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Convair B-58 Hustler (Italeri 1/72)


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It's been almost exactly three months since I began this project:

 

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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":

 

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Let's go!

 

 

 

*** New photos added 14 July 2019 ***

 

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*** End of New Photos ***

 

 

 

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Selected details:

 

Crew compartments were almost entirely scratchbuilt:

 

Pilot's cockpit

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Navigator/Bombardier and Defensive Systems Operator stations:

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Unfortunately, not much is visible once installed:

 

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Extra detailing added to the kit's escape capsules:

 

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Hatch interior details:

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Panel shading on engine pods:

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Engine air intakes scratchbuilt:

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Aires provided the afterburner cans and nozzles:

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Nose landing gear details:

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Main landing gear details:

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Scratchbuilt Vulcan minigun:

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Position lights added to vertical stabilizer and wing leading edges:

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Astro-tracker dome added to top of fuselage:

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Static discharge wicks on wing trailing edge and vertical fin:

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Pigment powders were used to recreate the "striping" effect seen in photos of the B-58 upper fuselage:

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The Hustler's unique exhaust staining beneath the wing modeled using pigment powders and Tamiya smoke:

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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?

 

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Forgot to put the nose weight in again, didn't you?

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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.

 

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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.  

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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

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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!

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