Overhauled B-26 Recognition Model

[soslipstream]

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

[Toyplaneguy]

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

Toyplaneguy (Mike Smith)

[silverarrow]

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

Al

[ramseyd]

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

[soslipstream]

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

[grwebster]

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.

[solumis]

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.

[grwebster]

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.