Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA3205
Douglas A-26B Invader Diecast Model
USAAF 416th BG, #41-33205 "Rose Marie", France, 1945 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Douglas A-26B Invader | | 8.25" | | 11.75" |
The 416th Bombardment Group was activated on February 5, 1943 and was comprised of the 668th, 669th, 670th and 671st Bombardment Squadrons. The 416th BG was equipped with A-20 Havoc aircraft until November 1944 when they converted to the Douglas A-26 Invader. Throughout December 1944 and January 1945 the group took part in the Battle of the Bulge by attacking transportation facilities, communication centers and German strong points and troop concentrations. In February 1945 they continued their actions against German facilities as the Allied forces moved into Germany. In March 1945 they bombed flak positions to aide airborne troops in their assault across the Rhine. This softening of German forces continued until May 1945. Throughout 1944 and 1945 the group was stationed in France at Melum Airfield (A-55) between September 1944 and February 1945 when it moved to Laon/Athies Airfield (A-69). In May 1945 the 416th BG moved to Cormielles en Vexin Airfield (A-59) where they stayed until July 1945. In October 1945 the group returned to the U.S. and was inactivated on October 24, 1945.
Designed as a single-pilot light attack bomber, the A-26 first flew on July 10, 1942. Built by Douglas Aircraft Company, this twin-engined aircraft was met with little enthusiasm in the Pacific Theatre, prompting General George Kenney to proclaim "We do not want the A-26 under any circumstances as a replacement for anything." The early A-26 suffered from poor visibility, a problem that was corrected in 1944 when a clamshell canopy replaced the earlier "flat-topped" style. Later models were well-received in Europe, and the A-26 went on to become a greatly successful bomber, also serving in the Korean War and in several major Cold War conflicts. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale A-26 Invader is loaded with quality features. The fully rendered cockpit interior features a detailed large center console and equipment boxes. The the rear gunner's compartment has a masterfully recreated ocular periscope system and the aft fuselage features rotating dorsal and ventral machine gun turrets. The solid metal wing has razor-thin leading and trailing edges and crisp panel line details. For easy configuration, the nose gear, main gear, and bomb bay area are molded as single snap-in units that include the doors in the opened position. Some releases include eight nose-mounted machine guns and/or four optional under-wing mounted machine gun pods.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
