Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Diecast Model

Douglas A-26B (B-26) Invader - “Rose Marie”, 670th BS, 416th BG, USAAF, France, 1945

1:72 Scale.  Length: 8.25".  Wingspan: 11.75”

The USAAF 416th Bombardment Group was activated on February 5, 1943 and was comprised of the 668th, 669, 670th and 671st Bombardment Squadrons. The 416th BG was equipped with the A-20 Havoc light bomber until November of 1944 when they converted to the Douglas A-26. Throughout December 1944 and January 1945 the group took part in the Battle of the Bulge by attacking German transportation facilities, communication centers and troop concentrations.

In February 1945 they continued their actions against German facilities as 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. From September 1944 until February 1945 the group was stationed at Melum Airfield in France. In February they moved to Laon/Athies Airfield then to Cormielles en Vexin Airfield in May, where they remained until July 1945. In October 1945 the 416th BG returned to the U.S. and was deactivated.

In 1941 the Douglas Aircraft Company began work on the A-26 Invader medium-bomber. By the end of production there were 2,452 aircraft produced for all variants. The A-26/B-26 was the only U.S. bomber to take part in three wars, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. The confusion with the use of the designation B-26 began when the Martin B-26 Marauder was retired and, in 1948, the US Air Force dropped the “A” (Attack) designator so the Douglas A-26 became the B-26. The A-26 made its first European appearance in late 1944.

Hobby Master offers a wide selection of quality, pre-assembled, die-cast model airplanes. Each model is crafted to a high level of accuracy using specifications of the original aircraft. They are constructed with precision-made diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of an A-26 Invader features: