One way I have found to get me going is to scan the instruction sheet.

Perhaps one of the most maligned combat aircraft ever created, the sleek Martin “Marauders” overcame the controversies that surrounded them to compile an enviable combat record. Martin designers created the B-26 in response to an Army Air Corps request for a high-performance medium bomber. They assembled an elegant aircraft that had a cylindrical fuselage and short, tapered wings. Though capable of impressive inflight performance, the “Marauders” possessed takeoff and landing deficiencies that made them infamous with inexperienced pilots. B-26s were recognized as “Hot” aircraft that demanded a high level of training from their aircrews. The rugged “Marauders” saw action as torpedo planes, long-range fighters, ground support aircraft, and strategic bombers. As the war progressed, they were regarded as one of the Allies’ most versatile aircraft.

Each new combat endeavor spawned evolutionary changes to succeeding “Marauders” during their assembly. Cognizant of the persistent landing and takeoff problems, Martin engineers endeavored to decrease the wing loading by increasing the areas of the wings, tail, and horizontal stabilizers. This change occurred with the introduction of the B-26B-10. Armament was increased to twelve .50 caliber machine guns that transformed the “Marauders” into feared adversaries.

When World War II ended, the aircrews that flew the B-26s had achieved the lowest Ioss rate of any combat aircraft operating over Europe. Martin produced more than 5100 of these remarkable aircraft, and they contributed significantly to the eventual Allied victory.

Your model depicts a late model B-26B that can be modeled as the legendary “Flak Bait”. One of the few remaining B-26s, the nose of this aircraft is on display at the National Air and Space Museum.

This aircraft can also be modeled as a B-26B assigned to the renowned 320th Bomb Group during the Second World War to begin and end the war flying B-26s.

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When I scan the instruction sheet I can zoom in on the images and this helps me figure out how to assemble some parts. This is true if I have to cut into the plastic as in step 1.

The instructions are still vague but it’s something I am getting to be used to.

To cut or not to cut?

Now I get it!

Also I can make sure where every little clear part fits.

I can check if I have missed something before joining the fuselage halves.

Every step can be challenging if you forget to triple check by dry fitting before glueing.

You can also decide not to follow the instructions leaving the wing assemblies for later.

This is something I am now doing making it easier to paint the model kit.

Scanning the instruction sheet allows me also to properly position the decals.

Now how about cleaning that dusty B-25 while I decide when to start…

Dishwashing soap and lukewarm water…

Oups…Finding a cracked canopy…

And a missing landing light lens.

I will make a new one.

I know which B-26 I will be building…