1/32nd scale B-29 Superfortress

[tomprobert]

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

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)

[crobinsonh]

One word - STUNNING

[tomprobert]

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.

[richdlc]

just to reiterate what I said on the LSP forum...

absolutely brilliant Tom, been a pleasure following this build! Can't wait to see what you tackle next...

Hope to see the B-29 in the flesh soon

[Viking]

Absolutely brilliant. Probably one of the most impressive models I've ever seen.

Cheers

John.

[woody37]

It doesn't seem like 9 months in the making, but it was well worth the wait, beautiful

[nicE1]

Wow! that's really nice!

[mike romeo]

Tom,

I have some bad feedback for you: you're too bl**dy good!

Lovely build, sir. Some really high class modelling in there. Now, where are you going to store it?

regards,

Martin

[johnny akes]

Epic, both in execution and the result. Something to be proud of.

[sean]

Stunning build, the quality you have achieved is inspiring,

Sean

[John_W]

Watched this awesome build on WIP. Outstanding.

[batcode]

fantastic work, the cockpit is so detailed ,great job

[Spikelhund]

One of the best and most enjoyable builds I've had the pleasure to follow, absolutely fantastic skills and finished model.

Cheers...

[tomprobert]

Thanks for the kind comments folks... much appreciated

[bentwaters81tfw]

9 months? I've been following it that long?

How about a 1.32 B-52?

[tomprobert]

How about a 1.32 B-52?

Don't tempt me...

[rmcclure]

Wow wow wow. I followed the WIP with great interest and what an inspiration it's been. What you've managed to create from a "kit" with so few parts is really outstanding. Bloody well done.

Cheers,

Roger

[Simon Cornes]

Stunning - where on earth will you keep a machine like that? It looks like something a museum would love to have! Incredible!!

Cheers

Simon

[jonbru1]

Absolutely stunning, especially in the light of the starting point. Superb demonstration of patience!!!

[gazza l]

Very impressive modelling.

gazza l

[snapper_city]

Been following the build also. She looks stunning now finished. A leviathan of a model with absolutely no issues storage wise as far as I can see. Thumbs up.

Btw a 1/32 B-52 really would be something.

[russ c]

Awesome Build !! Well Done

[brianthemodeller]

I have really enjoyed following this build. You have created one of the best models I have ever seen - even Mrs BtM was impressed!

Thank you

Brian

Ps what's next??

[Julien]

Very impressive modelling.

I enjoyed the WIP thread as well.

Julien

[Jessica]

It's a bit of a bittersweet moment. While it's lovely to see it finished, now I don't have your next wonderful bit of modelling wizardy to look forward to.