Bandai
Last Marauder (Martin B-26G)
Item Number:
ICM48329
ICM48329
Manufacturer
ICM
ICM
Scale:
1:48
1:48
The Last Marauder
In April 1945, as World War II in Europe was drawing to a close, a historic moment took place at the Martin Works in Middle River: the final B-26G bomber of the legendary Marauder series (serial number 44-68254) rolled off the assembly line. Fittingly, the aircraft was christened "Tail End Charlie"—a term from pilot jargon denoting "the last one in the formation."
The aircraft completed its maiden flight on April 18, 1945, and thereafter served as a symbolic link between the beginning and the end of the Marauder’s production history. It was piloted by test pilot Pat Tibbs, while the co-pilot’s seat was occupied by Ken Abel—the company’s chief designer, who had participated in the maiden flight of the first production B-26 five years earlier. In doing so, Abel became one of the few pilots to have flown both the first and the last aircraft of a series that ultimately totaled 5,266 units.
The final Marauder never saw combat. On May 10, 1945—just two days after the German surrender—the aircraft was officially handed over to the French Air Force (Armée de l’Air).
As active combat operations in Europe had already ceased by that time, the aircraft was assigned to the CEAM test center at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base.
While in the service of the French Air Force, "Tail End Charlie" was utilized for nearly four years for technical test flights as well as transport duties. According to archival records, the service life of the last B-26 Marauder came to an end in April 1949, when the aircraft was officially retired.
Plastic Model Kit
unbuilt / unpainted
Paint and glue not included
In April 1945, as World War II in Europe was drawing to a close, a historic moment took place at the Martin Works in Middle River: the final B-26G bomber of the legendary Marauder series (serial number 44-68254) rolled off the assembly line. Fittingly, the aircraft was christened "Tail End Charlie"—a term from pilot jargon denoting "the last one in the formation."
The aircraft completed its maiden flight on April 18, 1945, and thereafter served as a symbolic link between the beginning and the end of the Marauder’s production history. It was piloted by test pilot Pat Tibbs, while the co-pilot’s seat was occupied by Ken Abel—the company’s chief designer, who had participated in the maiden flight of the first production B-26 five years earlier. In doing so, Abel became one of the few pilots to have flown both the first and the last aircraft of a series that ultimately totaled 5,266 units.
The final Marauder never saw combat. On May 10, 1945—just two days after the German surrender—the aircraft was officially handed over to the French Air Force (Armée de l’Air).
As active combat operations in Europe had already ceased by that time, the aircraft was assigned to the CEAM test center at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base.
While in the service of the French Air Force, "Tail End Charlie" was utilized for nearly four years for technical test flights as well as transport duties. According to archival records, the service life of the last B-26 Marauder came to an end in April 1949, when the aircraft was officially retired.
Plastic Model Kit
- Detailed Cockpit and Interior
unbuilt / unpainted
Paint and glue not included
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