Sally B: The Story Behind Corgi’s B-17G Flying Fortress Model

Some model aircraft earn their place in a collection through a personal connection. They recall an airshow, a museum visit or a moment when an aircraft first caught their attention. For enthusiasts who associate Sally B with Duxford, Corgi’s AA33323 offers exactly that appeal.

This 1:72-scale Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress represents 44-85784 / G-BEDF, the aircraft operated by B-17 Preservation Ltd. Behind the name is a story of preservation, determination, and remembrance.

From 1945 to Duxford

Sally B was built at the Lockheed-Vega factory in Burbank, California, and accepted by the United States Army Air Forces in June 1945. She arrived too late to serve in wartime combat.

Ted White brought the aircraft to Britain in 1975, beginning her long association with Duxford. Named after his companion Elly Sallingboe, Sally B went on to become a familiar airshow participant and a flying tribute to American airmen. Her screen appearances included the film Memphis Belle, introducing her to audiences beyond the airshow circuit. Read Sally B’s official history.

A distinctive tribute

One of Sally B’s most recognisable features is the black and yellow chequered cowling on her starboard inner engine. It commemorates Ted White, echoing the markings of his Harvard aircraft.

That detail gives the aircraft’s appearance a personal significance. It remembers the man who brought Sally B to Britain and helped establish the preservation effort that followed. Discover Ted White’s story.

Sally B in 1:72 scale

Corgi’s AA33323 translates this famous aircraft into a painted diecast collectable with a 44cm wingspan. At 32.5cm long and 7cm high, it deserves a little planning when choosing a display position.

The model comes with a cradle, a display base, and a limited-edition certificate. Its 1:72 scale makes it an appealing subject for collectors building a display of aircraft in a common scale, while the Sally B identity gives it a direct connection to the British preservation scene.

It is an adult collectable, with Corgi specifying that it is unsuitable for children under 14. View the manufacturer’s specifications.

Choosing a place in your collection

A Sally B model could form the focus of a Duxford-themed display, sit alongside other preserved aircraft or serve as a reminder of a day spent watching flying displays.

Allow space around the wingtips so the aircraft’s outline can be appreciated. A label with the name, registration and scale can also help visitors connect the miniature with its full-size subject.

Explore the Corgi AA33323 Sally B model and bring a piece of Duxford’s aviation story to your collection.