Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Diecast Model

Douglas B-26K (A-26) Counter Invader – "Special Kay" AF64-679, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018

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


Limited production of approximately 800 models worldwide

During the 1960s On Mark engineering modified 40 B-26 aircraft, former A-26s, to perform night interdiction missions in Laos. One of the 40 aircraft to be converted was B-26K No. 64-17679 “Special Kay” that flew missions in Europe during WWII and later for the CIA. Later in the US it was used as a B-26K combat trainer. In 1972 AF64-679 was surplus and 1977 sold to fight fires in Canada. In 1978 the pilot crash landed ruining landing gear and props but 9 years later it was saved and rebuilt making it the only airworthy B-26K.

The Douglas B-26K Counter Invader was a modified variant of the A-26 Invader, a light bomber first flown on July 10, 1942 and used in World War II. Redesignated as B-26 in 1948 the Invader served again during the Korean War from 1950-1953 and was used primarily as a night intruder against North Korean supply lines. Removed from service in 1958 the B-26 was recalled for use in 1961 and deployed to South Vietnam with the 4400th Combat Crew Training Squadron under Project "Farm Gate". The squadron’s mission was to train crews of the Vietnam Air Force to fly older U.S. aircraft including the B-26 and T-28. Combat duty and two decades of wear took their toll and in 1964, after two accidents, B-26s again were removed from service.

The first production flight of the extensively upgraded B-26K Counter Invader took place on May 30, 1964. The aircraft had improved engines, propellers and brakes, strengthened wings, wing tip fuel tanks and other refinements. The B-26K returned to Southeast Asia starting in 1966 and were deployed to Thailand during the Vietnam war to help disrupt enemy supplies moving along the Ho Chi Minh trail. In May 1966, B-26Ks were reassigned their old designation of A-26A. The last A-26 in active U.S. service was retired in 1972 by the U.S. Air Force.


Hobby Master is a manufacturer of high quality, pre-built, diecast models. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft or vehicle. They are made with die-cast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a B-26K Counter Invader features: