MAC Forum

Technically, this Strombecker B-26 was originally a recognition model designed to suppliment the US Navy/Army program to produce models to be used in training of military personnel. At some point someone, possibly a Martin Aviation employee, decided to finish the airplane in silver like those heading off to war in 1944. It then went into long-term hibernation and reappeared in 2009 missing half of its fin and a bit of nose damage probably from being dropped nose first.

After using it for a few years to develop various re-finish techniques, I decided it had suffered enough and have overhauled it for permanent display. It has been a good soldier and has been given a well deserved rest. To keep it company on display will be a vintage advertisement from Martin using a famous Charles Hubbell painting. Also for display is a vintage 1941 Model Airplane News, a postcard featuring the "prototype" B-26 Marauder and an original Strombecker B-26 Recognition "Spotter Model" Kit. All the literature feature the first B-26 to take flight 25 November 1940 and it is that airplane that became the subject of this presentation.

Regards to All,
Tom

Terrific work, and a fantastic display. Thanks for Sharing!

Toyplaneguy (Mike Smith)

That's beautiful! Your display is very well thought out, and really compliments the model.

Al

I am always very impressed with your refurbs. Again a great job! and ditto on the display. Something to be proud of. Dennis

Thanks All.
I just received a note from Steve Remington that this Strombecker B-26's tale has been added to Part One of the Strombecker Story at his website called CollectAir.com The whole article (as is the website) is an informative, entertaining read so I have added the link here...

http://collectair.com/strombecker.html

BTW, I am sorry to have missed meeting you all at GR's but real-life business and weather got in the way. Hopefully we can get together again possibly late Fall next time.

Regards, Tom

Steve's museum is one of the best, and so is his website so the addition of your story and beautiful work will receive great exposure.

great work... i love to see the badly damaged models come back to life.

With seperated engines and about 5 layers of colour (the last layer was bright blue) i restored this b-47 curver back. To fit it into my display i needed a model with gear to put one under all the stands. So thats why this one have a landing gear.

The Cruver postwar ID issue of the B-47 in 1/72 scale was, I am told, limited to only 100 examples and it is a rare example. Nice work.