{"product_id":"web-onlyfree-shipping-martin-b-26b-marauder-usaaf-320th-bg-444th-bs-miss-arkansas-sardinia-corgi-aa29502","title":"(Web Only) Martin B-26B Marauder \/ USAAF 320th BG, 444th BS,  Miss Arkansas, Sardinia,  \/ Corgi AA29502","description":"\u003ch1\u003eMartin B-26B Marauder\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch1\u003eUSAAF 320th BG, 444th BS, no. 2-107752 Miss Arkansas, Lt. Leo Lampman\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch1\u003eDecimomannu, Sardinia, August 1944\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch1\u003eCorgi AA29502\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor an aircraft which initially attracted such unwanted nicknames as \"Widow Maker\" and the \"Flying Coffin\", and had training crews referring to it as, \"One a day in Tampa Bay\" because of the high number of aircraft lost to crashes, the Martin B-26 Marauder actually posted the lowest loss rate of all USAAF bombers during the Second World War. A high-performance aircraft incorporating advanced technologies, the Marauder was a delight to fly but had some vices which could cause problems for the unwary and inexperienced. However, some design modifications and a revised training program soon improved the aircraft's fortunes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAfter some time in Florida, the 444th Bomb Squadron were sent to England before completing their training program. They stayed for just over a month before being sent onwards with the rest of the 320th Bomb Group to North Africa and operations across the Mediterranean Theatre. The Group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for pressing home an attack against Axis troop concentrations at Fondi, in support of the 5th Army's push towards Rome, despite coming under heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis particular aircraft was one of the most flamboyantly decorated of all the 444th BS Marauders, with striking sharks' teeth to put fear in the hearts of enemy fighter pilots, and beach belle artwork on both sides of the aircraft's nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flyingmule.com\/powersearch\/?Search=CAT_TYP_PRP_BMR_B26\"\u003eMartin B-26B Marauder\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned to meet a US Army Air Corps specification for a twin-engined medium bomber, the B-26 Marauder was first flown on November 25, 1940. Early in its service career, the B-26 was nicknamed \"Widowmaker\" because of its high accident statistics, especially during takeoffs and landings, when pilots were required to maintain a much higher than average speed to avoid stalling. Later model B-26Bs underwent a series of aerodynamics modifications, making the aircraft safer to fly. Used in the Pacific, Western European and Mediterranean Theaters, the B-26 eventually became the primary bomber on the Western Front, ending the war with fewer losses than any other USAAF bomber.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#0000ff;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCorgi \"Aviation Archive\" diecast airplanes feature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiecast metal construction with some plastic components.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRealistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterchangeable extended\/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePoseable presention stand to display the aircraft \"in flight\".\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMany limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSelected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSelected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hobby Master","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49051148976283,"sku":"AA29502 (Web Only)","price":324.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0657\/9214\/7611\/files\/76964.jpg?v=1791916467","url":"https:\/\/passiondiecast.com\/products\/web-onlyfree-shipping-martin-b-26b-marauder-usaaf-320th-bg-444th-bs-miss-arkansas-sardinia-corgi-aa29502","provider":"Passion Diecast","version":"1.0","type":"link"}