AA34015 Consolidated B-24H Liberator Diecast Model USAAF 459th BG, 756th BS, #41-28832, Giulia Field, Italy, Late 1944 (Consign)(SH)

Radar-equipped aircraft were known as Mickey ships, and this particular B-24 was converted to the role after its nose had been badly flak-damaged during a mission. Rebuilt with metal sheet, the forward fuselage area was duly adorned with the flamboyant paint job seen here.

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.

1:72 Scale