ICM B-26K Counter Invader "Special Kay" 1/48 Scale Full Build Video

Greeting everyone! This has been probably my most involved project of 2023. This is the ICM B-26K Counter Invader in 1/48 scale. I used the kit markings for "Special Kay" and added a ton of scratch building into it! I also made a diorama base for it using mostly 3D printed items. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Links to some of the 3D files:
cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/...
cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/...
cults3d.com/en/3d-model/vario...
cults3d.com/en/3d-model/vario...
cults3d.com/en/3d-model/vario...
cults3d.com/en/3d-model/vario...
cults3d.com/en/3d-model/vario...
instagram: hammerheadmodelmaking
/ hammerheadmodelmaking
Also be sure to check out Stonehaven Miniatures!
www.stonehavenmini.com/

[@brndnlvdm690s]

I actually volunteered at the Vintage Flying Museum working on the real Special Kay. It was an awesome experience!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Woah! Thats awesome! Thanks for your contribution to restoring a one of a kind flying legend!

[@DaysOfSail1850]

I very much appreciate that you talk and explain what you're doing and why!So many model building videos are either speed build or are closed captions.I don't waste my time with them.Thank you!!!P.S. A very gorgeous build with lots of fantastic details to feast the eyes with!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I really appreciate the kind comments, like you, I like to hear what a modeler is doing and why he is doing it, thats why I've started doing mine like this.

[@gabrielpalmieri2707]

it looks awesome!!!! excellent work sir!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ashhawk2346]

I massively respect your level of model making! And also your research done into this aircraft shouldn't go unappreciated either! Bravo, absolute Mastery!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thats very kind of you to say, thank you very much!!

[@lindyprusso649]

Your skill level is better than you think

[@cyhn]

I've watched all 1:14:16 without skipping. This is epic, well done !

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you, I really appreciate that!

[@kiwiruna9077]

Hey Brett, Can't think of many better ways to kill an hour or so than watching a Hammerhead modelling video. Your take on this kit is phenomenal, 👍👍👍 I have to agree the SEA camo scheme is pretty awesome.Well done mate.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Really appreciate the kind words, thanks for watching!!

[@Jason-tg5ky]

Great work, thanks for sharing.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for watching!

[@VikingGuard]

Thank you for this, loving it :)

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@themodellingmuppet]

Another cracking build and lots of inspiration 👏

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you my friend!

[@Jelly-B]

Hammer it's Absolutely Stunning. Your attention to detail and scratch built interior is 2nd to none mate. Superb job!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you so much!!

[@grantmiller6570]

That's awesome man, looks really great.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks a ton!

[@JiluMiah-ek2rd]

What an amazing build!! 🎉

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you, I'm quite proud of this one.

[@carlostrevino8248]

beautiful work and great details.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@markshaw5903]

Fantastic Video, Thank You :D, loved it!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for watching!

[@geoffacox]

Beautiful, I'm almost speechless, thank you.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Wow, thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@ModelAirplaneMaker]

Very nice finish - I really enjoyed following along.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@3DFantasyForgeModels]

Stunning model and excellent build

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Many thanks! Thanks for watching!

[@davidpowell6098]

Beautiful job, well done to you, sir.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!!

[@FlokisModels]

You did an incredible job with all the scratch building, painting, and weathering!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you so much!!

[@lindyprusso649]

Love the details of the cockpit

[@darthhokum]

Amazing work 🔥🔥🔥

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!

[@scaleffect]

Great looking build. Thanks for sharing your hard work

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Much appreciated!

[@brianmontgomery1619]

Beautiful job!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you so much 😀

[@chrisloomis1489]

Very skilled work , amazing .

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you very much!

[@Bryan-cs9to]

Excellent work!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Many thanks!

[@aliveRaptor2929]

Fantastic work and attention to authentic details ✅✅✅

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@leesouter9627]

Wow that was well worth the hour spent watching this build really looking forward to your next.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Awesome, thank you for watching!

[@ldom77]

awesome build and paint ! thanks for your video

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for watching!

[@gonzalomendoza3152]

Spectacular work! Truly inspiring!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mikepalmer2219]

I have always loved this plane. Very cool. It turned out great.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mantia39]

Your attention to detail is unmatched. Bravo sir!👏👏👏👏👏

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you very much!

[@w.g.6961]

Wow. Great work. Thx!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Glad you liked it!

[@GOODEY41]

Great work the detail is amazing

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MrDastardly]

Great work!! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!!

[@steriskyline4470]

Great job, this is an absolute masterpiece

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you so much!!

[@GhostRider247]

and once again an absolutley stunning build !!!!!! WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!!

[@808v1]

fantastic build and the painting/weathering is superb.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you very much! Thanks for watching!

[@Ale.Scalemodels]

Great build my friend! Love the super detailing with scratch, the paintjob and weathering and also the base is super! Congrats man!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks a bunch Alessandro!

[@user-xj9gf9le9n]

Really good l looking forward for more of your work keep it coming thank you Chris MC.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

More to come!

[@ricky4k743]

Fantastic build! I love scratch building and u did a great job on it. Thanks for sharing

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks a bunch!

[@fotomakr]

Great work! Really like the scratch building additions like that fuel bladder in the bomb bay. I’ve got this in my stash and will hopefully get to it next year (2024). Some good ideas for me here 😊

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Glad it can be helpful, good luck on your build!!

[@truthhurts9241]

Lots of Oooohs and Aaaahs. Very nice indeed. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

My pleasure!

[@apathtrampledbydeer8446]

Keep on churning out these magnificent beauties!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

will do!

[@panzerlukas86]

Great build, especiaily interior. I find it very inspirational in my rescent builds of some aircrafts.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you very much!

[@barrywhitfield930]

Awesome build!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Glad you think so!

[@woody8942]

Very very great build buddy going to catch up On your videos well done lovely kit.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy the rest!

[@PirateMTH_ToddH]

Fantastic work and an awesome model. I appreciate your selection of subjects to model. And of course the extra added details... You set a high bar. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you so much 😀

[@maxschwarz439]

Your finish really inspired me to do some of your recommendations in my future builds. Was an absolute pleasure to watch you build such a beautiful model.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Awesome, thank you!

[@AB-mw8oz]

ICM i think are a slept on company. I've built a couple of ICM kits. They've always been a dream to build, the decals are just okay, but the quality of the kits themselves are pretty solid, at a reasonable price

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I agree, I think they continue to refine their processes and each new release is better than the last, I'm excited to see what they do in the future!

[@guiduz3469]

Among the many that I watched, this is the most creative and well narrated of them all. Congratulations for this amazing work of art and thanks for sharing.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thats very kind of you to say, thank you for watching!

[@loganski_2158]

Very beautiful absolutely love how awesome your a-26 looks amazing

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you very much my friend!

[@dickcole7839]

Great looking bird! Nice detailing!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Much Appreciated!

[@yannloiseau172]

Very nice work, very nice video and commentary.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!!

[@paulsmodels]

Very nice! You put why more work into that kit then I ever would or could. I have the Revell/Pro Modeller kit of the A-26B sitting in my small stash waiting to be started. It's one of my favorite airplanes. Cheers!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Oh yeah, I've built that Pro Modeller kit before! Not a bad kit! Thanks for watching!

[@laMoort]

Wonderful job, Wonderful ❤

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you so much 😀

[@stephenrose1343]

Stunning build.My favourite part, is watching you augment the interior with scratch built items, inspiring. 👍

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you very much!

[@richelias2973]

Excellent job. You do a great job of explaining what you are doing and how you go a bout getting the desired effect. Thanks for sharing your excellent A-26.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

My pleasure!

[@voodoonights1671]

Great build and a brilliant video. Well described and easy to take tips from. So many just play music or nothing at all(they are still good) and it's so refreshing to hear the modeller and the thoughts you had when doing it. Keep up the brilliant wok.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for the feedback! I always like hear modelers talk about their models, so I like to talk about mine :)

[@HangardelModelista]

Great job! It turned out great 👍🏻

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@pretzelogic2689]

Fantastic presentation. Really enjoyed the commentary -- that made it extremely useful. Congratulations on a beautiful model. I have one on my shelf. It will have to wait there until my skill levels improve. Thanks for your efforts.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you kindly for the feedback! I'm sure when you get around to it, you'll enjoy the B-26K!

[@ianhay8938]

Excellent build nigel❤👍

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@calebvaldecanas8867]

Love this! If you do end up doing a battleship some time, I’d like to see a Nelson Class. I feel they’re rather underrated and overheated as battleships, so I haven’t seen a good model video of one. I’d love to see one from you! My personal suggestion would be the Rodney in 1941 as she hunted down the Bismarck, since she still had her torpedo tubes in as well.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you for watching! I really want to do a battleship, but it will most likely be a ways off. I think I would do the battleship New Jersey as I have something of a personal connection to that ship, but Nelson/Rodney would be interesting, they are certainly unique among battleships of the world!

[@themodelstudent20]

I SAY EXCELSIOR GOOD SIR. Awesome building skills on display. Learning Tons due to both the techniques and image quality being excellent!! Thanks for sharing. Cheers!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Appreciate the kind words! Thanks for watching!

[@InternationalBritishModeler]

Super job! Those ICM kits are really nice kits to build.... I love their figures, too, always nicely detailed. Liked and subscribed! Cheers 👍🙂🥃🥃

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you for the sub! Yeah, this was my first ICM kit and I wasn't disappointed, I also have a few of the figure sets in my stash, they are equally nice!

[@InternationalBritishModeler]

@@HammerheadModelMaking You're welcome. I look forward to seeing your future builds come to life. 👍🙂

[@firefox3187]

Yer there great kits, good basing detail to build closed up. Or if super detailing like in this vid, a nice base to start from. They tend to do all sub versions of a subject. Also this was one of there kits, that was still being developed and worked on when they where invaded. Apart for a few months, whilst they where evacuating staff and tooling. Repairing there unit in Kiev, then got back to work and where shipping and still releasing products, as Russian forces where still being cleared from pockets near Kiev. And (in the EU/UK) there still not that expensive.

[@stevenanderson236]

Great job!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MrBumpy2013]

Your scratch buildup is really good. Amazing job. I like how modest you are.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you so much 😀

[@defdef6230]

Stunning build my friend! Cheers from Argentina...

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you very much!

[@mikecolson2257]

What an incredible video! So much attention to detail. Excellent descriptions of what you were doing as well.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you very much! Thank you for watching!

[@mikecolson2257]

@@HammerheadModelMaking Now I am watching more of your videos as we message! I haven't looked through your catalogue of videos yet, but have you done a video on what kind of tools, equipment, and sundries you use? Also, as for looking at very tiny parts, do you wear any kind of vision enhancement equipment (other than prescription glasses)?

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

@@mikecolson2257 I don't have a video like that yet, I do plan on doing one at some point though, as for vision enhancement, I do have a set of magnifying glasses that I use occasionally for small painting, but I'm quite fortunate to still have great eyesight and do most of modeling with any vision aids.

[@joemoore4027]

Great looking build. The whole diorama works very well together overall. I always liked the SEA camo scheme myself. Looks great on the F-4 Phantom loaded out !

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you very much! Yeah, I certainly need to do a loaded up F-4!

[@joemoore4027]

I'll be waiting for that one. Like the simple way you build. On the " working man's abilities " !@@HammerheadModelMaking

[@StephenDawson-ih5mm]

Very nice paint job. Groundwork and aircraft spot on well done . Steve U.K.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sergeigen1]

very nice, i love the diorama

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you very much!

[@tonygary7611]

Amazing work

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@tonygary7611]

​@@HammerheadModelMakingvery welcome

[@treyzmodels422]

Very nicely done!👍🏆

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@pampabewohner]

Impressive, i'm speechless. 😲

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!

[@organicpaul]

...beautiful!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@timmooney7528]

Good thing you mentioned the wings and the upgrades. I saw a documentary on the A26, and some of them were used so much, the wings were coming off! Attention to details like that make things more interesting.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I think early in the B-26K program, they lost a test crew due to wing fatigue and that prompted the whole series of them basically getting all new wing spars and strengthening plates.

[@frankbodenschatz173]

Nice series of models.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!

[@goforitpainting]

Really cool 👍

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!!

[@josephstabile9154]

Thanks for the video of the excellent build of your B-26K! Your commitment to research & detail really shows! Zinc chromate is a specialized primer paint that is designed to "bite" into the underlying aluminum, and thus not just adhere, but strongly bond. Thus, zinc chromated aluminum will almost never "chip". That's why you will see, on the contemporary photos of Navy planes having much wear of the surface paint, the underlying zinc chromated primer still showing, instead of also being "flaked" off. This is NOT to say the zinc chromate finish cannot be eroded, as from heavy footwear or sand/coral dust, but that represents a pressure/contact erosion, rather than flaking/chipping from repeated temperature flex/stress cycles. You won't see zinc chromated interiors, even when fuel or oil stained, that are chipped or flaked. IF the finish has been worn to bare metal, it is from heavy & repeated contact erosion. This chemical bonding with the aluminum surface distinguishes zinc chromate from the vast majority of paints.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for all of the info, that will be useful for future builds!!

[@Marie579]

Youtpr youtube title is wrong, it should read “Hammerhead Model Masterclass”. Your workmanship is inspiring.👍👍👍

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Lol, thank you! Thats kind of you to say!

[@dradden1556]

Awesome 👍

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!

[@TJRohyans]

Might not need to do all the extra work, but it looks so good that, yeah, you kinda do need to do all the extra work! Fantastic build! Especially your scratchbuilt details! Peace and love.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I appreciate the kind words! Thanks for watching!

[@xXx0Nichts]

nice one

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for the visit!

[@mrgunn2726]

Great video, loved the safety tip about the resin dust, good health is a treasure beyond price. 1:04:04 A cordless hand trim router or even a Dremel router with a guide bushing would have made very short work of that overhang, and made for a very neat edge. Keep up the fine work. ;)

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for the tool tips, I'll have to think about investing in those! Thanks for watching!

[@daneshivers2921]

when I opened the canopy on mine, I saved the frame and glued on some clear from a common blister pack. The plastic was thin enough to conform to the frame... actually worked out better than what I hoped for. Dane

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thats a really smart idea!

[@timandersen8916]

thx alot for the super inteesting build :-) i just startet the same kit but my is gonna be the RB-26K , they made 10 of them ,im gonna do the one in SEA camo , i love that glass nose , greetings from Denmark

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Awesome! Thanks for watching, and good luck on your RB-26K!

[@shadovanish7435]

Excellent aircraft model build & Diorama of the A-26K "Counter Invader"! Your attention to details on the model is superb! The A-26K aircraft used in Vietnam were the product of a rebuild program by the On Mark Engineering company in the early '60's to suit Air Force requirements (counter insurgency, I believe) for Southeast Asia. According to what I understand, On Mark Engineering remanufactured the fuselage & tail, added a larger rudder, reinforced the wings, upgraded engine power, & made other changes to the A-26 airframes that were rebuilt. I suppose doing this was less expensive & time consuming than designing a whole new aircraft for a counter insurgency role (which it seems was the role of the OV-1 & OV-10 aircraft, but perhaps these aircraft had not yet entered service when the A-26K aircraft were being built).

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for sharing all of that and for watching the video!

[@malcolmthorpe2008]

I just tried Vallejo gloss black primer. 24 hours drying and yep, one spot peeled on my spitfire 1/72 when I peeled masks off. Following to see what primer you find. I also noticed M.R.S. Hobbies on your scratch build supplies. That is my hobby shop too. Good to see another modeler in Utah. Excellent work on your builds.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I've pretty much moved on to using Mr Surfacer 1500 or Tamiya Fine Surface primer. I will only use Vallejo primer when I need to primer something quickly or I know I wont be doing any masking. And yes, MRS is my go-to hobby shop, I only live less than a 5 minute drive so I'm there quite often!

[@mikeMuppetmodeller]

Just watched this build and got to say Wow !! Hopefully my builds can get this good and my channel this good also.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for watching, and I have no doubt you can get your modelling to where you want it!

[@gerardoherrera2250]

Si lo fue un largo video pero disfruté cada minuto viendo su gran habilidad y su minuciosidad en los pequeños detalles, y el resultado final fue ¡¡Increíble!!, Gracias

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@LEXHOBBYSTORECOLECIONAVEIS]

NIce build!!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@paulcorrigan649]

Fantastic build Brett. Re: panel lines washes. I'm in your camp but I really dislike pre shading. To each his own and its your model so do it how you like it

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I totally agree, to each their own!!

[@lagg-alot8308]

Nice that you did not go crazy on chipping and weathering. Gives historical believably to the scene.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Cheers mate, thanks for watching!

[@Mark-BS-YT-name]

Superb work. I'm currently building the glass nose B-26C and want to do something similar with the Marston matting.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I got the file from a modeler on Instagram, goes by @roberto_modelscale.

[@Mark-BS-YT-name]

@HammerheadModelMaking Thank you, I saw later in your video you mention that some of the download links were in the video text. I found it in there. Great build & very inspirational.

[@mothamus7745]

I enjoyed your video so I subscribed

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I greatly appreciate the sub!

[@IslandBiker]

wow....just wow!!!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@IvanMarchev]

Perfect!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@InSidious1805]

I’ve been building an HKM B17g for the last two years for a friend - his dad flew one in the war and we are trying to recreate it as best as possible. I did extensive interior detail in the nose, cockpit, and bomb bay with some detail in the radio room and the rear fuselage. He paid for PE sets from Eduard and I used various materials to simulate wires and tubes. It’s very time consuming and when I dry fit everything it’s hard to see all that detail which is disappointing. Unfortunately I don’t have the time to figure out how to add lights as I still need to figure out how I’m going to mount it. Good work!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Right on man! I've got an HK B-17F (Memphis Belle) that I'm hoping to be able to get to next year, sounds like you've got a lot invested in your build, and yeah, in can be a little disappointing when you cant see your hard work, but hopefully you have pictures and sometimes just the knowledge that its there is good enough! Good luck wrapping it up and I'm sure your friend will love it.

[@InSidious1805]

Thanks I appreciate the words of encouragement. I’m trying to find someone that can recreate the nose art based on an old photo we found online and someone that can make it into a decal. Over the last few years there have been new resin sets put out for the HKM kits. Specifically the bombardier section which lacks allot of detail. I like Eduards radio, cockpit, and bomb bay section sets. Let me know if you have questions I’d be happy to help man. Keep up the great work!

[@panzfaust9812]

Looks amazing. Impressed

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you! Cheers!