1/700 Douglas A-26B/C Invader - (x3) 3D Printed - WWII, Korea!

Description

NO RESERVE. We're offering here a beautifully detailed set of three 1/700 scale Douglas A-26 Invader models that have just come out of the 3D printer!
The Douglas A-26 was one of the longest serving WWII bomber designs, with evolving versions of the Invader appearing over the skies of Korea, Vietnam, Africa and Latin America
.
The type first saw action with the Fifth Air Force in the Pacific on 23 June 1944. Although Invaders didn't begin to arrive in the European Theater until September 1944, they were well received by their crews there and were used most effectively in combat operations. The A-26B variant featured a solid nose that carried a variety of weapons including six (and later eight!) .50 caliber machine guns which, in combination with three .50s in each wing, gave some versions the lethal punch of as many as 14 forward firing .50 machine guns! The A-26 (actually redesignated as B -26 from 1948 to 1965) also saw plenty of action in the Korean War where
Invaders flew both low and medium-level missions attacking enemy troop columns, ground transports, and tanks. B-26Cs with the glass nose were used to lead the hard nose B-26Bs on medium-level missions against bridges, road junctions and railways.
Some heavily modified A-26s, designated B-26Ks, were even used in Vietnam as late as 1968. Douglas built a total of 2,503 Invaders which were the last propeller-driven twin engine bomber produced for the USAF.
The A-26 was previously produced as a 1/700 scale resin model by WEM over two decades ago and by Pit-Road as a white metal model some 15 years ago but both of these are nearly impossible to find today. The set offered here actually includes two
different
models: (x2) A-26B and (x1) A-26C. We believe that the 3D printed models offered here match these fine efforts and likely surpass both by a good measure but we've posted high resolution photos so you can judge for yourself.
While photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, check out the well proportioned model including the slender fuselage with detailed canopy, turrets and tail assembly, the wings with well-rendered engine cowlings, and incredibly, eight tiny .50 caliber machine guns in the nose of the A-26B models (the A-26C has a glazed nose)!
The surfaces of these models are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers) but the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that can be easily removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent added to it.
While the landing gear is represented in the retracted in-flight position, it should be fairly straight forward to add photo etch parts for a "gear down" rendition, perfect for an air base diorama.
These outstanding A-26 models should be a welcome addition to any wargamer's or 1/700 modeler's collection, particularly those interested in late World War II ground attack operations in Europe and the air war in Korea. Please take a look at the other 1/700 scale aircraft models that we have on auction this week. We're always happy to combine shipping for multiple purchases to save whenever possible. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions whatsoever.