1/700 Martin B-57B Intruder - (x3) 3D Printed - Vietnam!

Description

NO RESERVE. We're offering here a set of three beautifully detailed Martin B-57 Canberra models that have just come out of the 3D printer. Probably one of the biggest surprises in aviation history was the purchase of the English Electric Canberra for use by the United States Air Force, the last such occasion being the license build of the De Havilland DH-4 in World War I. At the time, the US Air Force was transitioning between piston and jet power, on the one hand B-29s, B-50s and Convair B-36s rumbled about the skies while their replacements, the Boeing jet bombers were just beginning to roll off the assembly lines. In contrast, the light bomber units were still equipped with the Douglas B-26 Invader which had proven so successful during the latter part of World War II, and later, in the Korean War, but was coming to the end of its service life (or so it was thought!). Because the British companies producing the Canberra for the Royal Air Force were running at full capacity, the Glenn L. Martin Company purchased a license to produce the Canberra in the USA for the Air Force. Due to the great urgency placed on delivering the type, the initial phase of manufacturing used the minimum-change formula to expedite production and the first B-57As were largely identical to the English Electric Canberra B.2 which had served as the pattern
aircraft for U.S. development. In early July 1953, the first U.S.-built B-57A rolled out for its maiden flight, one of only eight which were built as bombers (the remaining 67 from the first batch were converted to high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft when the Korean War ended). Interestingly, there are unconfirmed reports that one of these recon RB-57As was actually shot down on a clandestine surveillance mission over Hungary during the 1956 uprisings in Budapest. The B-57B that began to enter service in 1954 was the more refined bomber variant that incorporated a number of substantial design changes including the addition of heavy gun armament for strafing attacks and four hard points under each wing capable of mounting external bombs and rockets. Still, by the end of 1957, USAF tactical squadrons were beginning to replace their B-57s with North American F-100 Super Sabres. The Vietnam War effectively extended the B-57B's service career as two squadrons deployed there first flew combat missions into North Vietnam as part of Operation Rolling Thunder on 2 March 1965. In fact, the B-57 holds the distinction of being the first jet bomber in U.S. service to drop bombs in combat. The type began flying night intruder missions in April and proved to be excellent ground
support aircraft as well as exceptional truck killers along the Ho Chi Minh Trail where they operated for much of their eight years in Vietnam, suffering heavy attrition in this service.
The B-57 was offered previously as a resin model by WEM but has been out of production for decades. We believe that the 3D printed models offered here compare very favorably with the WEM model and, in fact, likely surpass it by a good margin. Plus the set offered
here actually includes 2 different models - (x1) English Electric B.2 which served as pattern aircraft for Martin production of the initial eight B-57As (shown in detail photos #6-7) and (x2) Martin B-57B models complete with two Mk.84 bombs under each wing. 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 models including the clean fuselage with detailed canopies (seashell style on the 'A' variant and the offset, fighter-style type on the 'B') and tail assembly , the wings with embedded engine nacelles, wingtip tanks and the Mk.84 bombs on the B-57B models.
Although the surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers), 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 needs to be removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent in it.
These are in-flight, gear up models but it should be fairly straightforward to add PE landing gear for a great airfield diorama.
These outstanding B-57 models should be a welcome addition to any wargamer's or 1/700 modeler's collection, particularly those interested in USAF bomber operations in Vietnam. Please take a look at the other 1/700 scale aircraft models that we have on auction as well. 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.