billn53 Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 It's been almost exactly three months since I began this project: and I'm finally ready to post this RFI 😀 For details on this build, the WIP can be found here: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235053675-convair-b-58-hustler-172/ I've got lots to show, so grab your candy &popcorn from the lobby and settle into your seat! Aftermarket items include Caracel's excellent B-58 decal set; Aires afterburner cans and nozzles; photoetch sets from Airwaves and Eduard; and Master Model's B-58 nose probe & F-16 static discharge wicks. Paint is AK Interactive's "Xtreme Metal". I selected markings from the Caracel set for "Rapid Rabbit": Let's go! *** New photos added 14 July 2019 *** *** End of New Photos *** Selected details: Crew compartments were almost entirely scratchbuilt: Pilot's cockpit Navigator/Bombardier and Defensive Systems Operator stations: Unfortunately, not much is visible once installed: Extra detailing added to the kit's escape capsules: Hatch interior details: Panel shading on engine pods: Engine air intakes scratchbuilt: Aires provided the afterburner cans and nozzles: Nose landing gear details: Main landing gear details: Scratchbuilt Vulcan minigun: Position lights added to vertical stabilizer and wing leading edges: Astro-tracker dome added to top of fuselage: Static discharge wicks on wing trailing edge and vertical fin: Pigment powders were used to recreate the "striping" effect seen in photos of the B-58 upper fuselage: The Hustler's unique exhaust staining beneath the wing modeled using pigment powders and Tamiya smoke: That's it! A challenging build to be sure. But I learned a lot, not only about Convair's B-58, but also some new modeling techniques. Thanks to everyone who followed my build (nearly 14,000 views!!!) and for the many comments and suggestions received. Now, I must decide what my next project will be. Maybe an XB-35 flying wing? Forgot to put the nose weight in again, didn't you? 70 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil5208 Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 Been following the WIP since the start with intention of getting one myself but I dont think I could match your excellent work. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbo88 Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 Are you sure that's the Italeri Hustler?! Incredible amount of detail you have added there. I have the remains of the same kit, made back in the early 90s. Am tempted to bring it back from the dead now. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spruecutter96 Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 You've made an excellent example of this "oldie-but-a-goldie" kit. She's a real credit to your building and painting skills. Thanks for sharing with us. Chris. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petetasker Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 That’s A beautiful finish and exquisite attention to detail - superb! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Brantley Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 Great model of an incredible airplane! 🍺 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmerboy Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 Jaw dropping stuff! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booty003 Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 That, Sir, is incredible. Have been following your WIP thread and have been blown away with the detail and careful additions that you have used. The end result is magnificent and a million miles away from the standard kit. I am just upset that i have one in the stash that will never look as good as that.... It's been a great journey and superb end result. One to be very proud of buddy. Phil 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basket Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 Your work on this beauty is unbelievable. It looks like a 1/48 model , which itself looks like the real plane. 😉 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LorenSharp Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 Outstanding Job! I would have to agree with the others, If I didn't know this was 1/72 scale I would have thought it was MUCH larger. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeaton01 Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 Beautiful model! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMCS Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 Excellent 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picard Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 A fantastic master class W,I,P, ending with a stunningly beautiful lady, Many thanks for the wonderful journey and the stunning arrival, Nice one Sir. Cheers Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spitfire31 Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 A stunning work of art by a master of the craft. I humbly doff my hat. Kind regards, Joachim 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 She's a stunner, Bill Martin 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billn53 Posted July 5, 2019 Author Share Posted July 5, 2019 4 minutes ago, RidgeRunner said: She's a stunner, Bill Martin Thanks, Martin. Except for a couple of paint catastrophes, I enjoyed this build. But, truth is, I'm glad to be done with her and ready to move on to something else. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 (edited) 9 minutes ago, billn53 said: Thanks, Martin. Except for a couple of paint catastrophes, I enjoyed this build. But, truth is, I'm glad to be done with her and ready to move on to something else. :). Well, you should be proud of her! Edited July 5, 2019 by RidgeRunner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serkan Sen Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 Excellent finish with a very detailed work. I will definitely refer to your WIP for my Italeri Hustler and Boomerang builds. Serkan 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiton Posted July 6, 2019 Share Posted July 6, 2019 Good Job 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VG 33 Posted July 6, 2019 Share Posted July 6, 2019 Fantastic job and thank you for sharing. Patrick 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James G Posted July 6, 2019 Share Posted July 6, 2019 Lovely build! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Joyce Posted July 6, 2019 Share Posted July 6, 2019 Beauty of a build and your attention to detail is amazing. I really like the NMF and your use of the pigment powders. Cheers, Mark 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ c Posted July 6, 2019 Share Posted July 6, 2019 Great looking Hustler, really nice work 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Work In Progress Posted July 6, 2019 Share Posted July 6, 2019 That's lovely, it's such a dynamic looking machine and I really like your rendition. What's the story with the tail-sitter photo? It doesn't look like the sort of machine that would be prone to that - hard to imagine what sort of mis-loading it must have had, unless there is scope top put a LOT of fuel aft of the main gear Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billn53 Posted July 6, 2019 Author Share Posted July 6, 2019 1 hour ago, Work In Progress said: What's the story with the tail-sitter photo? It doesn't look like the sort of machine that would be prone to that - hard to imagine what sort of mis-loading it must have had, unless there is scope top put a LOT of fuel aft of the main gear With the center weapon pod removed, the Hustler’s center of gravity was marginal on the ground. Too much fuel in the aft tanks (or too little forward) could create a tail-sitter. In fact, a four-ton weight was often hung from the forward fuselage just to ensure all three gear remained firmly on the ground! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now