Martin Baltimore Mk.I/II "First Version in Combat"

Before the outbreak of World War II, the Martin company participated in a USAAF competition for a new, modern attack aircraft. Douglas won the competition with the DB-7 (later the A-20 Havoc/Boston) and North American with the NA-40 (which evolved into the B-25 Mitchell); Martin came away empty-handed. Although the USAAF showed no interest in the Model 167/XA-22, the aircraft found a receptive audience in France and Great Britain. France designated the aircraft the 167A-3 Glen, while Great Britain named it the Maryland Mk.I/II. Drawing on British experience and requirements, Martin developed the more powerful Model 187 (XA-23). ​​These new aircraft, named "Baltimore," were powered by two R-2600 engines. They were four-seaters capable of carrying up to 1,800 kg of bombs and featured heavy armament. They arrived in Great Britain in October 1941. The first 100 aircraft, armed with a single machine gun in the dorsal position, were designated Baltimore Mk.I. Subsequent aircraft were equipped with twin machine guns in the dorsal position and designated Baltimore Mk.II. Other versions—the Mk.III, IIIA/IV, and V—replaced the simple dorsal mount with powered gun turrets of various designs.
The RAF deployed the Baltimore Mk.I and Mk.II in the North African theater of operations as attack and reconnaissance bombers and for maritime surveillance. They played a significant role in the Battle of El Alamein. In addition to the RAF, later versions were also operated in the Mediterranean theater by the air forces of South Africa, Australia, Italy, Greece, and France.

Plastic model kit

• Includes photo-etched parts
• Decals allow for the depiction of four aircraft: two in desert camouflage and two in naval camouflage

Scale 1:48

unbuilt / unpainted

Paint and glue not included