Strategic Air Command (SAC) Group Build II

FeldMarSchall Model wrote:

Hello Roger, May I enter in this, 1/72 RB-36H from Mongram, I have started on it but havn't really gotten far with it.  I like your opening message.

Looking good! I've already gotcha listed for her. She looks like she is gonna be an amazing build!

And thanks! I'll admit, I've had alotta good examples. ANd I gotta give you plenty of credit too. You are the one who came up with the original idea

Hello Roger,

May I enter in this,

1/72 RB-36H from Mongram, I have started on it but havn't really gotten far with it.  I like your opening message.

WarHammer25 wrote:

Don't be saying that now. My RB-36 should be arriving soon and I really don't want to mask off for the wingwalk stripes. I will see when it comes.

yardbird78 wrote:

The Monogram (Revell) B-52D comes with a decal sheet that has options for the NMF and SEA camouflage versions.  Micro Scale, Meteor Productions, Golden Dragon and Buff Masters all make aftermarket decals for the BUFF.  Most are the camo versions, but a few are for NMF.

Answer to my question: Burpleson AFB.

PhantomPhreak wrote:

DesertRat wrote: Absolutly, Brian! Welcome aboard!I've added you to the list, and the KC-135A Is definately eligible! Looking forward to the progress pictures once we start  Thanks Roger.  Now, my next question...how much detailing can we put into this project?  I worked many years on the Stratotanker on the flightline and have flight manuals, old TCTO's and other literature that graphically illustrate such things as hydraulic and fuel plumbing, electrical wire routing, etc.  I'm just curious how in-depth we can go. From what I can remember, the AMT -135 kit is sweet, but lacks alot of detailing in very visible areas that shouldn't be too hard to add with everday modeling supplies...

As much or as little as you can do! Of course, more details makes for some really good pictures to post!

The "America's Lost H bombs" documentary is currently making the rounds in the History/MilHist channels. Great footage.

I will actually join GB, I just love the subject. I will get the academy 1/144 B-58A Hustler kit, keep it simple, practice/learn how to make multiple-shade NMF, and make sure I finish the GB :)

WarHammer25 wrote:

Speaking of the Spain incident, wasn't there a B-47 that accidentally dropped a nuke in one of the Carolinas? No nuclear explosion but the HE did and destroyed somebody's back yard.

 I have a book titled "The History of the US Nuclear Arsenal" by James Norris Gibson. (It's an awesome resource BTW).  In the section for each bomber, they list any accidents it may have had while carrying a nuclear payload.  They list the B-47 as having the highest number of accidents of any US bomber (but not all of them with a nuclear payload).

 On 11 March 1958,  A B-47 left Hunter AFB in Georgia, then accidently jettisoned its bomb casing at 15,000 feet over a sparsely populated section of Florence, South Carolina. On impact, the high explosives detonated, causing property damage and injury to several people. The nuclear fuel capsule was not installed.

 A BUFF also dropped a nuke on the Carolinas. On 24 January 1961, a B-52 had a major structural failure of its right wing over Goldsboro, North Carolina. The two nuclear devices broke loose, with one parachuting to the earth intact. The other broke up on impact on a farm. The  Airforce never recovered all the fragments of that bomb, even after excavating down to fifty feet.  Therefore, they bought an easement on the land, requiring government permission for any digging there. As for the crew of that aircraft, only five of the eight survived the accident.

DesertRat wrote:

Absolutly, Brian! Welcome aboard!I've added you to the list, and the KC-135A Is definately eligible! Looking forward to the progress pictures once we start

 Thanks Roger.  Now, my next question...how much detailing can we put into this project?  I worked many years on the Stratotanker on the flightline and have flight manuals, old TCTO's and other literature that graphically illustrate such things as hydraulic and fuel plumbing, electrical wire routing, etc.  I'm just curious how in-depth we can go. From what I can remember, the AMT -135 kit is sweet, but lacks alot of detailing in very visible areas that shouldn't be too hard to add with everday modeling supplies...

yardbird78 wrote:

The Monogram (Revell) B-52D comes with a decal sheet that has options for the NMF and SEA camouflage versions.

From 1955 to 1967, SAC kept some B-52s on airborne alert called Chrome Dome and others on ground alert, both ready to head to bad guy country immediately upon notification.

 I suppose it was so named due to the routes over the polar ice cap that the bombers had to take to strike targets in the USSR

When I was at Andersen 1977-1979 they had 15 of the D's assigned to the 43 Strat Wing.  4 were kept on ready alert with weapons and mission targeting material in the aircraft with crews in the alert shack.  We kept the mission materials for the other 11 in the Intel vault ready to go on short notice.

PhantomPhreak wrote:

I would love to join a CB Project like this as I have never joined one dedicated to aircraft. All the ones I have ever joined were automotive in nature. I do have several KC-135 kits as well as a couple of the AMT released 1/72nd scale B-52's, but I believe they were "H" or "G" Models and therefore not eligible for this build. I wouldn't mind trying to finish a 1/72nd KC-135A if that is acceptable to those in charge of this build. At leaste that kit I can spray with rattle cans and not have to rely on my airbrush.  Just let me know....

Absolutly, Brian! Welcome aboard!I've added you to the list, and the KC-135A Is definately eligible! Looking forward to the progress pictures once we start

Thanks guys. The Monogram kit I am looking at on Ebay is one from the Big, Bad, and Beautiful series and it doesn't look like it comes with any other decals than the SEA ones. But another one I am watching does have the SAC markings.

Bondoman, Thanks for the link. I have been thinking about getting the Hasegawa B-47E as well some time but heard it is a horrible kit. No detail and some fit issues. But I see that there is indeed a detail set for it which is much needed from my understanding. Might have to track one down.

Yardbird, Thanks for the info. I keep forgetting how old the Buff is. It caught me by surprise when you said B-52G and 1966 in the same sentence. Speaking of the Spain incident, wasn't there a B-47 that accidentally dropped a nuke in one of the Carolinas? No nuclear explosion but the HE did and destroyed somebody's back yard.

The Monogram (Revell) B-52D comes with a decal sheet that has options for the NMF and SEA camouflage versions.  Micro Scale, Meteor Productions, Golden Dragon and Buff Masters all make aftermarket decals for the BUFF.  Most are the camo versions, but a few are for NMF.

The Dog model BUFF did indeed stand nuclear alert before, during and after the Viet Nam war.  Actually, every model from the B through the H has done so.  During the heavy activity periods of SEA, most of the D's were at either Andersen or Utapao flying ARC Light sorties, so the other versions took care of the stateside alert duties.  When I was at Andersen 1977-1979 they had 15 of the D's assigned to the 43 Strat Wing.  4 were kept on ready alert with weapons and mission targeting material in the aircraft with crews in the alert shack.  We kept the mission materials for the other 11 in the Intel vault ready to go on short notice.

From 1955 to 1967, SAC kept some B-52s on airborne alert called Chrome Dome and others on ground alert, both ready to head to bad guy country immediately upon notification.  About a year after the Palomares Spain incident, the airborne alert was stopped and only the ground alert continued through the late 90s.  In 1966, a B-52 (G, I think) was refueling over Spain from a KC-135 when they had a mid-air collision.  Both aircraft were destroyed and four B-61 Nukes were dumped out.  When the weapons hit the ground, two had a low order detonation of the high explosive around the core.  This spread radioactive material around the area and resulted in a massive decontamination and clean up.  # 3 landed on the ground and was beat up, but did not detonate.  #4 impacted in the Mediterranean Sea and it took several months to find it.

Darwin, O.F. 

WarHammer25 wrote:

I figured that B-52Ds were used in the nuclear deterant role but wan't to make sure. I am thinking about getting Monogram's old 1/72 B-52D and possibley paint it in the traditional SAC scheme...... Which brings me to another question: Anybody now of a 1/72 decal set for a B-52D or B-52C that is SAC NMF/white?

http://www.72scale.com/aircraft/Boeing/B-47.htm

I'd assume that except for tail numbers it would fit the bill, plus of course the Hasegawa B-47 comes with those, but I gave my kit to a good friend of mine, so can't be sure.

Not too many markings, really.

Here's a trivia question, what was the name of the base in "Strangelove"?

Pavlvs wrote:

Mr. Desert Rat It appears that I do not have the B-58 kit after all. I sent some kits to Baghdad and it must have been among them. Can I switch kits and build an FB-111 Aardvark instead? I also have two tech questions. How do I "grab" the badge and put it in my signature and how do I put those cool smiley faces in my posts?

Done! Is it the same scale? Just curious...

Ok, the tech questions...

First off with the smilies, when you type a post, look at the top menu bar. If you click on the smiling face above, it'll open up a new window with all your options. Once you click on your selection, the window closes and your smilie is automatically inserted into your post (you'll see it once it's posted).

On the badges, go to the first post and click on them. It'll open in full in a new window. CLick and save into your computer. Next, you'll need to open up your photosharing page (photobucket is the most common. Basic membership is free). Once it's uploaded, you'll have a link at the bottom of the picture. Copy that link, then go under the "update profile" link here on FSM. Paste that link in the signature block portion of your personal info (don't forget to save). It'll take a couple of minutes for your account to update, but it'll show up there with all of your posts.

Like anything else with computers, it doe take a little bit of time to fiddle with in order to figure alot of it out. But you'll find it gets really easy once you get familiar with it! Try it out and good luck. I you still have any problems, lemme know!

I figured that B-52Ds were used in the nuclear deterant role but wan't to make sure. I am thinking about getting Monogram's old 1/72 B-52D and possibley paint it in the traditional SAC scheme......

Which brings me to another question: Anybody now of a 1/72 decal set for a B-52D or B-52C that is SAC NMF/white?

WarHammer25 wrote:

Were B-52Ds ever used in a nuclear bomber role? I mean, were they just used for carpet-bombing in SEA or could you find them sitting on the flight line in the NMF and white anti-flash scheme of SAC ready to drop a nuke on someone?

 Yes, B-52Ds stood nuclear alert duty in the NMF/White scheme before they went to SEA. I suppose you could also build your aircraft as a B-52C with the proper markings.

PhantomPhreak wrote:

I do have several KC-135 kits as well as a couple of the AMT released 1/72nd scale B-52's, but I believe they were "H" or "G" Models and therefore not eligible for this build.

 Here, you guys can read all about the different versions here:

http://home.att.net/~jbaugher2/b52.html 

I would love to join a CB Project like this as I have never joined one dedicated to aircraft. All the ones I have ever joined were automotive in nature.

I do have several KC-135 kits as well as a couple of the AMT released 1/72nd scale B-52's, but I believe they were "H" or "G" Models and therefore not eligible for this build.

I wouldn't mind trying to finish a 1/72nd KC-135A if that is acceptable to those in charge of this build. At leaste that kit I can spray with rattle cans and not have to rely on my airbrush.  Just let me know....

Well, that would make sense then, lol.

Josh

FastasEF wrote:

Dangit, I was hoping the RA-5C was part of this but alas it is not. Oh well! Josh

The Vigilante was a Navy aircraft, not an USAF aircraft. At least to my knowledge.

Yardbird,

Awesome list. Another question though:

Were B-52Ds ever used in a nuclear bomber role? I mean, were they just used for carpet-bombing in SEA or could you find them sitting on the flight line in the NMF and white anti-flash scheme of SAC ready to drop a nuke on someone?

Dangit, I was hoping the RA-5C was part of this but alas it is not. Oh well!

Josh

The aircraft of Strategic Air Command

I said in a previous post that the F-101 and C-124 were not used by SAC, but that is an error.  They were both used by SAC, the F-101 for a short while and the C-124 for a few years.

B-17 Flying Fortress by Boeing

B-25 Mitchell by North American

B-26 Invader by Douglas

B-29 Superfortress by Boeing

KB-29

B-36A/B/D/F/J/H Peacemaker by Convair

RB-36D/H

RB-45C Tornado by North American, (B-45 used as crew trainers), 91^st SRW

B-47B/E Stratojet by Boeing

RB-47E

B-50 by Boeing

KB-50

B-52B/C/D/E/F/G/H Stratofortress by Boeing

RB-52B

RB-57D by Martin, short wing

RB-57F by Martin, long wing with TF-33 engines and J-60 aux jets

B-58A Hustler, by Convair

TB-58A trainer

FB-111A, by General Dynamics, 380 BW, Plattsburg AFB, 509 BW, Peese AFB

B-1B Lancer by North American/Rockwell

B-2A Spirit by North American/Rockwell

F-51D/H Mustang by North American

F-82 Twin Mustang, 27^th Fighter Escort Group, Bergstrom AFB, TX

F-80 Shooting Star by Lockheed, 4^th FG, Andrews AFB, 56 FG, Selfridge AFB

F-84E/G Thunderjet, straight wing, by Republic, 12^th Fighter Escort Wing

F-84F Thunderstreak, six strategic fighter wings in 1955-57 (each with 75 a/c)

RF-84F Thunderflash, 71^st SRW, Larson AFB, WA, Jan 55-July 57, two squadrons

RF-84K Thunderflash, 71^st SRW, Larson AFB,WA, one squadron

F-86A Sabrejet by North American, 1^st Fighter Group, March AFB, 49-50

F-86D Sabre Dog, Torrejon & Zaragoza AB, Spain, 58-60

F-101 Voodoo, by McDonnell, 27^th SFW, Bergstrom AFB, TX , May & June 1957

UH-1B/D Huey by Bell

UH-19 Chikasaw by Sikorsky

HH-43B/F by Kaman

SA-16/HU-16 Albatross tri-phibian, by Grumman

U-2 Dragon Lady by Lockheed, small versions

U-2R/TR-1 Dragon Lady large versions

U-3A/B Blue Canoe by Cessna (model 310)

U-4 Aero Commander by Rockwell

U-6 Beaver by De Havilland

SR-71A/B Blackbird, by Lockheed, 9 SRW, Beale AFB, CA

DC-130A/E Hercules by Lockheed, drone carrier

BQM-34 Firebee drone by Ryan

T-29B/D Flying Classroom by Convair

T-33 Shooting Star by Lockheed

T-37 Tweet by Cessna

T-38 Talon by Northrop

T-39 Sabreliner by North American

E-4A/B

C-47 Dakota/Gooney Bird by Douglas

C-45H Expediter, by Beech

C-54 Skymaster, by Douglas, 1^st Air Transport Unit, Roswell Field, New Mexico

C-82 Packet by Fairchild

KC-97A/F/G by Boeing

VC-97 by Boeing

C-119 Flying Boxcar by Fairchild

C-123J Provider

C-124 Globemaster II, by Douglas, 2^nd Air Transport Unit, (3 Squadrons)

KC,-135A/E/R Stratotanker by Boeing

RC, EC-135 by Boeing

KC-10 Extender by McDonnell Douglas

SM-62 Snark, by Northrop, ICBM cruise missile

SM-75/PGM-17 Thor, IRBM, by Douglas

SM-78/PGM-19 Jupiter, IRBM, by Chrysler Corporation

SM-65 Atlas D, ICBM, by Convair, horizontal, above ground silo

SM-65 Atlas E, ICBM by Convair, horizontal ground level silo

HGM-16 Atlas F, ICBM, by Convair, vertical, below ground silo

HGM-25A, Titan I, ICBM by Martin

SM-68B/LGM-25C Titan II ICBM by Martin

LGM-30 Minuteman I, ICBM

LGM-30F Minuteman II, ICBM

LGM-30G Minuteman III, ICBM

LGM-118A, Peacekeeper, ICBM

AGM-69A, SRAM, Short Range Attack Missile

AGM-86A/B, ALCM, Air Launched Cruise Missile

GAM-72/ADM-20 Quail, decoy missile

GAM-77/AGM-28 Hound Dog missile

D-21 Tagboard drone by Lockheed

Those that might have been

XB-35 Flying wing by Northrop, 4 R-4360 piston engines

XB-49 Flying wing by Northrop, 8 jets, (later 6)

XB-60 by Convair, 8 jets, swept wing version of B-36

XB-70 Valkyrie, by North American

XF-85 Goblin, parasite fighter

WarHammer25 wrote:

I also have two questions (ahemm, Yardbird or anyone else) 1. The B-52s that were involved in the bombings of Indochina during the Vietnam War were part of SAC. Is this correct? I am guessing so because who else would command them. 2. I read today that the AC-130s and AC-119s were part of SAC. I would have thought they were part of TAC. So, were they under SAC or TAC control?

All BUFFs in the South East Asia war were SAC aircraft flown by SAC crews, mostly out of Andersen AFB, Guam; quite a few from U-Tapao RTAFB in Thailand and a very small number from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa.  They used F models in NMF with white bellies in the very beginning, then painted the bottoms black and left the rest NMF.  The D model was introduced into the conflict and had the special SAC camouflage right from the start.  It looks very similar to standard USAF SEA colors, but is slightly different.  They used some G models late in the war with SIOP camo on the top and white bottoms.  The B, C, E and H were never used in SEA.

I would have to agree that the gunships were flown by Spec Ops which was part of TAC at that time.

Darwin, O.F. 

Bish wrote:

I like the sound of this one for my first none WW2 and none German GB. Can you put me down for the Italeri 1/72 SR-71 please.

Done! Welcome aboard! Always love to see the SR-71 being built!