Baltimore Mk.I/II ‘First Version in Combat’ 1/48

Before the outbreak of World War II, the Martin company  took part in a competition announced by the USAAF for a new modern attack aircraft. The competition was won by Douglas with its DB-7 (later A-20 Havoc/Boston) and North American with the NA-40 (developed into the B-25 Mitchell). Martin played the role of third in the rear. Although the USAAF was not interested in its 167/XA-22 aircraft, France and Great Britain were. France designated these aircraft as the 167A-3 Glen and Britain as the       Maryland Mk.I/II. Based on British experience and requirements, Martin developed the more powerful 187 (XA-23). The new aircraft, named Baltimore, were powered by two R-2600 engines. They were four-seat, could carry up to 1,800 kg of bombs and were heavily armed. They arrived in Great Britain in October 1941. The first 100 airframes, armed with a single machine gun in the dorsal mount, were designated Baltimore Mk.I. Other machines received a twin machine gun in the dorsal mount and were designated Baltimore Mk.II. Other versions of MK.III, IIIA/IV and V received motor-controlled turrets of various types instead of the dorsal mount.
   Baltimores Mk.I and Mk.II were used by the RAF on the North African battlefield as attack bombers and for maritime patrol. They made a significant impact in the Battle of El Alamein. Later versions, outside the RAF, were used in the Mediterranean by the air forces of South Africa, Australia, Italy, Greece and France.
   The kit is divided into nine sprues, while the rest of the parts is provided via a fret of etches. The decals offer the markings of four machines. Two flew in desert camouflage, two in naval camouflage.