During the 1970s, a number of ex-USCG Consolidated PB4Y-2G Privateers with their glazed noses were converted into the aerial fire bombing role by Transaire Spraying Company of Canyon, Texas. The R-1830-94 Twin Wasps were replaced by more powerful 1700-hp Wright R-2600 Cyclones. These conversions (known as *Super Privateers*) could be identified by the presence of short-stack exhausts which protruded around the circumference of the nacelles. They could carry up to 18,000 pounds of fire-retardant chemical. Several Super Privateers were operated by Hawkins & Powers Aviation of Greybull, Wyoming, which used them in the fire-fighting role under contract to the US Forest Service. Some of these aircraft (including Tanker 126 seen here) had their nose glazing replaced with vertically mounted North American F-86 Sabre canopies for improved visibility.

To convert the Matchbox 1/72 Privateer kit into H&P Tanker 126, Jerry Wells made the following modifications after a lot of research, planning and scrounging :

• Engines replaced by Engines & Things R-2600s ; Quick Boost B-25 cowlings and props
• Airwaves B-24 flaps
• True Details B-24 resin wheels
• Nose glazing scrapped from a Heller 1/72 F-86 kit
• Borate tanks from sheet plastic
• Modified Matchbox kit canopy as master to thermoform the correct one
• Rudder and elevators separated from fin and tailplane
• Detailing with an Eduard B-24 photo-etch

The model is painted with Alclad II shades of aluminium, and Floquil SP Red for the wing tips, tail tips, and cowl rings.

The pictures were taken at the IPMS USA Nationals 2007.