1/72 B-52D with Big Belly Mod, Operation Arc Light

Hello, All,

I've been experimenting with different materials to simulate the fill used in revetments. They can be filled with sand, dirt, rocks or a combination of these. Since sand is more tedious to model, I decided to go with rock. I was fortunate to find a brand of cat litter that has the right shape, size mix and color. Below is a picture of the results.

Cheers,

Russ

Looking good per usual Russ!

If you got a hankering to scratch a few base buildings it wouldn't surprise me.....lol

Hey Russ, sorry if I missed it, did you plan/make a fuel truck? Just wondering.

By the way, I am actually working on the mirrors today,

Dom

Striker8241

Hello, All,

I've been experimenting with different materials to simulate the fill used in revetments. They can be filled with sand, dirt, rocks or a combination of these. Since sand is more tedious to model, I decided to go with rock. I was fortunate to find a brand of cat litter that has the right shape, size mix and color. Below are a couple of pictures of the results.

Cheers,

Russ

 

Wow Russ, that does look so realistic!  Great idea!

Ken

I'm up for a Buff build.  I have one of those X-15/B52 combo kits (Monogram 1/72).  I have been pretty ill lately, so I have hardly been on the boards.  My only stumbling block is that I can't take images right now since my camera died and I can't replace it.  So I wouldn't be able to participate very much.  I'll work up a badge at least and work out Details with Dom to get it going.  Again, I'm still sick, so I won't be on as much until I get rid of this virus.

Rich

Astrogopher1

Great stuff!  I worked B52Gs and Hs for about 10 years at Anderson AFB Guam and Griffiss AFB New York.  I worked as a computer/radar technician on the Bomb Navigation system. Spent a lot of time in the lower crew section and under the radome.  Bomb drop misses were never our fault, only the Radar Navigators :)  No, not realy.  They were some of the best people I ever met.  

Anyway, I have that particular 1/72 B52D I have been carrying around for several years. So I have two questions reguarding your model:

1. What would the challanges be to build it as a G model. I am going to do a couple of smaller models first to build/rebuild my skills. (I haven't built a model since high school). I have only built kits out of the box with no scratchbuilding.  

It seems some of the major issues would be the tail gun, adding the second ejection seat hatch beside the ECM operator, the tail shape and the steerable chin turrets under the radome.

I know that is kind of a broad question  and if this thread is the wrong spot then I apologize before hand.  

2. Would anybody recomend a (at least) 1/72 G or H model.  The reason I a doing several models first is I want to get it right. So I am willing to wait for the right model.  But if I can modify this, I will.  

Thanks greatly for your time. and "Wow, I tell you, Wow!"  - Bartock

Missed your post,

You ask good questions, and the level of detail you put in and level of satisfaction are supposed to match.......doesn't always happen, but you never know until you're in the ocean.

I can't help with your ultimate choice, any BUFF is a great BUFF, but we do have some old hands around here to make suggestions and help out.

Starting with a few easier builds is a great idea. Finding space to build a big 1/72 BUFF is also a great idea, unless you already have it handy.

Rich and I are starting a BUFF build and just organizing stuff right now, so no rush to commit.

Best,

Dom

Striker8241

Hey, Dom,

I do have a trailer that is 1.3 in. W x 1.75 in. L (33.0 mm x 44.5 mm). If you can trim the mirror to 1.6 in. in length, I could use that. I don't want something that looks obviously out of place in the diorama. Otherwise, I could use the full-size mirror and mount it at an angle on the end of a handle, or just purchase an inspection mirror with an extendable handle.

Russ

What was the final width you want on that glass, i.e. 1.6" by ??"

Tx

Bockscar

Astrogopher1

Great stuff!  I worked B52Gs and Hs for about 10 years at Anderson AFB Guam and Griffiss AFB New York.  I worked as a computer/radar technician on the Bomb Navigation system. Spent a lot of time in the lower crew section and under the radome.  Bomb drop misses were never our fault, only the Radar Navigators :)  No, not realy.  They were some of the best people I ever met.  

Anyway, I have that particular 1/72 B52D I have been carrying around for several years. So I have two questions reguarding your model:

1. What would the challanges be to build it as a G model. I am going to do a couple of smaller models first to build/rebuild my skills. (I haven't built a model since high school). I have only built kits out of the box with no scratchbuilding.  

It seems some of the major issues would be the tail gun, adding the second ejection seat hatch beside the ECM operator, the tail shape and the steerable chin turrets under the radome.

I know that is kind of a broad question  and if this thread is the wrong spot then I apologize before hand.  

2. Would anybody recomend a (at least) 1/72 G or H model.  The reason I a doing several models first is I want to get it right. So I am willing to wait for the right model.  But if I can modify this, I will.  

Thanks greatly for your time. and "Wow, I tell you, Wow!"  - Bartock

 

Hey Bartock:

Missed your post,

You ask good questions, and the level of detail you put in and level of satisfaction are supposed to match.......doesn't always happen, but you never know until you're in the ocean.

I can't help with your ultimate choice, any BUFF is a great BUFF, but we do have some old hands around here to make suggestions and help out.

Starting with a few easier builds is a great idea. Finding space to build a big 1/72 BUFF is also a great idea, unless you already have it handy.

Rich and I are starting a BUFF build and just organizing stuff right now, so no rush to commit.

Best,

Dom

 

Hi, Bartok,

Sorry, but I missed your post too. Where is it BTW - what page? I looked back through the thread and can't find it. Anyway, I don't have any experience with any but the D-model kit, and I think AMT and Revell/Monogram are the only companies that produced 1/72 scale buffs in any model. Dom and Rich have a lot of experience and can point you in the right direction.

Cheers,

Russ

Hey Russ:

Bartok posted that on page 19,

looks like he's BUFFologist as well.

Dom

Bockscar

Looking good per usual Russ!

If you got a hankering to scratch a few base buildings it wouldn't surprise me.....lol

Hey Russ, sorry if I missed it, did you plan/make a fuel truck? Just wondering.

By the way, I am actually working on the mirrors today,

Dom

Thanks, Dom! 

Lol, no buildings - unless I turn this thing into a layout .  As for the fuel truck, it would be out of place in this diorama since no munitions loading or maintenance is allowed when fueling or loading LOX. Power has to be completely off.

Good to hear you're making progress on the mirror. Remembrer, it's not urgent so don't feel you have to rush. Many thanks for your doing this by the way.

Russ

Thanks, Dom .

Son Of Medicine Man

Striker8241

Hello, All,

I've been experimenting with different materials to simulate the fill used in revetments. They can be filled with sand, dirt, rocks or a combination of these. Since sand is more tedious to model, I decided to go with rock. I was fortunate to find a brand of cat litter that has the right shape, size mix and color. Below are a couple of pictures of the results.

Cheers,

Russ

 

Wow Russ, that does look so realistic!  Great idea!

Ken

Thanks, Ken! I do appreciate the good words .

Russ

Sparrowhyperion

I'm up for a Buff build.  I have one of those X-15/B52 combo kits (Monogram 1/72).  I have been pretty ill lately, so I have hardly been on the boards.  My only stumbling block is that I can't take images right now since my camera died and I can't replace it.  So I wouldn't be able to participate very much.  I'll work up a badge at least and work out Details with Dom to get it going.  Again, I'm still sick, so I won't be on as much until I get rid of this virus.

Rich

Great to hear that, Rich. Sorry you're still battling that virus. Hope you get over it soon.

Russ

Striker8241

Bockscar

Looking good per usual Russ!

If you got a hankering to scratch a few base buildings it wouldn't surprise me.....lol

Hey Russ, sorry if I missed it, did you plan/make a fuel truck? Just wondering.

By the way, I am actually working on the mirrors today,

Dom

Thanks, Dom! 

Lol, no buildings - unless I turn this thing into a layout .  As for the fuel truck, it would be out of place in this diorama since no munitions loading or maintenance is allowed when fueling or loading LOX. Power has to be completely off.

Good to hear you're making progress on the mirror. Remembrer, it's not urgent so don't feel you have to rush. Many thanks for your doing this by the way.

Russ

Thanks, Dom .

I didn't know the BUFF ran on Liquid Oxygen.....LOL....

Please educate me here, what is LOX?, on a bagel?....lol

Russ, I am not in a rush to do the glass, it was on the sched, and if I leave stuff

for too long a strange thing happens.....lol

I still need the width you need me to cut unless you have already posted that,

many thanks,

Dom

Bockscar

Hey Russ:

Bartok posted that on page 19,

looks like he's BUFFologist as well.

Dom

Well DOH!  I did reply. Guess I forgot...  Sorry, Bartock   Ahh, what were we talking about.....?

Russ

Bockscar

Striker8241

Hey, Dom,

I do have a trailer that is 1.3 in. W x 1.75 in. L (33.0 mm x 44.5 mm). If you can trim the mirror to 1.6 in. in length, I could use that. I don't want something that looks obviously out of place in the diorama. Otherwise, I could use the full-size mirror and mount it at an angle on the end of a handle, or just purchase an inspection mirror with an extendable handle.

Russ

Hey Russ, just to double check:

What was the final width you want on that glass, i.e. 1.6" by ??"

Tx

Hi, Dom, make it 1.6 x 1.25.

Thanks!

Russ

Bockscar

LOX????

I didn't know the BUFF ran on Liquid Oxygen.....LOL....

Please educate me here, what is LOX?, on a bagel?....lol

Russ, I am not in a rush to do the glass, it was on the sched, and if I leave stuff

for too long a strange thing happens.....lol

I still need the width you need me to cut unless you have already posted that,

many thanks,

Dom

Lol! You nut! You got it though - liquid oxygen was used by the crew (help me here, Jim) - I believe it was mixed with air . Also, I posted an updated width = 1.25

Cheers,

Russ

1.25 - Got it!!

Tx

Well Russ:

I'm glad I planned ahead. I did the first cut, and beaming

with smug pride, picked it up to admire my own brilliance.....

Then I dropped it. It didn't land on the carpet, it landed on a piece of

granite.......

LOL, you will be finished your BUFF before me bud.

Dom

WOW!, this build looks awesome!

Lol, Dom! I've been doing that all day. Hang in there. Fortunately, my parts catcher has saved me a lot of incidents like that but I still manage to drop things on the floor in spite of it.

Russ

LedFut390

WOW!, this build looks awesome!

Thanks, LedFut! I appreciate your stopping by and checking it out.

Cheers,

Russ

Striker8241

Lol, Dom! I've been doing that all day. Hang in there. Fortunately, my parts catcher has saved me a lot of incidents like that but I still manage to drop things on the floor in spite of it.

Russ

The back-up glass has square corners and a tiny hairline scratch on the silver side about 3/8" long, but

could be masked with silver paint.

If'n I cut from the other end, one corner is slightly shattered about

a 5/32 radius.....

I will go ahead and cut the scratched end, unless I hear back from you,

as there is no rush, I'll put the dang thing away fer now.

I still have more glass, a beauty piece, about 2" by 3" and rounded

corners about, what a coincidence, 5/32 radius.

You may want that for your inspection mirror if I don't screw up

the next cut.

Tx

Striker8241

Bockscar

LOX????

I didn't know the BUFF ran on Liquid Oxygen.....LOL....

Please educate me here, what is LOX?, on a bagel?....lol

Russ, I am not in a rush to do the glass, it was on the sched, and if I leave stuff

for too long a strange thing happens.....lol

I still need the width you need me to cut unless you have already posted that,

many thanks,

Dom

Lol! You nut! You got it though - liquid oxygen was used by the crew (help me here, Jim) - I believe it was mixed with air . Also, I posted an updated width = 1.25

Cheers,

Russ

The crew used the LOX for oxygen at altitude.  It was mixed in vaying amounts with the cabin air.  Unless you went to 100% O2 on your mask.  Sometimes, you didn't want the your oxygen mixed with the cabin air.  Stinky!

That is "varying"!  Stupid fingers!

Bockscar

I will go ahead and cut the scratched end, unless I hear back from you,

as there is no rush, I'll put the dang thing away fer now.

That's fine, Dom. A small scratch shouldn't be a problem.

I still have more glass, a beauty piece, about 2" by 3" and rounded

corners about, what a coincidence, 5/32 radius.

You may want that for your inspection mirror if I don't screw up

the next cut.

That sounds good, Dom. Thanks!

Russ

Bockscar

Well, Russ;

Rich and I were thinking about it, so we would have to give you one

for inspirational support.

I'll page him and see if he's still on board for that. Now is a good time to

put out a feeler for the OFFICIAL BIG UGLY FAT FELLER GROUP BUILD.

Dom

Yeah!  A BUFF build!  Now I can build one of the 6 I have laying around.  Don't ask, I don't know why I have 6 either!

Jim

Jim:

No worries;

inhale too much O2, and it's "vaying" all right!!!......lol

dom

Striker8241

Bockscar

I will go ahead and cut the scratched end, unless I hear back from you,

as there is no rush, I'll put the dang thing away fer now.

That's fine, Dom. A small scratch shouldn't be a problem.

I still have more glass, a beauty piece, about 2" by 3" and rounded

corners about, what a coincidence, 5/32 radius.

You may want that for your inspection mirror if I don't screw up

the next cut.

That sounds good, Dom. Thanks!

Russ

Great, I'll "press on".....PTP,

Shisshh....glass shards on the floor I can't see, but I will feel them out for sure.....yikes.....lol

Tx

Buffirn

Bockscar

Well, Russ;

Rich and I were thinking about it, so we would have to give you one

for inspirational support.

I'll page him and see if he's still on board for that. Now is a good time to

put out a feeler for the OFFICIAL BIG UGLY FAT FELLER GROUP BUILD.

Dom

Yeah!  A BUFF build!  Now I can build one of the 6 I have laying around.  Don't ask, I don't know why I have 6 either!

Jim

That's great, and as with Russ, we may lean on you a bit to comment on the subject as we move through the build.

Russ is an honorary member, but no pressure to post every update.

I have 3 AMT 1/72 of the later versions, an uncompleted Revogram, and a really old

vintage 1954ish Revell with fab box art I payed for with the money I was supposed to use to buy my wife flowers.

So, 6 BUFFs is what I call a good start....lol.....

Yes, I need a few more, before I go into 'denial,' and then 'accept' therapy....lol....

Dom

Russ:

I managed to get the glass cut:

Now I am not dropping mirrors, and I know what I am doing, I can cut more efficiently.

So if you need a better piece let me know.

Here's the first cut, 'not the deepest'.....lol:

Here's the final product, sorry for new scratches and chips at L - 1.6":

and W - 1.25":

Let me know if that's okay, I can make adjustments.

Dom

Dom, that looks great! I'm surprised how much you can see with it. I'm working on the trailer now so as soon as I get the mirror we can try this out.

Good work and thanks!

Russ