles, a clear "greenhouse" nose canopy, rotating top and ball turrets, and full defensive gun setups, this museum-grade replica stands as an enduring, limited-edition tribute to Allied aviation heroism.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA33319
Aircraft: Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
Serial/Tail Code: #42-31322
Nose Art / Nickname: "Mi Amigo" (My Friend)
Unit: USAAF 305th Bombardment Group, 364th Bombardment Squadron (305th BG, 364th BS)
Base Command: RAF Chelveston, Northamptonshire, England
Tragic Memorial Site: Endcliffe Park, Sheffield, England
Date/Period: February 22nd, 1944 (World War II)
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition: 1,300 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight Diecast Metal
Special Features: Substantial solid metal construction weight, authentic "Mi Amigo" custom nose art graphics, No. 305 BG "WF-V" camouflage scheme, rotating defensive gun turrets, clear greenhouse canopy glazing, detailed multi-engine props, custom presentation flight stand included
Model Dimensions
Length: 12.25" or 31.1 cm
Width (Wingspan): 17.25" or 43.8 cm