1/32nd scale B-29 Superfortress

[ThomasProbert]

I've been working on this project for the last nine months, and have been able to apply the finishing touches today.

 

A full build thread is here:

 

http://forum.largescalemodeller.com/topic/651-132nd-scale-b-29-superfortress/

 

 

This started life as a basic vacform from the old ID Models range (now available from John 'Tigger' Wilkes:

 

 

The 'small' fuselage in the above image is the 1/48th Monogram B-29 which I used to guide me throughout this build.

 

There was absolutely no interior with this kit so it has all had to be made from scratch. The tools of the trade were simply Evergreen strip, plastic card and Milliput, plus plenty of good references.

 

Here's the cockpit under construction:

 

 

And when painted:

 

 

The whole interior received this treatment, along with the bomb-bays and wheel bays.

 

I chose to finish my model as "Kee Bird" which crash-landed in the Arctic after the crew became lost and she ran out of fuel in 1947. Laying undisturbed for nearly 50 years this aircraft was sadly lost during a recovery attempt in 1994.

 

Due to her long range snooping over the former USSR, "Kee Bird" was fitted with four long-range auxiliary fuel tanks in the bomb-bays; these too had to be made from scratch:

 

 

There were no engines or propellers in this kit so the engines were castings of the ZM Skyraider engine, and the props came from a Vintage Fighter Series P-47, which after a little re-profiling fitted perfectly:

 

 

The cowl flaps were made from drinks can alloy to gain a scale thickness:

 

 

The kit's transparencies were used for the observation/gunner blisters:

 

 

The clear nose was also the kit's, but for the other windows I simply dropped clear acetate into the apertures I cut earlier in the build:

 

 

 

(Part 2 to follow)

[ThomasProbert]

Here follows some general detail shots as well as some pictures of the completed model in its entirety:

 

 

 

The guns came from Aeries:

 

 

The nose-art was my own doing:

 

 

The elevators and rudder were scratch-built:

 

 

 

All paints were automotive acrylics straight from a spray can. This picture also shows my scribing efforts to good effect - there was no surface detail whatsoever on the model:

 

 

And to give a sense of scale to this model... this is a 6-seater dining room table!

 

 

Although it threw some challenges my way, this was by far the most enjoyable and fulfilling build I've completed to date. 

 

Many thanks to those who helped me out with the engines and main wheels - you know who you are!

 

As always, your feedback is welcome - good or bad 

 

Tom Probert, 29th May 2013.

 

[PAnderson]

WOW!

[rkranias]

beautiful.  she's a big 'un!

 

an amazing effort.  true modeling skills on this one.  very clever solutions executed.  really enjoyed following your WIP reports on ths one.

 

now for the big question:  Where and How will you display this beauty?

[Dave J]

As said in the WIP thread... Awesome, just Awesome!

 

I just hope it doesn't do what the real Kee Bird did once finished!

[Mikester]

Absolutely amazing!

[Grant]

Absolutely fantastic!

[Rizzo]

I was following this on the britmodeller forums. Great to see it finished- what an awesome model.

[GAJouette]

  Thomas,

Absolutely Awesome project my friend. Truly impressive Vacuform building and a fitting tribute to your skills and craftsmanship. Whats the next big Vac in line?

 

Highest Regards,

Gregory Jouette

Who also builds vac kits but nothing this big

[coolboxx]

Truly impressive build thanks for showing this build

[mikec]

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Greetings Thomas;

 

 

 

................... Every thing, every body else said.....  X 2, Very Nice ....................   ......... .

 

 

 

Mike

[BradG]

That's a good job, but I assume it doesn't live on the dining room table, so where do you keep such a beast of a model?

[Jamme]

Fantastic build.

Love it!

Cheers,

Jamme