Not really.

The Normandy map can stand in for any part of the French coast for "Rhubarb" missions for 1941-42 British fighters and strike fighters.

The B-26 was widely used. Any of the Pacific Island maps, the Normandy map, and any of the Italian maps would be fine for it.

I would accept any map for the Whirlwind!

As for the Marauder, I was dreaming about the Ninth Air Force, where the type really shone, and remembering a fantastic comic story with Ian Kennedy arts. Story was about Marauders in the Pacific (incorrect model and year, but…) fighting against Bettys and Ohkas…:rolleyes:

Actually the B 26 was used for a short time in New Guinea, before being replaced with B 25s. Why couldn't you use the Whirlwind on the Normandy map in an early war scenario?

You’re right, the short wing model. As for the Whirlwind, as I said, I would use any map, any!

Okay if compared to real life -the player is not blinded. The muzzle flash temporarily outshines all other ingame objects, and the slightly more blackish grey of the enemy bomber gets lost against the greyish black of the background. If lucky enough, rinse, wash, repeat. Usually and unlucky - ram bomber you don't see any more. Extra unlucky and very common, given away position, and getting pounded by all bombers nearby.
Another thing that would be useful and maybe even necessary - flames and or glow of exhausts.
Yeah, this thing is fun. No one can catch you(almost). And that's also not too desireable for balance. And it was a rare bird. I was more thinking along the lines of a Do-217/He-177 (already there as AI model).
Whirlwind can use Normandy map. Or the fake British isles (Kuban if I'm not mistaken?) - and it would be highly welcome even without a map.
B-26 is one of my favourites, too, but to be honest -its roles can largley and without too much hassle be occupied by B-25/A-20. As sad as it is, there is no real need for this beautiful plane.

But it made quite some impression on the German footsoldiers serving in Northern Africa, Sicily, Itlay and Normandy. I know from first hand that they used to call all these American twin-enginie bombers, regardless whether A 20 or B-25, just "Marauders".

The B26 had a significant role in the last two years of war, particularly with the Ninth AF. In my opinion, it was a sort of “tactical Flying Fortress”, the best type allied had in this role, until the Invader became available. And in that role it would be perfectly suited for good old Il2. It would efficiently share the same overall scenario with the Typhoon, flying over Northern France, the Ardennes and Southern Germany, pounding the same targets.

The Whirlwind is – to my eyes – the most beautiful WWII type, but honestly it can be considered barely operational, with just 116 examples built, flown by two squadrons only and replaced by the Typhoon. Possibly, the best way to use it is as a starting point for an RAF ground attack pilot career, progressing to the Typhoon and Tempest. As said above, the Typhoon could happily share the same scenario with the B26…

Just an exercise in optimism! ;)

So, if we exclude strategic bombing, I think the following planes would be suitable for IL-2 maps

LW: Ju-88A14, He-111H16, Do-217K/M*, Me-410
US: B-25C, B-25G and H, Helldiver
Soviet: Tu-2

* used as anti shipping bomber too, thats why in the list.

Yes that would fit. And it would find its friends - I'd bet anyone that likes the A-20 would like the B-26. But I don't see the huge gap where this plane is missing, rather a small niche.
And we have a I-185, with Idontknowhowlittle built, among others. I always thought a hypothetical souped up Whirly 1945/46 model would have been a perfect counter against the more realistic 1946 German planes. And given that most prop engines of that time enhanced their power by 1.5 to 2 in their carreres, a fully developed Peregrine with all the bells and whistles would be no more unrealistic as a few other planes IMHO.

That’s because the I185 was a work of love, not the result of rational planning, and I’m grateful to the people that modelled it and shared it with us. Thanks, guys!
In my opinion, the real “what if Whirlwind” would have been a slightly scaled up machine: something around 10% would have sufficed to accommodate Merlin engines. Add four belt fed Hispanos and look what you have: same power and armament as the Mosquito, but smaller and single seat!