✰SHIPS FREE/US✰ REVELL 1/48 B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber “Jaunty Jo” (See text)

Description: This auction is for the 1/48 B-25J B25J MITCHELL kit by REVELL/MONOGRAM*. *REVELL-MONOGRAM (not to be confused with REVELL-Germany, a separate entity) was purchased by Hobbico in 2007. On 30JUN2018, Hobbico declared bankruptcy and went into liquidation. The molds for these beloved kits are in limbo and may never be seen, again. On May 26, 1945, sixteen B-25J Mitchell bombers took off from their base in the Philippines, headed for Taiwan. They were from the 498th Bomb Squadron, part of the 5th Air Force’s 345th Bombardment Group, which had been stationed in the Philippines since November 1944, carrying out missions against shipping along the China coast as well as industrial and infrastructure targets in Taiwan. ‘Jaunty Jo’ crash scene near train station in the city of Miaoli The day’s mission was a raid on the Byoritsu Refinery, located in the northwestern Taiwanese city of Miaoli. US intelligence, which had identified the refinery as “Target No. 85” on Taiwan, estimated that it produced 100,000 barrels of gasoline, kerosene and heavy oil annually. It was a target of some significance. Among the American bombers heading across the sea towards Taiwan was B-25 no. 192, “Jaunty Jo”, piloted by Robert J. Knauf and with a total crew of five. The 16 bombers approached the target almost grazing the treetops. They did so because of the nature of the bombs they were carrying: Parafrag bombs, designed to be dropped with great precision from low altitude, before detonating and breaking into smaller fragments. Parachutes delayed impact long enough for the aircraft to escape unharmed. It was to be the last flight of the “Jaunty Jo.” As it released its parafrag bombs, the left side of the cockpit was hit by shrapnel, and a gaping hole opened next to the pilots. Possibly it sustained other damage as well. Trailed by a dense tail of smoke, the bomber crashed seconds later, killing all on board. The ‘Jaunty Jo’ is enough of a legend to have been turned into a model kits by Hasegawa and REVELL. The official explanation was that a camouflaged anti-aircraft battery near the refinery shot down the plane. However, the extremely low altitude also makes it possible that it was hit by parafrag bombs descending towards the ground after having been dropped by another bomber. Alternatively, fragments from exploding parafrag bombs could perhaps also be the explanation. The truth will probably never be known. The tragic event was photographed from another plane taking part in the mission, providing a lasting testimony to the sacrifices that young men were forced to bring in the Pacific, even after the war in Europe was over. This item has been DISCONTINUED (REVELL-MONOGRAM no longer exists!) and is RARE. CONDITION: Item: Vintage-NEW ►SEALED◄ Box: Perfect Mine is a non-smoking home, but I cannot guarantee that these items have not been in a smoking home. FREE SHIPPING, or anything shipping less than PRIORITY, uses the most economical postage and packaging. Models will always be shipped in more than just what they’re packaged in. SEE MY OTHER AUCTIONS FOR OTHER ITEMS!!! https://www.ebay.com/sch/mathomend/m.html?_trksid=p3692 I will combine my items to save on shipping, if possible! For shipments outside of the US, please check with me for Shipping and Handling charges. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions! Don’t be shy if you’re new to e-bay! The “Fine” Print: If you will not be making an Instant Payment at auction's close, please contact me! I reserve the right to void the auction with no word within 3 days, or no payment within 7. NO NEGOTIATING AFTER THE AUCTION, PLEASE! Ask questions! Once you have bid, you are agreeing to the terms stipulated. Charges are incurred just to list an item, so backing out incurs a loss. Your attempts at negotiations, demands, etc, will be taken as your consent to cancel the transaction(s). FINALLY: I reserve the right to void the auction after closing for reasons of “difficulty”. Again, your being difficult will be your consent to cancel the transaction(s). I do this for fun – well, clearing out mathoms - not profit…

Price: 65 USD

Location: Glendora, California

End Time: 2024-08-26T14:58:43.000Z

Shipping Cost: 10.6 USD