ICM PBO-1 Hudson WWII American Maritime Patrol Aircraft – 1/48 Scale
The ICM PBO-1 Hudson is a 1/48 scale plastic model kit depicting the US Navy maritime patrol bomber operated by Patrol Squadron VP-82 during the Second World War. Based on the Lockheed Hudson Mk.IIIA, the PBO-1 played an important role in protecting Allied convoy routes across the North Atlantic and was responsible for a significant early victory against German submarines.
This kit features accurate aircraft geometry, a detailed cockpit and fuselage interior, the characteristic Air-Track ILS antenna fitted to early PBO-1 aircraft and two alternative tunnel gun installations. Three decal options are included for aircraft serving with VP-82.
The Lockheed Hudson in US Navy Service
The Hudson originated from the Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra airliner. In 1938, Britain selected the aircraft for maritime patrol duties, placing an initial order for 200 aircraft.
Following the United States’ entry into the Second World War, 20 A-29 aircraft originally intended for Britain under Lend-Lease arrangements were transferred to the US Navy. These aircraft, derived from the Hudson Mk.IIIA, received the designation PBO-1.
The designation followed the US Navy’s naming system, with PB indicating Patrol Bomber, O identifying Lockheed as the manufacturer and 1 denoting the first production variant.
Patrol Squadron VP-82 and the Battle of the Atlantic
The PBO-1 entered service with Patrol Squadron 82, operating from Naval Air Station Argentia in Newfoundland. The squadron’s duties included protecting convoy routes and conducting anti-submarine patrols over the North Atlantic.
On 1 March 1942, a VP-82 PBO-1 commanded by William Tepuni located the German submarine U-656 off Newfoundland. The aircraft attacked with depth charges and sank the submarine, recording the first confirmed destruction of a German U-boat by a US aircraft during the war.
Another VP-82 crew sank U-503 on 15 March 1942, demonstrating the effectiveness of land-based maritime patrol aircraft in anti-submarine operations.
Kit Features and Contents
- 1/48 scale US Navy PBO-1 Hudson plastic model kit.
- Aircraft based on the Lockheed Hudson Mk.IIIA.
- Accurately reproduced aircraft geometry.
- Detailed cockpit and fuselage interior.
- Air-Track ILS antenna characteristic of early PBO-1 aircraft.
- Two alternative tunnel gun installation options.
- Decal sheet with three marking options.
- Markings representing US Navy Patrol Squadron VP-82.
Marking and Assembly Options
The three supplied decal options allow the completed aircraft to represent different PBO-1 Hudsons operated by VP-82. The alternative tunnel gun arrangements and distinctive early antenna add details specific to this US Navy version.
Part of the 1/48 scale aircraft model range, this ICM kit depicts an important maritime patrol aircraft from the early years of American involvement in the Second World War, with particular attention to its interior and anti-submarine patrol configuration.
