A highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of Douglas B-26B Invader 44-34552, coded BC-J and named “Brown Nose”. Hobby Master HA3203 depicts the aircraft with the United States Air Force 731st Bombardment Squadron, 3rd Bombardment Group, operating from Iwakuni Air Base in Japan during the Korean War in early 1951.
Originally designated the A-26 Invader, the Douglas aircraft was developed as a fast twin-engine light bomber and ground-attack platform. First flown in July 1942, it combined high performance with a flexible design that allowed different nose sections, weapons configurations and mission equipment to be fitted. The solid-nose A-26B was particularly suited to low-level strafing and interdiction missions.
The type was redesignated B-26 in 1948 following the retirement of the earlier Martin B-26 Marauder. During the Korean War, Invaders operated as the United States Air Force's principal light bombers, attacking supply centres, road and rail traffic, storage areas and other targets. Increasing anti-aircraft fire and the threat from enemy fighters led many units to concentrate on demanding night-intruder missions.
The 731st Bombardment Squadron deployed from the United States to Iwakuni during late 1950 and was assigned to the 3rd Bombardment Group for Korean War operations. Its crews flew an intensive programme of combat sorties from Japan before the squadron was redesignated as the 90th Bombardment Squadron in June 1951. This release captures “Brown Nose” during that comparatively brief but important period.
Aircraft 44-34552 carries the BC-J code together with its distinctive nose artwork and period United States Air Force markings. The combination of its named-aircraft identity, Korean War setting and association with the 731st Bombardment Squadron makes HA3203 an especially appealing Invader release.
Produced within Hobby Master's Air Power Series, this substantial model features extensive diecast metal construction, optional raised or retracted undercarriage, removable canopy, three crew figures, turning dorsal turret, opening bomb bay with six bombs, optional armament and a presentation display stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Hobby Master
Series: Air Power Series
Scale: 1:72
Model Code/MPN: HA3203
Aircraft: Douglas B-26B Invader
Unit/Markings: USAF 731st Bombardment Squadron, 3rd Bombardment Group
Aircraft Name: Brown Nose
Serial/Code: 44-34552 / BC-J
Year/Date: Early 1951
Base/Location: Iwakuni Air Base, Japan
Conflict: Korean War
Operator/Country: United States Air Force / United States
Material: Diecast metal with detailed plastic components
Special Features: Optional undercarriage, removable canopy, three crew figures, turning dorsal turret, opening bomb bay with six bombs, optional armament and presentation display stand
Dimensions
Length: 8.25" or 21 cm
Width (Wingspan): 11.75" or 29.8 cm