B-24G versus B-24J Liberators

[Rakovica]

Calling for Liberator experts! 🙂

 

I'm trying to determine the exact visual differences between the North American Dallas built nose turret equipped B-24G and the standard B-24J models.

Here's a a couple of photos of the 450th BG B-24G-10-NA 42-78170 ''Destiny Deb'' and B-24G-10-NT 42-78231 ''Satan's Gal'' respectively, as example:

 

 

 

It seems that both Liberators carried the standard Emerson nose turret and B-24J-like bombardier position? I suppose A-6 tail turret?

The key question is how many and what corrections should be done on Hasegawa 1/72 scale B-24J kit to build an accurate B-24G?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

[Boman]

I think you mean B-24H? The B-24G was a B-24D built by Ford, while the B-24H and J were very similar, both with nose turrets. 

 

Wiki gives you some details, although not exhaustive on airframe mods; 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consolidated_B-24_Liberator

 

 

[Boman]

Checked my Squadron and Signals B-24 Liberator in action, and see the B-24G designation was actually used on a B-24D with a turret on the cheak, while the B-24G-1 had the full front gun turret similar to the B-24H and -J.

Essentially the B-24G was a B-24H producted at North American/Dallas facility, while the B-24H was produced at Ford/Willow Run facility. Most if not all B-24G-1's were sent to the 15AF in the Med. 

 

The B-24J in comparison used a Consolidated A-6 turret - same as the rear turret - in the nose, making it slightly longer. It seems however that there was a mix of Consolidated and Emerson deliveries for the nose turret, and you have to check you reference pics to identify exactly what type of front turret "your" plane have. 

[72modeler]

Rakovica,

 

What the others have stated. If you can find a copy or know a fellow modeler who has one, see Allan Griffith's book Consolidated Mess, by Mushroom Models Publications. It is THE definitive reference for all B-24's that were fitted with a nose turret, with detail drawings, photos, and serial numbers for all variations, of which there were a great number! Allan is supposedly also working on a  companion volume covering all B-24 variants without nose turrets. I have the book, and if you have specific B-24 in mind or have a serial number, I would be happy to look for it for you. I am SO glad I bought one while they were still available- an incredible reference work!

Mike