1/72 Academy B-17G Flying Fortress "Nose Art" #12414
Kicking off the new year with the The 1/72 Academy B-17G Flying Fortress “Nose Art” #12414 kit. This incredible kit includes a detailed scale model of the iconic American heavy bomber from World War II, renowned for its durability, strategic bombing missions, and distinctive nose art.
Scale & Size:
1/72 scale, ideal for moderate detail while remaining compact.
Represents the B-17G variant, equipped with enhanced defensive armament, including the chin turret.
Nose Art Options: The kit includes decals for multiple nose art designs, showcasing the vibrant and sometimes risqué artwork painted on the noses of B-17 bombers during WWII. These historically significant artworks often reflected the personalities of the crews or were meant to boost morale.
The 1/72 Academy B-17G Flying Fortress “Nose Art” #12414 model kit includes decals representing six notable aircraft from various units of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II:
1. “Ruby’s Raiders”
Aircraft: B-17G-50-DL, Serial Number 44-6483
Unit: 550th Bomb Squadron, 385th Bomb Group
Details: This aircraft featured distinctive nose art and was part of the 385th Bomb Group, known for their strategic bombing missions over Europe.
2. “Thunderbird”
Aircraft: B-17G-25-DL, Serial Number 42-38050
Unit: 359th Bomb Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group
Details: “Thunderbird” is one of the most famous B-17s, completing numerous missions and showcasing iconic nose art.
3. “Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby”
Aircraft: B-17G-35-BO, Serial Number 42-32076
Unit: 401st Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group
Details: This aircraft was notable for its successful missions and the distinctive nose art featuring a pin-up girl.
4. “Nine O Nine”
Aircraft: B-17G-30-BO, Serial Number 42-31909
Unit: 323rd Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group
Details: “Nine O Nine” completed over 100 missions without an abort, making it one of the most reliable aircraft in the group.
5. “Mount’n Ride”
Aircraft: B-17G-20-BO, Serial Number 42-31585
Unit: 323rd Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group
Details: This aircraft featured unique nose art and participated in several key missions during the war.
6. “Little Miss Mischief”
Aircraft: B-17G-35-VE, Serial Number 42-97880
Unit: 324th Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group
Details: Known for its distinctive split paint scheme due to repairs, “Little Miss Mischief” had a storied combat history.
These decal options allow modelers to recreate specific historical aircraft, each with its unique artwork and operational history, adding authenticity and personalization to the model.
