Martin SP-5B Marlin

Although this kit is 45 years old but with a bit of improvisation it will be possible to build from this a useable Marlin. Shin Meiwa was almost as old and it also worked🙂

Our world ist really very small. During my research I discovered the website of Mr. Tom Bigley. He flew the Martin Marlin especially the RP 16 of the VP-31 too. He was so kind to share with me a lot of very interesting information about the Martin Marlin.

The specific Marlin I am modeling belonged to VP-31 which was a training squadron based at NAS North Island, near San Diego, CA. It was designated as a "Replacement Air Group", referred to as "the RAG", and there was a sister squadron (VP-30) based on the east coast. ALL pilots and aircrew went through "final polish" training in the RAG, enroute to their operational Patrol Squadron. The students were a mix of brand new pilots and aircrew coming directly from the training com, second and third tour pilots and aircrew coming from other assignments and even officers headed to a squadron as the new XO/CO. (Information courtesy of Mr. Tom Bigley)