Some impressive miniature work supervised by Gordon Jennings.
The clouds made with a smoke machine and shot inside the studio are particularly effective. Very still air and different temperature layers of cold air on the floor and warm air above helps to float the clouds above the studio floor without too much movement.
There are shots where multiple aircraft are in rigid formation, sometimes using models while other shots appear to be painted flat cutouts.
A crashing trainer (T6-Texan) is well done in two separate sequences with models that actually deform like aircraft made of metal during the crash.
Pre-filmed miniature sequences are also extensively used as background plates for the rear projection scenes with the actors.
Occasionally wires can be seen in the shots of the P-40C Warhawk pursuit planes diving towards the camera. These shots also suffer from the model planes getting out of focus as they get closer to the camera.
One other thing to note is that on the hero Y1B17 model used in the end sequence there is an attempt at a realistic paneled surface rather than the smooth skinned models typical of the era. I don't think the raised panel edges are in any way accurate but it looks particularly effective as the plane turns with the light glinting across the textured surface.
The other realistic effect is when one engine loses a blade and you can see the affected engine visibly shaking on the model.
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| This aircraft formation appears to be painted cutouts. |
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| More painted cutouts in the rear projection plate. |
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| This formation is models. |
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| The painted cutouts again. Being painted they are always from the same view. |
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| Back to models again as the spot lights play over their surfaces. |
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| Miniature lit up by the supposed flash of anti aircraft guns during a drill. This is lit like this for just 1 frame of film. |
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| Another flash frame on this miniature environment. |
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| Wires just visible against the clouds. |
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| Depth of field issues with the foreground model very soft focus. |
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| Nice wing deformation in this miniature crash. |
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| Again the miniature aircraft buckles realistically in this crash sequence. |
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| Releasing miniature flares on parachutes. |
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| Pre-filmed miniature plates for rear projection on the live action set. |
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| The speed of the B17 turns are extremely slow in the movie, very odd. |
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| The panelled surface on the model, very unusual for the period. |
