ICM 48329 - 1:48 Last Marauder

Plastic model kit of the Martin B-26G Marauder "Last Marauder" bomber in 1:48 scale

ICM 48329 is a model of the American twin-engine Martin B-26G-25-MA Marauder medium bomber, prepared as a commemorative edition marking the aircraft with serial number 44-68254 "Tail End Charlie" – the last Marauder to roll off the Martin production line. The set stands out with the unique, historical markings of a specific machine.

The model reproduces a detailed airframe with a full cockpit interior, engine nacelles and transparent canopy parts. A separate nose section and carefully rendered detail make it an elaborate project for a modeller wishing to build a realistic model of this distinctive bomber.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the airframe, engines and interior
• Transparent canopy and glazing parts
• Masking templates
• Decal sheet for the marking option
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: 48329
• Manufacturer: ICM
• Assembled length: approx. 387 mm
• Wingspan: approx. 453 mm
• Number of parts: 380
• Difficulty level: intermediate/advanced

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

This is an elaborate kit with a large number of parts and a detailed interior, recommended for experienced modellers. The cockpit and interior elements are best painted and assembled before joining the fuselage halves, as access to the interior is limited once they are closed. The included masks make it easier to reproduce the canopy framing precisely.

The aircraft 44-68254 wore the natural-metal finish typical of late Marauders; metallic paints applied over a smooth, gloss base work well to reproduce it. Decals are best laid over a gloss varnish coat, which prevents decal silvering, with the whole finished in a satin varnish typical of aircraft.

Tools required:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel), including metallics
• A wash to emphasise detail

About the aircraft – Martin B-26 Marauder:

The Martin B-26 Marauder is an American twin-engine medium bomber of the Second World War. The prototype first flew in November 1940 and the aircraft entered service in early 1941. Early versions with high wing loading had a reputation for being demanding to fly, so later variants increased the wingspan and wing area and raised the vertical tail.

In the final phase of the war the Marauder operated intensively over Europe, notable for one of the lowest combat loss rates among American bombers in that theatre. In total more than five thousand were built. The last of them, 44-68254, was completed in April 1945 and named "Tail End Charlie"; the aircraft was then handed over to the French air force.

Original aircraft specifications (B-26G Marauder):

• Type: twin-engine medium bomber
• Crew: 7
• Length: approx. 17.75 m
• Wingspan: approx. 21.6 m
• Powerplant: two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engines
• Maximum speed: approx. 455 km/h
• Production: over 5,200 aircraft of all versions

About the manufacturer – ICM:

ICM is a Ukrainian model-kit manufacturer based in Kyiv, active since the 1990s. The company is known for elaborate aircraft models with full interiors and detailed engines, as well as military vehicles, cars and figures. ICM models feature carefully engineered moulds, rich detail and a steadily expanding range, including commemorative editions marking specific, historical machines.