{"product_id":"level-3-model-kit-consolidated-b-24d-liberator-bomber-aircraft-with-2-scheme-options-1-72-plastic-model-kit-by-airfix","title":"Level 3 Model Kit Consolidated B-24D Liberator Bomber Aircraft with 2 Scheme Options 1\/72 Plastic Model Kit by Airfix","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrand new plastic model kit of Consolidated B-24D Liberator Bomber Aircraft with 2 Scheme Options (Level 3) 1\/72 plastic model kit by Airfix.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrand new box.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVintage style packaging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOfficially licensed product.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContains 258 detailed parts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes NOT include display stand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaint and cement required (not included).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManufacturer's original unopened packaging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParts molded in Light Gray, unless otherwise indicated.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes decals to design the plane in 2 different schemes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions approximately L-18.3, W-11.75 inches assembled.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color -  #ff0000;\"\u003eHISTORY ASPECTS - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Consolidated B-24D-25-CO Liberator, serial number 41-24301 and famously known as Lady Be Good, was assigned to the 514th Bomb Squadron, 376th Bomb Group, Ninth Air Force during World  II. Operating out of Soluch Airfield in Libya, the 376th Bomb Group was tasked with long-range bombing missions deep into Axis territory across the Mediterranean. On April 4, 1943, Lady Be Good took off on her very first combat mission—a raid on Naples, Italy. Encountering poor weather and heavy winds, the crew became separated from the formation and ultimately turned back tod base after failing to locate the target.\u003cbr\u003eDue to navigation difficulties, sandstorms, and the absence of visible landmarks in the desert night, the crew overshot their home base without realizing it, flying deep into the Libyan Desert. Believing they were still over the Mediterranean, the crew bailed out when fuel ran low. The aircraft, however, continued flying on autopilot for several miles before making a gentle, wheels-up landing in the desert. The crew landed far from the wreck and, with limited supplies, attempted to walk north tod presumed safety. Tragically, all nine men perished in the unforgiving desert, succumbing to heat, dehydration, and exhaustion over an eight-day ordeal.\u003cbr\u003eThe Lady Be Good remained undiscovered for 16 years, preserved almost perfectly by the arid conditions until an oil exploration team found the wreck in 1959. The discovery sparked international interest and led to recovery efforts that brought closure to one of aviation’s most compelling mysteries. Today, the story of Lady Be Good stands as a powerful reminder of the perils faced by WWII aircrews, the harsh realities of desert fare, and the resilience of those who served. Parts of the aircraft are preserved in various museums across the United States, keeping its legacy alive for future generations.\u003cbr\u003eThis 1 - 72 scale model replicates the aircraft as it appeared during its fateful 1943 mission, complete with authentic weathering and squadron markings. A must-have for aviation historians and collectors, this model not only captures the sleek lines of the Liberator but also tells the remarkable and tragic story of one of World  II’s most enduring legends.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"2736","offers":[{"title":"multicolor","offer_id":43471787819068,"sku":"5f8d5087-a33c-4afd-99c9-6e0df67ca01a","price":136.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0291\/4536\/6588\/files\/cf58e0c6b5044ed4a11846f82b208aa2.jpg?v=1757008072","url":"https:\/\/shop.simon.com\/products\/level-3-model-kit-consolidated-b-24d-liberator-bomber-aircraft-with-2-scheme-options-1-72-plastic-model-kit-by-airfix","provider":"ShopSimon","version":"1.0","type":"link"}