A-26K Counter Invader - Italeri 1/72nd

Hi,

Hyperscale is the first site I registered to years ago but as far as I remember that is my first posting for one of my completed model.

Here is my attempt to produce an "accurate" A-26K in 1/72nd scale. The Counter Invader was the first of three Italeri/Revell Invaders kits that I bought.
I originally was interested the least in this version but some information I gathered from a very good Aerospace Modeler magazine issue and the Milo/DonF. Tweak list information I found on the internet fueled the interest.

Here is a short review of details I wanted to correct :

- Rudder and tail fairing : the A-26K has a 1 foot extension or 4mm in 1/72nd scale. As I was not able to determine the exact shape of things and had a feeling the Italeri tail size might be in between the common A-26B/C tail and A-26K unit, I elected to let go with what would have been major surgery.
- Cockpit was corrected with a 2 pilot configuration(CMK resin parts here)
- Rear access door scribed around window on right fuselage side behind wing root trailing edge
- Wingtip tanks size corrected cutting them into napalm tanks.
- Wheels replaced by True Details KC-135 resin wheels as A-26K were equipped with KC-135 wheels and braking system in real life
- Circular stub (hoisting points covers) rebuilt on the joint line between nose and fuselage from thin plastic card
- Small windows below horizontal tail lazily represented by black paint
- Recognition lights added under rear fuselage
- Some antennas added or built from thinner plastic card around airframe according to documentation
- Wing pylons were kept as provided due to lack of information
- Beacon light added on fin top
- Two small lights (one transparent one red) added each side of fuselage rear end
- Gear struts improved
- Vent tubes added back of engine nacelles and wingtip fuel tanks
- A number of scoops added around airframe
- Engines replaced with late R2800 Quickboost/Aires resin engines.
- Second trim tab and actuator added over existing one
- Vortex generators line moved forward, farther from rudder hinge line
- Engine cowling, air scoops and exhaust rings replaced with parts from the not perfect CMK engine set (provided engines are not the right version and thus were replaced by Quickboost parts)
- Rear crew compartment detailed

Of course one of the big issues was the fit of parts and work was severe on some adjustments (Seeing the Hasegawa B-25 and B-26 series rendition I still regret they did not release an A-26 series)

Decals are from an Albatros Decals sheet, paint Gunze acrylics.

Here it is.


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I'll come back later after adding wire antennas and shooting pictures in daylight and on a more natural background.

Regards

Eric B.