1/32nd scale B-29 Superfortress

[ThomasProbert]

More details on the B-29 build:

 

Now my attention turned to the engines. There are no engines in the kit, and unfortunately no suitable engines are available in the aftermarket scene, so thankfully a fellow member came to the rescue and did some resin copies of the ZM Skyraider engine which would be a perfect substitute:

 

 

Once they had been cleaned up and assembled I added some push-rods from stretched sprue:

 

 

And then gave them a coat or two of paint:

 

 

Propellers were another headache as again there was nothing readily available to me. I have the Vintage 1:24th P-47, and the Curtiss Electric prop (which were kitted to the Kee Bird) was a very close match (give or take 2mm) to a 1/32nd B-29 prop so I got in contact with them and ordered a set of four.

 

Here is one being test fitted to the engine:

 

 

 

And compared to its Monogram 1/48th counterpart:

 

 

The engines were then put to one side and my attention turned to the cowlings.

 

 

The first job was to remove the openings and intakes on the engine fronts:

 

 

Then the engines were attached to the fire-walls:

 

 

After some further detailing, the cowlings were slid over the engines and secured in place:

 

 

Then it was on to the cowl flaps... more to follow.

[ThomasProbert]

The detail on the cowlings was limited, so I decided to add some additional detail by making my own cowl flaps to enhance the appearance of the exterior.

 

To do this I used thin aluminium from a coke can - this worked well on my 1/32nd B-24 build so I thought I'd give it a go here.

 

The first task is to cut strips of the drink can alloy to the required width:

 

 

 

The natural curve of the can makes this job much easier!

 

Then, starting from the centre and working out, each cowl flap was cut to size and attached to the nacelle:

 

 

Once complete, they were given a light sanding to create a key for the paint when it was applied:

 

 

You can also see in the above picture that I have added the exhausts and vents to the underside of the nacelles. These were again scratch-built and made from plastic card and Evergreen strip and tubing.

 

A more detailed shot:

 

 

And the engines with a test fit of the props:

 

 

The Kee Bird also carried a H2S radar scanner on the undersides, and this too had to made from scratch.

 

Step 1: Make a Milliput mold:

 

 

 

Step 2: Use my school's vacform machine to create a copy:

 

 

 

Step 3: Cut it out, sand it to shape and attach it to the model:

 

 

 

 

 

[ThomasProbert]

I then scratch-built and detailed the elevators using Archer rivets:

 

 

I did the same with the rudder, and added some scratch-built hinges:

 

 

 

I then scratch-built the gun-sights:

 

 

And attached the superb kit blisters:

 

 

I then added the final few external details such as the cowl fasteners:

 

 

Wing tip lights:

 

 

 

A resin DF loop:

 

 

And finally she was ready for some paint:

 

 

 

In the next update I'll explain the painting and decaling process.

 

Until then... happy modelling! 

 

Tom

 

[rkranias]

outstanding modeling on this....a joy to follow

[Grant]

D'you know, I'm not sure I entirely believe what my eyes are telling me.  Fantastic modelling skills Tom ... and you've got them all.  I'm always in awe of modellers who think nothing of vac-forming their own canopies or knocking up a quick mould to cast their own engines etc.  Incredible.

[Jamme]

Incredible !

Love this build.

Congrats,

Jamme

[GAJouette]

  Tom,

Absolutely AWESOME project my friend. I'm so loving this thread.

Highest Regards,

Gregory Jouette

[Dave J]

Looking fantastic! Can't wait for the next update!

[NOVAModeler]

Amazing - simply amazing.

[Steve D]

WOW!

 

just

 

WOW!

[ThomasProbert]

Thanks once again for the kind words 

 

I'll now explain how the model was painted.

 

The first job was to prime all the surfaces and check for any imperfections:

 

 

 

 

I was pleased with the results, and my scribing efforts came out much better than I had initially anticipated!

 

I use automotive paints (Halfords for UK readers) regularly for my builds, and decided to go down the same route with this project. They cover large areas quickly (this model has plenty of large areas!) and a match for almost paint colour can be found in their range or you can have specific colours mixed as required.

 

For the main airframe I used Halfords Aluminium:

 

 

 

For the distinctive centre-section shades I used 'Mercedes Machine Silver' to highlight the different shade of metal for the B-29 main spar area:

 

 

And then 'Ford Carnival Orange' which is an exact match for the Arctic Orange the Kee Bird carried on the tail and outer wing panels:

 

 

[/url]

 

The upper surfaces were then carefully masked:

 

 

And then the undersides given a coat of gloss black:

 

 

 

[/url]

 

More to follow...

[ThomasProbert]

The decaling process followed next...

 

For the main US insignia, I used a 1/32nd Hellcat decal sheet which provided stars and bars of the correct size:

 

 

 

 

 

The tail serial numbers were put together from an Xtradecal sheet:

 

 

 

And I made the Kee Bird nose-art myself:

 

 

 

The last job was a coat of Satin varnish to reduce the shine of the aluminum areas and the high-gloss of the black and orange areas. I think it is very important to keep glossy finish 'in scale' and a bright, gleaming finish would not be accurate for an aircraft in service in a harsh environment such as the Arctic:

 

 

 

In the next update I'll show you how I went about the smaller details such as the bomb-bay details, turrets, gear doors and elevators etc. 

 

As always, you thoughts and opinions are greatly received - as well as some constructive criticism if necessary 

 

Tom

 

[Wingco57]

Fantastic as always Tom,

I wonder how you are going to tackle all those small windows of the canopy.

A truly epic build.

Cees

[ThomasProbert]

Fantastic as always Tom,

I wonder how you are going to tackle all those small windows of the canopy.

A truly epic build.

Cees

 

I have inserted a framework into each window to sit clear acetate on. The real aircraft had flat window panels (I presume to reduce distortion) so it will make life easier!

 

Tom

[Wingco57]

Ah very clever. but if I recall the windows seem to be faired into the framework same as old windows were faired in with putty.

Cees

[ThomasProbert]

Ah very clever. but if I recall the windows seem to be faired into the framework same as old windows were faired in with putty.

Cees

 

Yes you're correct - they had rubber seals which acted as the 'putty'.

[ThomasProbert]

Another update...

 

Once the decaling was complete I could start to add the smaller details.

 

The first step was to add the previously completed landing gear:

 

 

Next came the gear doors. I used the parts removed from the kit earlier in construction, but added the linings and other details from plastic card:

 

 

 

The nose gear doors were painted and added to the model; the main gear doors were put aside for adding later on in the build:

 

 

I then scratch built the tail skid, painted it and added it to the underside of the tail:

 

 

 

The turrets were tackled next. Here's how they come in the kit:

 

 

Once removed from the backing sheet and sanded to shape, I removed the section of the turret that elevates and drilled holes in preparation for the guns to be added later:

 

 

They were then painted and added to the fuselage:

 

 

The de-icing boots were also painted matt black and then polished with micro-mesh to give a satin sheen and a 'rubbery' look to them:

 

 

More to follow...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ThomasProbert]

The bomb-bay was the next area to receive attention...

 

I had finished the bomb-bay interior as far as could prior to painting the exterior. I now added my previously scratch-built bomb-racks:

 

 

 

I then had to tackle the distinctive oxygen cylinders. These provided breathable air for the crew at altitude. Once again I had to improvise and make my own, with some 1/48th 1000lb bombs coming to the rescue! The fins were removed from the rear of each bomb and the shape improved by some sanding. The rear area of the cylinders wouldn't be seen so the exact shape wasn't essential here. 

 

'Bombs' before painting:

 

 

After painting and further detailing - they look more like the oxygen cylinders now:

 

 

I then installed them in the bay. B-29s had many variations as to where they were positioned, so I went with the Monogram 1/48th guidance and positioned them beneath the main spar:

 

 

The Kee Bird was fitted with four ultra-long range auxiliary fuel tanks in the bomb-bays for her snooping over the former USSR. Again these tanks had to be scratch-built.

 

Here they are in a real B-29 (picture used for illustrative purposes only:)

 

 

My method was to create the ends of the tanks from thick plastic card, and then wrap thin card around them to form the body of the tanks. 

 

 

This was an early experimental effort and wouldn't be used. The shape is off and it's twisted, but it gives you the general idea.

 

After a few more attempts (seven in total!) I was happy with four of them so painted them up and added them to the bays:

 

 

 

More to follow...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ThomasProbert]

It was now time to address the bomb-doors and their actuators...

 

The doors were removed previously in the build, so it was simply a case of detailing them and I did this by adding the internal skins from plastic card. Archer rivets also added a little extra detail:

 

 

I then had to make the hydraulic actuators for the opening and closing of the doors. These were made from the following:

 

 

And after some cutting and detailing:

 

 

All the components were then painted:

 

 

And then installed on the model:

 

 

 

 

 

 

And that more or less brings you up to date. Currently, she looks like this:

 

 

[/url]

 

I've been running a thread on Britmodeller since August 2012 (when this project started.) If you'd like to see more detail the link is here: 

 

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234924637-22513-update-132nd-scale-boeing-b-29-from-the-id-models-vacform/

 

I will now update this thread as I add to the model. I am currently working on installing the main landing gear doors and working on some final interior detailing before I add the glazing to the windows.

 

I'll keep you posted 

 

Thanks for all your interest so far!

 

Tom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[JeroenPeters]

Hi thomas,

Great stamina in tackling this project!

Glad you went for a more interrsting scheme than all over bmf.

Really sets it off..

Great work!!

[ThomasProbert]

I've made the most of the Bank Holiday and made some more progress on the B-29...

 

I scratch-built some more hydraulic actuators using the nails and cotton-bud method, and then added them along with the doors I'd made earlier as well as some final details to the main landing gear bays:

 

 

I've also applied a little weathering to the model. Studying photo's of the Kee Bird showed these aircraft to be clean and well maintained, but B-29s in general threw oil at an alarming rate. This great picture of 'Thumper' shows these oil leaks to good effect (photo used for illustrative purposes only):

 

 

I've attempted to recreate this on my model, using AK's 'engine oil'. I didn't go over the top here, but just added some 'oil' thinned with white spirit and blew it back across the wing in the direction of the airflow:

 

 

 

 

Kee Bird also had a set of 'Rebecca' aerials on either side of her nose (picture used for illustrative purposes only):

 

 

I made these using Aeroclub's wing struts drilled and then added the thinner, vertical aerials from stretched sprue. Another aerial is here too, ready to be added to the top of the fuselage:

 

 

More to follow...

[ThomasProbert]

The part I had been most apprehensive about came next... the dreaded glazing... and there's lots of it!

 

I started with the tail gunner's turret. The frames I had built into the window apertures allowed me to drop clear acetate into the frames and secure them in place with 'Formula 500' canopy glue.

 

The side windows were standard clear plastic, but the rear window was added from tinted yellow plastic to replicate the tinted, bullet proof glass on the real aircraft:

 

 

 

Next came the flight deck windows. The frames were painted dark grey to replicate the rubber seals on the real aircraft, and then flat panels were cut from clear plastic card and dropped into the windows. I then sealed them in with more Formula 500 which has acted like putty on a real window to hold them securely in place. The real aircraft also has flat window panels so this proved an ideal way of doing the glazing.

 

This picture shows the process underway:

 

 

You can also see I've added the final interior details such as the pilot's escape handles on the windows, front gunner's gun sight, bombsight and other various hoses and pipes.

 

When all the glue had set, I was pretty pleased with how the windows have come out. You can also see the aerials added to the nose here, too:

 

[/url]

 

 

Considering the complexity of the glazing on the B-29 and the amount of work having to go into making these windows, I feel they are as good as I am going to get them! I'm also pleased that the many hours spent scratch-building the interior haven't been wasted as you can still see a lot through the extensive 'greenhouse' of a nose.

 

With only final details to add, such as the nose transparency, props, guns and a few more little aerials, the next time I update you may be the last and the beast finished 

 

Until next time,

 

Tom

[Guest styrenedemon]

Wow...I am really enjoying this. I can't really add any more than that....I'm just speechless. I envy your dedication more than anything. I'd be so burnt out by now....lol.

[Jamme]

Incredible fantastic job !!!!!

Love that one.

Congrats,

Jamme

[ThomasProbert]

Thank you for the kind words and encouragement... It's been a pleasure sharing my project with you.