1/48 Revell Germany Martin B-26

 Marauder

by Chip Berseth

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This is a B-26 Marauder from Revell Germany.  While reading "Black Thursday" (about the historic bombing raid to knock out the Schweinfurt ball bearing plants) I was inclined to build something that was bigger than a single engined fighter but smaller than a huge bomber.  So one afternoon I plundered the stash and came out with this little gem.  Another stipulation was that I wanted it to be metallic and not standard OD and Neutral Grey (boring).  With the seed in my mind I set forth to create what I envisioned.

As always, I must remind you that I am just a broke college kid (who luckily works at a hobby shop) so resin and photoetch parts take a backseat to textbooks and school.  I like it though, because in my opinion resin and photoetch are not necessary to produce a nice looking aircraft.  Now, on to the kit.

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Assembly was pretty easy, and the parts fit was decent.  There was some flash but nothing a fresh blade and a few minutes couldn't take care of.  If you decide to ever build this kit, all I can recommend is that you add a bunch of weight to the nose.  She is a tail sitter and every chance she gets she will do so, so you have to deny it to her.

Also, be careful of the wing root area.  Make sure to strengthen that area up, as I noticed that there were gaps on both wings.  I doused the root with medium super glue and made sure it was secure.  It also filled the gaps.  A little sanding and it was good as new.

Antennas were made with stretched sprue.  A simple whip antenna was made to give it a personal touch.

After assembly it was time to paint.  I chose Model Master Aluminum Plate Metalizer in the spray can.  After spraying, drying and buffing it out the metallic finish started to look as I had envisioned it.  Decals were a mix of stock and custom.  The options that come with the kit I thought were kind of boring so I went ahead and made this one truly one of a kind.  It represents "Angel of Doom" from the 394th BG.  With 23 missions under her belt and 6 German fighters destroyed, this aircraft is surely a tool of destruction.

The nose art is an inside story with a close friend of mine.  All clear parts were dipped in Future to make sure they were as clear as the could possibly be. Weathering was kept to a minimum.

 

If you ever get the chance to build this kit, I highly recommend it.  It is a decent kit that falls together well, and is somewhat inexpensive.  Well summer is almost over, so the building frenzy will surely die down.  But it is good to know that I have this beauty under my belt. And for the record I did create exactly what I envisioned.  All in all, a good build for sure.
Chip 

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Photos and text © by Chip Berseth