What are your favorite B-26 Marauder paint schemes?

[Rocketeer]

Considering the Marauder's role & achievements during the Second World War, Martin's B-26 never received the appropriate recognition the type deserved. Some Marauders were polished, painted simply, and/or adorned with art.

What are your favorite Martin B-26 Paint Schemes? Early production and post-war photos are welcome too!

[SaxMan]

Don't have the photos, but I always thought the olive drab top surfaces with natural metal finish sides and underside made for a very attractive aircraft.

[Mark Allen M]

That's a tough one. See what I can find.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=48112&hilit=bomber

[Xrayist]

When designated as an JM-1. Overall bright yellow.

[Ken]

The airplane on display in France previously wore the OD over NMF, seen here:

http://www.pyperpote.tonsite.biz/listin ... &showall=1

More info on this bird in a previous thread here:

http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/p ... 67&start=0

[Mark Allen M]

B-26 Marauder serial number 41-31773 "Flak Bait"of the 322nd Bomb Group


B-26 Marauder K9-K serial number 42-95892 of the 344th Bomb Group


A shark mouth B-26 Marauder serial number 44-67918 of the 397th Bomb Group


B-26 Marauder serial number 42-96191 "The Milk Run Special" of the 397th Bomb Group


Two B-26 Marauders serial number 42-95967 "Rosie O'Brady" serial number 43-34181 "Lak-A-Nookie" of the 344th Bomb Group

[Dana Bell]

Favorite? The Neutral Gray over white ASW test scheme. Marauders never used it operationally, but on one aircraft it was beautiful...

Cheers,



Dana

[daviemax]

Not a comment on finish, but on the fate of the aircraft itself. The B-26 was a very advanced design for its day. Early aircraft were completed without propellers, and while parked awaiting them observers later commented how much these propeller-less B-26's resembled the jet-powered aircraft of immediate post-war years.

After the war ended in Europe many B-26's were dynamited into scrap rather than brought home or sent to the Pacific Theater. For an aircraft having a sterling combat record such an ignominious fate is hard to fully understand.

The few B-26 Marauders left are very precious indeed.

[Jerry O'Neill]

"Flak-Bait"

[Mark Allen M]

Ever wonder what this well known B-26 looks like in color? ...

[Mark Allen M]

This ...


387th Bomb Group shark mouth B-26 Marauder (serial number 42-96165) nicknamed "The Big Hairy Bird"


387th Bomb Group work on the engines of a shark mouth B-26 Marauder (serial number 42-96165) nicknamed "The Big Hairy Bird"

[Snake45]

Don't have the photos, but I always thought the olive drab top surfaces with natural metal finish sides and underside made for a very attractive aircraft.

Same here.

[Warbird Kid]

Pretty cool barn hangar.

[Invader26]

One for the paint police...

Notice the non standard D-Day markings on the shark mouth B-26....

[jdvoss]

The most interesting, and rare, color scheme I have noted was a JM Marauder in in a fresh USN tri-color paint!! I wish I recall where I saw it.


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