Coup d’État...1/48 Douglas B-26D Invader, Fuerza Aérea de Chile
25/2022
Next Latin American subject finished by my dad.
ICM A-26B-15 kit (which includes also the late canopy), Vespa Model Kits decals (based in Peru, printed by Fantasy Printshop in the UK). Upper turret hole closed with plastic sheet, removed lower turret closed panel taken from the ICM B-26C-50 kit. Wheels with correct rims and tread for this aircraft taken from a Revell Invader kit, horseshue antenna on the rear belly taken from a Monogram C-47 kit.
Seatbelts from the sparesbox, added a scratchbuilt external gunsight, painted with Gunze H314 FS35622 , Tamiya XF-57 Buff and Gunze H309 FS34079.
Chile received its first 10 Invaders in late 1954. All were B-26C models with the glass nose, painted in black, serving with Grupo de Aviacion No. 8. In 1957, 1958 and 1960, further Invaders were delivered by the US, making it 38 in total. Some of them were TB-26 versions with a solid nose for training and target tug duties. In 1963, the FACh received reports from Invaders in Vietnam, losing wing parts due to material fatigue. So from 1964 to 1965, the remaining 18 Chilean Invaders were flown to Panama and underwent the wing-spar program. In 1966, the FACh wanted more punch for their Invaders and it was decided to fit the now remaining 17 aircraft with a 6-gun nose, but the US only delivered 8 conversion kits. Ventral and dorsal gun turrets were removed too and a new two-tone camo applied. These eight Invaders were now called B-26D.
Due to corrosion, lack of spareparts and no support, the last remaining five FACh Invaders were retired in January 1973, the last official flight was on March 21st 1973, the 43rd anniversary of the FACh.
During the military coup in September 1973, "840" and "846" were reactivated and flew patrol and surveillence missions over the whole country until January 1974.
Fantastic result, the usual Spreitzhofer Family masterpiece!
The scheme is striking!
Thanks Spiros!
Nice work, Reinhard. I never knew Chile received B-26s.
Thanks John!
A very fine looking Invader, Reinhard @grimreaper
Not often seen in Chilean scheme, it does however look great like this.
Thanks John!
Sometimes you see them in black Chilean livery, but wanted to avoid the usual schemes.
Very very nice,Reinhard @grimreaper. Those Vespa decals look excellent. Interesting that the sheet pointed out the orange aileron and stabilizer probably were sourced from cannibalized Invaders.
“Liked”
Thank you Eric!
Yes, the orange aileron and elevator, aslo the black cowl are replacement parts. The Chilean TT Invaders had orange trim.
That looks great! Another great model from Team Spreitzhofer @grimreaper! 🍻
Thanks a lot Gary!
That is a handsome Invader! Fantastic build.
Thank you Greg!
vwey good looking Invader! Unusual painting!
Thanks Lis!
Wanted to avoid the usual metal, black and olive schemes.