It’s only logical that the most produced bomber aircraft of World War II — the Consolidated B-24 Liberator — would have a prominent place in tattoo imagery for many years.  If you do a quick search here, you’ll certainly find that the B-24 is a popular subject and we’ve said a lot over the past year on the Liberator.

But in this case, let’s talk about the style of the tattoo we find here - new school.  Unlike old school tattoos which use very simple outline and color structure, the new school style broadens the color palette and takes the themes commonly used in old school and applies a certain three dimensional quality to them.  What doesn’t change between new and old is the bold nature of the tattoos — thick lines, dark shading and exaggerated poses.

This new school-style B-24 Liberator, boldly flying through a thunderstorm, was created by artist Brian Donovan of Mercury Tattoo in Glenside, PA.

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It’s hard to believe that out of over 14,000 built, there are only two Consolidated B-24 Liberators still in flying condition.  Though the B-24 was the most produced aircraft of World War II (and still holds the record for most produced multi-engine aircraft) most of them were scrapped after the war for the metal they were made from.  So in other words, your toaster or Frigidaire may have some B-24 in it. 

Despite the scrapping, the two remaining in flying condition are a tribute to the tenacity of American character and a testament to the great craftsmanship and design allowing them to survive for more than six decades.  The oldest B-24, an A model, is flown by the Commemorative Air Force as “Ol’ 927″ and can be seen around the U.S. at airshows and events — and will be joined in the future by it’s sister ship, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress “Fifi”.  The second B-24, a J model, flies as the 8th Air Force’s “Witchcraft” and is operated by the Collings Foundation as part of the Wings of Freedom Tour.  It is operated with the B-17 “Nine O Nine” and the TP-51C Mustang “Betty Jane” at over 120 visits annually.

This great half sleeve featuring two B-24 Liberators was created by tattoo artist Travis Grabhorn of Patriot Tattoo located in Spring Valley, CA.

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Being the most produced multi-engine aircraft in history (with over 18,000 built), the Consolidated B-24 Liberator seems like a fitting aircraft to be immortalized in ink.  More crews flew aboard the B-24, and the aircraft flew more missions and dropped more ordinance than any other aircraft used during World War II.  Though the B-24 wasn’t as popular in the media as it’s sistership, the B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-24 still made up the backbone of the American strategic bombing campaign during the war.

The B-24 saw service in both the European and Pacific Theaters… including the harsh climate of the Aleutians and the heat of North Africa. 

In tribute to the B-24, one of the greatest aircraft of all time, we present this beautiful black and gray tattoo.  Artist Brett J. Barr of Built 4 Speed Tattoo of Orlando, FL completed the piece.

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