New 1/48 B-29 Rerelease

Jim,

I'm not sure if the new release has the same decals as the old one, but seeing your post sure has jogged my memory, for the big B-29 was the first model I'd ever paid more than $10 for, way back in 1979/80, while stationed at Ft. Bragg. It was the first of the BIG kits, as I can remember. I built it as "Enola Gay", and CW3 Billy Brooks (Golden Knights Caribou Pilot) offered me $20 for it when I took it to work to show it off.

That was the very first time I'd sold a model I had built, and remember looking out of of my office window at Mr. Brooks strolling across the grass toward the Knights hangar holding that big B-29 around over his head, like he was pretending it was flying over him.

Some things just stick in your mind and bring a smile to you face... and that's one of them for me. It's one hell of a kit, and so much interior detailing possibilities, it's almost a shame their wasn't at least an accessory clear fuselage half.

Thanks for the memories,
Frank

Jim, a couple of months ago I posted a query along the same lines; someone replied that he had heard that the new kit would be re-configured for Korean-War era B-29s, but that doesn't seem to be exclusively the case, given that (per the great models website) the re-issued kit includes the two a-bombs carried by the Enola Gay and Bock's Car.

Revell-Monogram's pr for this kit has been really bad, and there's been quite a delay from when the company promised to re-release it. At least the company doesn't seem to be adding insult to injury as with its recent re-release of the B-36, in which it issued the same kit with a new decal sheet but more than doubled the price. I wanted to make another B-36, but not at that price! Hopefully there'll come available new B-29 decal options from the aftermarket retailers.

If you make the plunge and buy the kit, please email me at terrybishop624@aol.com, as I will be buying one soon too (assuming the price isn't insane like the B-36) and would like to compare notes with you on sources and decals.

--Terry

I did'nt know of this kit before now, whats the surface detail like? Does it have raised or recessed panel lines?

Raised lines, the kit is originally from the 1970's. I have one of the older ones and it needs decals. Thats why I posted this question. I want to see what decal options I have. I intend to build the Enola Gay so I need those decals and not any other. I was just hopping someone would know what was in there thats all. The decals are shot and need replacement. They got wet and are extremely faded after twenty-seven or so years. I think the kit is from 1977. That is what the copyright date is I believe.

NO I WILL NOT PART WITH IT SO DON"T ASK!!!

Phantoms rule the skies!!!

Jim,

Sorry for giving you more information than you wanted to hear.

You may aquire an "Enola Gay" 1/48 decal sheet here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3169114134&category=50296

QUOTE: NO I WILL NOT PART WITH IT SO DON"T ASK!!!

Don't want your kit.

Frank

Im pretty sure it doesnt include Enola Gay or Bockscar decals.
It includes decals for Cream of the Crop which was with the 19th BG from Kadena, Okinawa in 1951. The other decals are for Humpin Honey a 462nd BG from Chengtu China in 1944. It has the early style AN/APQ-13 radome. This is the radar between the bomb bays. The early style is pointy and retractable. If youve ever seen a "Mickey" Radome on B-17s or B-24's this is the exact same radar. Later B-29s had a bigger more faired dome, this bigger dome is found on the older Monogram kits.
The new B-29 also has Hamiltion Standard props while if your building just about any B-29 this is good, but Enola Gay and all other 509th CG B-29s had the Curtiss Electrics represented on the old kit.


Anyway you can get Superscale decals for Enola Gay. They are out of production but still can be found on Ebay. Im building Enola Gay too and got the decals there.

Thanks for the info. Jim. Now I'll have to see if I can find one over here...............

I'd bee happy to see one of those aftermarket gangs come up with the decals and whatever else was needed to turn it into a post war RAF Washington variant

Washingtons have been done. Heres a link to a 1/48 RAF Washington.

http://www.ipms.nl/sigs/bmac/washington.htm

If you could get one of Aeromasters decal sheets for the Lancaster Id say you would have enough decals to do as you wish.

There was also 2 Washingtons sent to the RAAF. They didnt have the belly radar or guns.. but did include a radar protruding from where the lower aft turret was.

My hobby shop sells the 1/48 B-29 Superfortress by Monogram for $23.99. And it's on sale. But it is huge as hell. Do you think guys I should get it?

the Ole Superfort is a good kit but it has it's draw backs, like the raise panel lines but that could be remadied by scribing, and awhile back I've seen Eduard released a detail set for the 29 but it maybe re-released here shortly and I think Verlinden had a kit for it also but I could be mistaken, the kit is a old kit but rehashed with some new parts like the F-14 & F/A-18's I just wish they redo the exteriors with recessed panel lines on all their kits, also I know SuperScale has decals for the Enola Gay & Bocks Car

Hi Guys/Gals

I was asked to build a B-29 Straight out of box. But the customer waould like a super brights finish. He knows of metal foil and buffing metalizers. But I have never built a plant this large and had to give it a bright metal finish. Do any of you have ANY ideas or links that would help me.

Jake