HPH B-36 Peacemaker A truly LARGE scale model.

[IainMackayDall]

you've probably got enough reference pics but I found this link with a lot if cockpit shots https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/197636/convair-b-36j-peacemaker/ and this cutaway illustration

[Clunkmeister]

That’s awesome, Iain, yes.  The only real difference is that the HPH kit is of the later B-36J with the dual engineers duty stations at the slightly wider console.  But as far as I know, the lower level is identical.

[Bomber_County]

Looking good Ernie, isn’t there any shots in the film Strategic Air Command with Jimmy Stewart...........

[Clunkmeister]

[Clunkmeister]

I expect they found the workload to be more easily managed by two. Especially with the addition of four jets. 

[GusMac]

Holy crap that's a lot of dials!

Don't screw your eyes Ernie!

[harv]

Dam, you could just build the pit as a stand alone model !....harv

[Clunkmeister]

All the ‘pit parts are primed and drying. I’m finding I itch like a fool when I sand fiberglass, so nothing’s changed there. But, only a bit more to do.

I figure that there’s only going to be a handful of these kits built, so I might as well go all the way on it. The greenhouse is huge and plenty will be seen through it.

I expect this is going to be a late production bird. Not sure yet, but am leaning towards an RB-36

[Wingco57]

You like em big

[Clunkmeister]

14 hours ago, Wingco57 said:

You like em big

I suppose so. I also like the different.

[seiran01]

2 hours ago, Clunkmeister said:

I also like the different.

Guess that’s why we are friends 

[harv]

Yep....harv

[Clunkmeister]

1 hour ago, seiran01 said:

Guess that’s why we are friends 

Mike, anyone who can see the good in a washed up, worn out old warrior like me is deserving of my friendship as well.  

 

[BlrwestSiR]

That is truly a wall of dials. Are you sure that's not thr reactor control room at Lawrence Livermore or something?

Carl

[Bill_S]

Is there any truth to the rumor that Airscale has been sold to some guy in Texas?

[harv]

21 minutes ago, Bill_S said:

Is there any truth to the rumor that Airscale has been sold to some guy in Texas?

[shark64]

great project

[Clunkmeister]

On 11/5/2019 at 9:20 AM, Bill_S said:

Is there any truth to the rumor that Airscale has been sold to some guy in Texas?

Nahh, I’m just a major investor. But I’ll encourage Mr. Castle to continue doing what he does.

He inspires me.

[harv]

.....harv

[Clunkmeister]

So the instruction book would have me build the wings first, but I’m having none of that. Models begin with the interior, and that’s how it is in my world. 
I've been picking away at this for awhile, anyone who builds resin knows that it’s 90% fitting, cutting, carving, sanding and fitting, repeat as often as needed. 

The biggest offender so far is the nose gear bay. It protrudes into the lower deck area, and HPH will have you cut off the Mother of All Casting Blocks to get it to fit. I’ve been at this thing for a couple hours and I’m still hacking away at it. It’s too long and deep for a razor saw in one swipe, so I go at it slowly. I refuse to do the Dremel thing as that’d be the moment I slip and ruin an expensive resin piece. 
This nose wheel well is one huge piece of resin. 

This may be 1/48 scale, but these are massive components. These things dwarf anything on the 1/32 Lancaster or B-17

[Clunkmeister]

So far I’ve done some base color application to the interior in Interior green, Nd now we go to some lightening and a minor bit of chipping. 
 

From what I’ve been able to tell, these were the Free World’s nuclear strike force for 10 years, and they were kept fairly pristine. They were heavily utilized but received heavy maintenance to help the cause.

So weathering will be minor and very sparingly applied. 

[DocRob]

Look out, that's what I call a big bird. The casting blocks are of corresponding dimensions. Is that dust coat only from the resin or are there other substances involved. mind, always to wear an dust mask .
Looking forward to your next steps with that cold war behemoth.

Cheers Rob

[Clunkmeister]

2 hours ago, DocRob said:

Look out, that's what I call a big bird. The casting blocks are of corresponding dimensions. Is that dust coat only from the resin or are there other substances involved. mind, always to wear an dust mask .
Looking forward to your next steps with that cold war behemoth.

Cheers Rob

Thanks Rob. Yes the casting blocks are massive on this thing.  If you see the deepness of the cut from the end, that's the throad deepness of the deepest razor saw I have. In other words, almost 2 inches.   Like I said, IT"S HUGE.

I always try to wear a respirator olus I vacuum myself off completely after each session. My wife gets VERY angry if I track resin dust all over he nice, clean house.

[Bomber_County]

Ernie, great to see you back at the bench........

[Clunkmeister]

Mumbling to myself though, Phil. Making 1/48 instrument panels make me remember why I don’t model that scale.

And I’m only working on the fire control system.  Still engineers and pilots panels to do.

Ugh!

Why can’t I just build normal models like everyone else in this world?