1/48 B-26 Marauder US crew (5 figures) (100% new moulds)

This 1/48 scale kit depicts the crew of the B-26 Marauder bomber, one of the key American machines deployed in the European Theater of War. The standard crew consisted of a pilot and co-pilot, as well as a bombardier or navigator and machine gunners providing defense of the aircraft from the dorsal turret and rear station. It was the interplay of the entire crew that was critical to the success of the mission, from accurate navigation and formation keeping to handling the defence when attacked by fighters.

Combat flights of the B-26 gradually became routine, but their difficulty did not diminish. Long routes at high altitudes, the pressure for bombing accuracy, and the constant threat of antiaircraft fire placed an extreme strain on men and equipment. The crews' resilience was especially tested by the intense flak defence over enemy territory, which caused heavy losses even in seemingly "normal" raids.

A memoir by a pilot from the 320th Bombardment Group describes one such mission: Anti-aircraft fire was extremely heavy, one of the B-26s in formation took a direct hit and broke in two while the rest of the formation was going through "hell" in a storm of explosions. Almost every machine was hit by shrapnel. Nevertheless, the B-26 Marauder crews performed their tasks with discipline and determination and contributed significantly to the victory.

The package does not include the paint or adhesives needed for assembly.