Boeing B-17F Memphis Belle 1:72 Academy 12495

Plastic model airplane to assemble: Boeing B-17F Memphis Belle 1:72 Academy 12495

We present the model of the legendary Boeing B-17F Memphis Belle airplane in 1:72 scale, produced by Academy. This model is a great opportunity for aviation history and modeling enthusiasts to recreate one of the most famous bombers from World War II.

Model details:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Catalog number: 12495

About the airplane:

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was one of the most important bombers used by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Known for its durability and ability to return to base despite serious damage, the B-17 played a key role in strategic bombings over Europe. It was also used in transport missions, anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue operations.

The Boeing B-17F Memphis Belle is one of the most recognizable bombers from World War II. It was a four-engine heavy bomber that played a crucial role in bombing campaigns over Europe. The Memphis Belle became famous as one of the first USAAF bombers to complete 25 combat missions, which was a significant achievement at the time. After completing its missions, the crew returned to the United States with the airplane to promote war bonds.

The history of Memphis Belle:

The Memphis Belle was introduced into service in July 1942 and assigned to the 91st Bomb Group. Its first missions were conducted from bases in Scotland and England. The airplane was named after Margaret Polk, the beloved of pilot Robert K. Morgan, who lived in Memphis, Tennessee. The name was inspired by the film "Lady for a Night," which featured a riverboat named Memphis Belle. The fuselage of the airplane featured a distinctive graphic of a pin-up girl, created by George Petty from Esquire magazine. After each mission, a bomb symbol was added to the fuselage, as well as swastikas symbolizing downed German aircraft.

After the war, the Memphis Belle was used to promote war bonds and later as a training aircraft. After the war, the airplane was saved from being scrapped by the mayor of Memphis and put on display in the city. Unfortunately, over the years it suffered damage due to weather conditions and vandalism.

In 2005, the restoration process of the Memphis Belle began at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. After many years of work, in May 2018, the airplane was officially put on display, commemorating the 75th anniversary of completing 25 combat missions.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.