Monogram released their model kit of the A/B-26C (glass-nosed) Invader in 1993. The kit featured Monogram's typical nicely appointed, raised detail interior and exterior as well as raised panel lines. That kit was followed two years later by the Pro-Modeler A-26B hard nose version (also reissued by Revell).
Notable Kit Features:
Nice raised detail instrument panel and cockpit area
Decently detailed bomb bay with wing spars, racks & bomb load
Optional position bomb bay doors
Rear compartment interior details
Basic engine details (molded on the backplate)
Good landing gear and well details
Movable dorsal gun turret
Underwing gun pods or bomb racks provided (basic)
Build Inspiration:
Not having any types, other than fighters, from the Korean War Era in my model build collection, I thought I would round out things a bit by completing this Invader example. The model was also to be a test featuring some custom nose art however that didn't end up working out in the end... maybe a future add on..?
Heads-Up Report:
Raised panel lines (if this is considered a deal breaker for you)
Reportedly some shape issues with this one (fuselage to wide?) Note: the later Pro Modeler /Revell B-26B release has a different fuselage than this kit
Only the top turret is provided in this kit example (Some Cs in Korea had both turrets; no turrets or a target acquisition radar in place of the lower turret)
Few places to hide weight (clear plastic peg provided - but I never liked this option) I added where I could in the glass nose area as well as in the front of the engine nacelles until it balanced
Engines need test fitting and adjustments to get a decent fit
Paul Budzik has some nice references and a few videos on this Monogram kit build, if you want to take a look: Building the Revell Monogram A-26 Invader | Paul Budzik
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Built pretty much out of the box with the exception of:
Added seat belts
Custom markings
Slightly "weighted" tires
End Result:
The markings for this aircraft ended up fictitious as I was aiming for a go at some custom nose art (that didn't work out - maybe later). This aircraft finish was based with a spray of aluminum and primer green on areas I would later add wear-effects to. The night finish was achieved by spraying a variety of off-black paint tones. As this kit had raised panel lines, some of these lines were later given a light sand to reveal the primer green. Areas of the leading edges were lightly scratched to reveal the aluminum paint beneath. Other areas were "touched up with a near black colour to add to the weathered look (which is hard to see in these photos). Exhaust stains were added at the end of the process using black Tempra dry paint brushed on in airflow streaks.
The After-Build Report:
Depending on what you are looking for in your Invader build, you now have a couple of options, as ICM has more recently introduced an excellent successor to this older Monogram kit. You can still get a decent build from this typically inexpensive kit that may meet your needs, however the newer ICM kit offers far greater detail and varieties not covered by Monogram / Revell. I haven't built the ICM kit however it does look very promising as you can see by this review: The Modelling News: Dry Fit Review: 48th scale Douglas B-26B-50 Invader (Korean War) from ICM
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers
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