Art print "Twilight's Last Crucible" by Artist Craig Tinder, showing a B-17 flying through the clouds at sunset.

Each print is a 2-inch gallery wrapped canvas.

Each framed canvas has a 2-inch solid hardwood frame.

Paper prints are available in multiple sizes.

Art print "Twilight's Last Crucible" by Artist Craig Tinder, showing a B-17 flying through the clouds at sunset. Available in 2 canvas sizes.

Picture of B-17G Flying Fortress relic included with canvas print.

Original oil painting of Art print "Twilight's Last Crucible" by Artist Craig Tinder, showing a B-17 flying through the clouds at sunset.

Artist Craig Tinder painting the original.

Original painting of B-17 "Twilight's Last Crucible".

Artist Craig Tinder with his original painting of the B-17 "Twilight's Last Crucible".

All prints are available in multiple sizes.

Twilight's Last Crucible - B-17 Flying Fortress Canvas | INCLUDES: Skin Fragment

$149.99

Prints Sizes: A) Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" x 12" - ONLY 30

A) Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" x 12" - ONLY 30
*Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" x 12" WITH WOOD FRAME
B) Framed Canvas WITH RELIC - 30" x 20" - ONLY 20
C) Paper Print - 18" x 12" - NO RELIC
D) Paper Print - 24" x 16" - NO RELIC
E) Original Oil Painting

Product variants

A) Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" x 12" - ONLY 30

$149.99

Description

"Twilight's Last Crucible" by Artist Craig Tinder

This art piece by Craig Tinder portrays the B-17G Flying Fortress known as, Princess Pat as she appeared during her final flight on 25 March 1945.

The Story Behind the Print:

On 25 March 1945, Princess Pat, a B-17G Flying Fortress belonging to the 381st Bombardment Group, 533rd Bombardment Squadron (VP-X), embarked on a crucial evening test flight following an intense combat mission the day before. Piloted by Captain Charles H. "Hotrock" Carpenter, the crew aimed to verify repairs made after sustaining damage during the previous day’s operation, where Princess Pat played a key role in striking the Luftwaffe night fighter base at Twente, Holland. This strategic target was vital in disrupting the German air defense, particularly to support the Allied airborne assault during the crossing of the Rhine River, marking the final offensive push in Europe.

The mission on 24 March, in which Princess Pat took part, was pivotal in hampering German air operations as the Allies prepared to initiate Operation Varsity—the massive airborne operation that would help secure the Rhine crossing. The precision bombing at the crossroads of the Twente airbase was crucial in weakening German air resistance ahead of the airborne deployment. After completing this high-stakes operation, Princess Pat required mechanical assessments and repairs, leading to the evening test flight on 25 March.

As the crew carried out their test flight, all seemed to proceed smoothly. However, tragedy struck during the landing phase when the aircraft unexpectedly caught fire and became engulfed in flames. Despite the harrowing incident, all crew members managed to escape the inferno unharmed. Though the aircraft was lost, the survival of the crew was a small victory, a testament to their training and quick response in the face of disaster.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!

About the Relic & Process

This relic fragment was removed from B-17G-95-DL Flying Fortress, 44-83872, during a port wing spar restoration in 2001. Originally manufactured at the Douglas Aircraft Corporation in Long Beach, CA, it was delivered on July 12, 1945. The aircraft served with the U.S. Navy as a PB-1W until 1955. It became privately owned and appeared at General Curtis LeMay's retirement ceremony in 1965. After many years of restoration, the aircraft donned the livery of the 381st Bombardment Group and would be known as "Texas Raiders."

Artist Craig Tinder served as a restorer and Loadmaster on B-17G 44-83872 and personally worked to replace many corroded or replaceable components, fasteners, and aluminum skins. These are among the last pieces remaining of this aircraft and include a mix of Natural Aluminum, Zinc Chromate Yellow, Black, Olive Drab, and Neutral Gray.Wing fragment from B-17 removed during restoration - Relics from these parts are embedded onto "Twilight's Last Crucible" limited edition canvas art

Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig Tinder Artist Craig Tinder with "Texas Raiders" during an airshow in 2012

Disclaimer

By purchasing from Aces In Action, you acknowledge that the product may vary slightly from the images on our website. We use authentic materials from military vehicles and relics, which may contain potentially hazardous substances. These items are not intended for ingestion, inhalation, or use by children. Aces In Action is an independent company, unaffiliated with or endorsed by any other organization. All names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only, in accordance with the Lanham Act. Their use does not imply any official endorsement.