JM-1 USN Joe's Banana Boat

The B-26 was developed as a medium bomber and used to attack from medium and low altitudes at high speed. While not used in front-line service in US Navy or Marine Corp, the B-26 was designated JM-1 and used to perform training duties as a target tug. The aircraft were painted in unique high-visibility orange to enhance visibility and towed targets at high speed for anti-aircraft gunnery training. These “un-sung” heroes significantly improved the skills of anti-aircraft crews which proved vital in the closing days of WWII to combat Japanese kamikaze attacks on ships of the US Fleet.  

The new JM-1 from Minicraft features recessed panel lines, and choice of 2 marking options including one named “Joe’s Banana Boat” with decals printed by Cartograf.

 Markings included in this kit:

US Navy JM-1, BuNo 66682, NAS Banana River FL, July 1944 “Joe’s Banana Boat”

US Marine Corps JM-1, BuNo 66749, Jan 1945