Academy 1/72 Martin PBM-5A Mariner US Navy Flying Boat Model Kit – ACD12586

Academy 1/72 Martin PBM-5A Mariner US Navy Amphibious Flying Boat Plastic Model Kit

Recreate one of the United States Navy's distinctive maritime patrol aircraft with the Academy 1/72 Martin PBM-5A Mariner plastic model kit (ACD12586). This detailed model represents the amphibious version of the famous twin-engine Mariner flying boat, an aircraft developed for long-range naval patrol, anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations.

With its distinctive gull wings, large boat-shaped fuselage, twin radial engines, and amphibious landing gear, the PBM-5A Mariner offers an impressive modeling subject from the World War II and early Cold War eras. Academy's 1/72 scale kit includes detailed cockpit and interior components, opening bomb bays, positionable control surfaces, and multiple configuration options for an authentic naval aviation display.

Academy PBM-5A Mariner Model Kit Features

• 1/72 scale Martin PBM-5A Mariner US Navy amphibious patrol aircraft
• Distinctive gull-wing flying boat design with twin radial engines
• Detailed cockpit and interior compartments
• Finely recessed exterior panel lines
• Positionable rudders, ailerons, and flaps
• Detailed engines with optional open or closed cowl flaps
• Opening bomb bays with interior detailing
• Choice of armed turret configuration or unarmed postwar appearance
• Optional three-blade or four-blade propellers
• Detailed amphibious landing gear components
• Clear cockpit glazing and aircraft windows
• Two historical United States Navy aircraft marking options
• Waterslide decals and illustrated assembly instructions
• Unassembled plastic model kit requiring painting and assembly

History of the Martin PBM Mariner Flying Boat

The Martin PBM Mariner was developed during the late 1930s as a large, twin-engine maritime patrol flying boat for the United States Navy. Designed to complement the Consolidated PBY Catalina, the Mariner provided increased size, payload capacity, and operational capability for demanding long-range missions over the ocean.

The PBM first flew in 1939 and entered US Navy service in 1940. Its distinctive gull-wing arrangement positioned the engines and propellers high above the water, helping protect them from spray during takeoff and landing. The large fuselage incorporated space for crew members, equipment, defensive armament, and mission supplies.

During World War II, PBM Mariners operated across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, performing maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine patrols, convoy protection, and search and rescue missions.

PBM-5A Mariner Amphibious Aircraft

The PBM-5A Mariner was an amphibious development of the PBM-5, incorporating retractable landing gear that allowed the aircraft to operate from both water and conventional runways.

This capability increased the aircraft's operational flexibility, allowing naval units to use shore-based facilities while retaining the Mariner's ability to operate as a flying boat.

The PBM-5 series used two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engines, providing the power necessary for extended maritime patrol missions. The amphibious PBM-5A retained the Mariner's distinctive hull, high-mounted wings, and twin-engine configuration while introducing the additional equipment required for runway operations.

The Mariner continued serving into the postwar period, supporting naval patrol and transport operations during the early Cold War.

Martin PBM Mariner in World War II

During World War II, the Martin PBM Mariner played an important role in Allied maritime operations. Its long range and substantial carrying capacity made it particularly useful for patrol missions over large expanses of ocean.

In the Atlantic, Mariners participated in anti-submarine operations and convoy protection, searching for German U-boats and helping secure important shipping routes.

In the Pacific, the aircraft supported reconnaissance, patrol, and rescue operations across widely separated island bases and naval operating areas. The Mariner's ability to operate from sheltered waters allowed it to support missions in regions with limited airfield infrastructure.

Although the PBM-5A amphibious version appeared near the end of the war, it represented the continued development of a successful naval patrol aircraft design.

Two Historical US Navy PBM-5A Marking Options

Academy's 1/72 PBM-5A Mariner includes waterslide decals representing two United States Navy aircraft:

• US Navy PBM-5A, BuNo 59849 – Approximately 1945, late World War II era
• US Navy PBM-5A, BuNo 59349 – Approximately 1947, early postwar period

These marking options allow modelers to represent the Mariner during the transition from wartime naval aviation to early Cold War operations.

Detailed Engines, Bomb Bays, and Aircraft Configuration Options

Academy's PBM-5A Mariner offers a variety of construction options that allow builders to customize the completed model.

The aircraft's twin radial engines feature detailed components and a choice of open or closed cowl flaps. Modelers can also select three-blade or four-blade propellers to suit their preferred configuration.

The detailed bomb bays can be displayed open to reveal the aircraft's interior, while the positionable control surfaces allow the model to be presented with selected flaps, ailerons, and rudders deflected.

Additional options include an armed configuration with defensive gun turrets or an unarmed postwar appearance. These alternatives make the kit appealing to builders interested in different periods of the Mariner's service history.

Build a Detailed 1/72 Scale US Navy Flying Boat

The Academy PBM-5A Mariner offers an engaging modeling project for enthusiasts interested in World War II aircraft, naval aviation, flying boats, and early Cold War military aircraft.

Its broad gull wings, large fuselage, twin radial engines, and distinctive amphibious landing gear give the completed model a striking appearance alongside conventional land-based aircraft.

Modelers can reproduce historically appropriate US Navy aircraft finishes using the selected marking instructions. Dark Sea Blue naval finishes, carefully painted radial engines, subtle panel line washes, and restrained weathering can help capture the appearance of a maritime patrol aircraft.

The completed PBM-5A makes an excellent addition to a naval aviation collection alongside the PBY Catalina, PB4Y Privateer, and other American maritime patrol aircraft.

Explore additional historic military aircraft, patrol bombers, naval aircraft, and helicopters in our Academy Airplane & Helicopter Model Kits collection.

Complete Your Academy PBM-5A Mariner Model Kit

This plastic aircraft model kit requires assembly and painting. Model cement, paints, and hobby tools are sold separately. For authentic US Navy aircraft colors, primers, clear coats, metallic finishes, and realistic weathering supplies, browse our model paints and hobby painting supplies.

Discover additional military aircraft, armored vehicles, naval ships, and specialty modeling projects in our Academy Models collection, or explore our complete plastic model kits collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.