The XB-42 was an experimental bomber intended to offer greater range and speed than conventional bombers through its innovative design. However, the end of World War II and development of jet engines superceded it.

The XB-42 began as a private Douglas proposal that was accepted by the US Army Air Force in May 1943 when two prototypes were ordered.

The first prototype flew on 6 May 1944 and performance was excellent, a speed record of 433.6 mph being set in December 1944.

The end of the war and development of jet engines rendered the XB-42 obsolete although a jet engine powered version, the XB-43 was tested.

Instead, effort went into developing new aircraft that took better advantage of new engines and aerodynamics.

This model represents one of the two prototypes, c.1945.

Anigrand 1/72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in October 2007.