*Postage Stamp PS5410-1 1:350 US Blimp L-8

Postage Stamp PS5410-1 1:350 US Blimp L-8

The L class blimps were commercial airships built by Goodyear Aircraft Company for advertising purposes. They were requisitioned by the US Navy during World War II and were used as training airships and on limited coastal patrols off their base in Moffett Field in California.

On August 16, 1942, the blimp designated as L-8 was on a routine anti-submarine patrol when the airbase lost contact with the crew. The airship was spotted by several witnesses as it went on and off a dense fog bank until finally drifting in from the Pacific Ocean and landing in the streets of Daly City -- without either of the crewmen on board. No trace of both men were ever found.

Such was the Navy’s need for the blimp that the L-8 was quickly rebuilt and pressed back into service. It quickly became known as “The Ghost Blimp” and was avoided by Navy personnel as much as possible. Regardless, the L-8 continued on an active role until it was retired in March of 1944. This Die-cast metal airplane model comes in 1:350 scale with plastic stand and is approximately 5 1/2 inches long and 1 1/2 inch wide.

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