Budd Conestoga Flying Tiger Line

Budd Conestoga Flying Tiger Line airplane model. On October 31, 1943, the Budd RB Conestoga made its first flight, marking a unique chapter in American aviation history. Built by the Budd Company from stainless steel—a response to wartime fears of aluminum shortages—the RB-1 was designed as a Navy cargo transport. Though only 20 were produced and none saw combat, the Conestoga introduced innovative construction methods like Budd’s “shotweld” technique, influencing future airlifter designs. Today, one surviving RB-1 remains on display at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Arizona.

Scale 1/72. Wingspan 16 inches, Length 12 inches