The remarkable and acclaimed movie, loosely based on actual events, starred Matthew Modine, Sean Astin, Harry Connick JR, Billy Zane, Eric Stoltz, D.B. Sweeney and John Lithgow. A number of real B-17’s were located for filming with some of them being airworthy. With so few real planes available and with such dramatic action required, a number of model miniatures, of differing scales, were required for filming.

The model here is one of the beautifully constructed large scale versions. It measures approximately 12 ½ feet long and 3 ½ feet tall. The wingspan is a very impressive 17 feet. The wing sections are removable for transportation.

229451 is the tail number for “Mamas Boys” This stunning model is highly detailed as you would expect for a creation this size. There are 4 crew inside the plane, each be seen through their respective windows. Each character is accurately represented by a 12 inch puppet. Detail here is maintained with each wearing a brown leather style jacket, flight cap and oxygen mask. There is a bombardier at the front, a top turret gunner, a pilot and co-pilot.

Mama’s Boys was one of the aircraft in the Memphis Belle’s squadron, seen during take-off and when the aircraft are waiting on the ground. This particular model was used during the aerial combat sequences en route to the squadron’s target, where large-scale bomber models were needed to bring the terrifying bomber crew experience to life.

The nose art features a female factory worker with a spanner in one hand a small, struggling Nazi in the other. The exterior detail to the fuselage is incredible, right down to rivets, fuel spills and dirt. The side of the fuselage bears the unit identification markings of the 324th Bomb Squadron, DF and the letter P.

This extravagant model was the most detailed created by the model makers for Memphis Belle and is filled with internal equipment for use in special effects. This is a motion control version and was supported by a pole mount on set, with the pole capable of being inserted at various locations. The interior features an elaborate network of special effects wires and pipes which allow gas to run to the miniature machine guns dotted around the plane. The gas, once ignited, gave the convincing illusion of gun fire and the smoke that ensues. The same mechanism also allows the top and under gunner turrets to rotate.

The propellers work independently and are still functional. They are powered by a 12V DC supply. The plane is in generally excellent condition given its age and extensive use.

The model has undergone some sympathetic restoration after being in storage since the movie wrapped. This specialized work was overseen by one of the UK’s leading model makes Robbie Scott. He was assisted by Steve Onions and Nigel Blake both of whom worked on this very model during its original creation.

Click play on the video below to see the model's engines in action!