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Build 3 If the "What If" group build had gotten enough votes this was going to be one of my builds for it. I had put it back in my stash, but I realised I paid less than £10 and we can build any genre, so here it is Korea, June 1950. North Korea invades the South with devastating swiftness, within days U.S. troops and aircraft are engaging North Korean forces, trying to stem the tide. August 1950, President Truman requests military aid from Great Britain and while initially resistant, Prime Minister Attlee eventually capitulates. As part of their role the Royal Air Force is tasked with long range strategic bombing, unfortunately they are poorly equipped to undertake this task and are desperate to re-equip their bomber squadrons with new aircraft. Initially they are offered the B-29 by Boeing, whilst this would be an improvement on aircraft already in their inventory, a jet powered bomber would be preferable. By chance, the USAF had just cancelled the Northrop YB-49 "Flying Wing" project. With several airframes completed and more airframes in production, Northrop took the bold step to approach the British government directly. If the B-49 was operationally successful, it was possible the USAF could reverse it's decision and equip the Strategic Bomber Command with them. With the U.S. desperate for increased bomber strength in Korea they approved the sale of aircraft and deliveries commenced October 1950. The B-49 was designated Tacoma B.1 by the RAF. The Tacoma served with distinction in Korea and by the end of hostilities in 1955 was seen to be the most capable strategic bomber in the world. Despite it's success the USAF never adopted the B-49, instead opting for the B-47 and eventually the B-52. The Tacoma remained in front line service until 1958 when it was replaced by the Handley Page Victor. From 1958 it served in the photo reconnaissance role until it's service retirement in 1966. So, an unusual aircraft in fictional markings (spares box) in a ridiculously small scale Price: £7.87 from eBay. Very nicely engraved panel lines. A choice of canopy types. Fantastic detail for tis scale. The cockpit, six crew positions (one seat to be fitted in the middle) and I'm going to paint belts on all of them!