B-36 Peacemaker Group Build

Hi All,

Although I didb't join the build group 01 Dec, is it too late to start? Is a YB-60 or B-36/Ficon a concideration for a modified B-36? Magoo

lajntx

 

So the question is.... Should Revell-Monogram release a new B-36 kit in the future what B-36H/RB-36Fdecal combo would you as the consumer like to see?

To be honest I know so little about the B-36 that I couldn't offer an opinion of markings.  I learned most of what I know from reading your posts and plan on doing more homework when I finally crack the box open (after I finish this Val I'm working on).  I will say that it's disappointing that Revellogram will not include the walkway stripes, that's a HUGE issue.

Its never too late to join as this is a GB with no official end date.  It can be any version of a B-36 in any scale..

So tell us more about your build?

Reasoned

 

To be honest I know so little about the B-36 that I couldn't offer an opinion of markings.  I learned most of what I know from reading your posts and plan on doing more homework when I finally crack the box open (after I finish this Val I'm working on).  I will say that it's disappointing that Revellogram will not include the walkway stripes, that's a HUGE issue.

If I remember right you took the easy way out on the sale spruce brothers was having. lol

Here is the same build that had the great cockpit detail..... notice how that guy put his walkway stripes on.... Now that`s talent!

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47751/message/1324147713/Monogram+B-36+Peacemaker+1-72+Scale

Dont worry about not starting... Between a 60 hour work week, and looking for another job with the time I do get off... I dont have much time for building right now myself

Hi, I haven't started anything yet but I have one B-36 that was built 26 years ago and it has suffered from a few bumps, bangs, and too much heat. I'm thinking of using it for the YB-60 conversion. I have two unassembled kits one of these will be a B-36/Ficon and the other one will be a B-36H from the 28th BW out of Ellsworth AFB Rapid City, SD. I guess I could start on all three at once but that would cover a lot of space just to assemble them. Magoo

Andrew Magoo

Hi, I haven't started anything yet but I have one B-36 that was built 26 years ago and it has suffered from a few bumps, bangs, and too much heat. I'm thinking of using it for the YB-60 conversion. I have two unassembled kits one of these will be a B-36/Ficon and the other one will be a B-36H from the 28th BW out of Ellsworth AFB Rapid City, SD. I guess I could start on all three at once but that would cover a lot of space just to assemble them. Magoo

Hi Andrew,

Converting a kit to a B-60 requires A LOT of cutting on the wings. I dont think that would be an easy task on an already built model. If you are persistant on doing the B-60 be sure to get ahold of a copy of Warbird Tech`s Convair B-36 Peacemaker as it shows you where to make your wing splice lines and gives you the correct degrees. .

The FICON is a challenging project, but it has been done several times. Hobbycraft of course had their 1:144 kit of the FICON that pops up every now & then on ebay for around $40

Here are some builds with all the technical stuff you will need for  scratch build in 1/72 scale:

Thanks or the referance goodies. I had no idea that thew B-36 was slated as the launxch platform for the X-15; fact is stranger than fiction. Magoo

Andrew Magoo

Thanks or the referance goodies. I had no idea that thew B-36 was slated as the launxch platform for the X-15; fact is stranger than fiction. Magoo

Yes it is, I am considering doing that conversion myself at some point in the future.... and I stress the future part as I have 4 B-36 builds that have all ready to go into production, but until I replace a job that thinks I should work 60-70 hours a week will have to wait - for now.

If you are are dead set on a FICON build, but sure to get a copy of this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0615253296?tag=goletaairspacemu&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0615253296&adid=0S3WT0NET4MSTAPMHTPK&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.air-and-space.com%2Fb-36%2520diagrams.htm

Here is some more FICON info:

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcLCjnK_cik

Where to pick up a F-84 in 1/72 scale cheap:

NOTE: be sure to get the swept wings version model F so it can be updated to the  RF-84K

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=F-84+1%2F72&_sacat=0&_odkw=F-84&_osacat=0&_from=R40

Hi, well I would say I'm pretty much set on building a Ficon unit. 15 or 20 years ago I bought a RF-84(?) just for this reason, with the camera nose and air intakes in the wings. However I haven't decided if I'm going to have the B-36 sitting on its landing gear or have the landing gear stowed. I had read that the RF-84 when locked into the bomb bay was in the way for the landing gear to cycle so I have a decision to make so far all my planes sit on their landing gear. I never got to build it nor have I done very much modeling for 10 years (life got complicated) but I'm now getting back to something normal. I also, last year, purchased a 1/72 YB-60 conversion kit from Mike Herrill which will eliminate a lot of work (I hope). With that said I still want to find someone who is an electronics whiz; because of their size in 1/72 I'd like to stick lights and motors in the prop jobs. The kicker is I want the motors to turn slow like the big R-4360s would when starting (one at a time) let them run like they are Idling during warm up then all speed up to full power. The problem is to pulse-width the current to the motors so they will accomplish that feat. The electric motors would have to be geared down because i think I remember reading that the R-4360s rev-limit was 2,000 rpm; I’m going to guess that would translate to propeller rpm as well. Any ideas? Magoo

Ok Everyone,

It`s POP QUIZ  time. Everyone take everything off of their bench and get out a sheet of paper and put your name on it, and number it 1 to 10.

Question #1

Which B-36 currently on display was the last one to actually fly?

Question #2

Which B-36 ( also on display ) flew the last official SAC B-36 mission?

Question # 3

When was the last "attempted" flight of a B-36? And what did the Air Force do to prevent it?

Question # 4

In responce to the failed attempted try ( in question # 3 ). What did the Air Force do to the YB-36 that the National Museum of the Air Force in Dayton, Ohio had decided NOT to move to the new ( now current ) museum from the museum`s old outdoor location?

Question # 5

B-36 production was moved to Ft Worth from what city?

Question #6

Is the DAILY DOUBLE

In the picture below, this B-36 converted over for FICON duty has a 0 - added to the tail number. A.) What does this signify? B.) Why did the AIr Force discontinue this practice?

Question # 7

In the movie Strategic Air Command, Dutch Holland flew which bomber in WWII ?

Question # 8

Which branch of the US Military sought to have the B-36 program defunded & cancelled?

Question #9

Which US President had a flight of B-36`s fly over the Capital Building as part of his innauguration parade?

Question #10

In addition to the 4 on display in museums, and the remnants of the YB on the late Walter Soplata`s estate. You can also find  the remains of wrecked B-36`s in which of the following places.

A. Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada

B. British Columbia

C. Lake Worth, Texas

D. Submerged just off the San Diego, California, coastline

E. All of the above.

Andrew Magoo

With that said I still want to find someone who is an electronics whiz; because of their size in 1/72 I'd like to stick lights and motors in the prop jobs. The kicker is I want the motors to turn slow like the big R-4360s would when starting (one at a time) let them run like they are Idling during warm up then all speed up to full power. The problem is to pulse-width the current to the motors so they will accomplish that feat. The electric motors would have to be geared down because i think I remember reading that the R-4360s rev-limit was 2,000 rpm; I’m going to guess that would translate to propeller rpm as well. Any ideas? Magoo

 

You need to look this guy up on the ARC Forums. He`s on here too, but he seems to be more active over there. Here is his XB-36 conversion build with working props and lights, this should point you in the right direction. Plus you can also contact the original FICON builder there too.

http://s362974870.onlinehome.us/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=212625&hl=b-36&st=0

Hi, Thanks for the information. I had been wondering what happened to Lucien. Looks like he is pulling out all the stops. I'm not sure I'm ever going that extensive on  B-36, I'm too slow at building any model. I do too much fitting and messing with masking tape for painting. For all that it's worth I'd be at it for 3 years . Magoo

Andrew Magoo

Hi, Thanks for the information. I had been wondering what happened to Lucien. Looks like he is pulling out all the stops. I'm not sure I'm ever going that extensive on  B-36, I'm too slow at building any model. I do too much fitting and messing with masking tape for painting. For all that it's worth I'd be at it for 3 years . Magoo

I`m about the same way... Ive got 4 builds on hold and a stash of 10 B-36 Kits to build. LOL

But back to your earlier question I missed. The FICON with the F-84 didnt have clearance issues with the landing gear. It was when a B-36 carried a B-58 airframe to Wright Patterson for structural testing in 1957 in which the flight was completed with both inboard props removed and the landing gear left down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxrwpur_Op8&feature=related

It`s also a build of mine that is on hold:

/forums/t/141612.aspx

Hi everyone, here is a reasonably priced already started 1/72 1980 kit for those either looking for a spare parts kit, or would like to buy one to build one. Looks like it would require some repainting work if you didnt want to build a late 1950`s version with the white anti thermal painted under belly

It ends tonight, and has a buy now option.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290679864825?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Hi, If I can figure out Photo Bucket I'll post some pictures of what I've got and the one I builrt. Thanks for the links. Magooo

Andrew Magoo

Hi, If I can figure out Photo Bucket I'll post some pictures of what I've got and the one I builrt. Thanks for the links. Magooo

It`s simple really

1. Go to photobucket.com and set up an account

2. click upload, and select files saved on your computer & upload them to the selected album

To post a picture here

1. Go to the picture in your photobucket album

2. Put cursor on the picture or click to open it

3. Look for the box that labled " direct link", place cursor over it and left click with mouse which will copy it

4. In finescale post look above for the strip of film icon  thats "insert media" & left click it

5  In box labled :Enter the URL for the media that you would like to use. .. left click w/mouse to start the flashing cursor

6 On keyboard press the "Ctrl" & " V" buttons simulaneously and the copied link from photobucket should paste in

7. Select "INSERT" if you dont want to change the dimensions

8. Picture will display in post

Hint -- It will place the picture where the flashing cursor last was... so ensure that you have the cursor in the place you want it before posting a picture

Howdy, thanks for the instructions; I will see if tomorrow I can get some photos taken and posted. Magoo

Hi, well I had good intentions of getting something done last weekend but I’ve got some work I have to finish, none model related, on my big table. This weekend I have my youngest son visiting from out of state Friday and Saturday and have other people coming over Sunday afternoon. So I may not get much accomplished this week. I do have intensions of trying to get something done but the DO LIST may get in the road; I’m sure that none in the forum have ever experienced such events. Magoo    

Just looking over the kit (with the Val greenhouse fresh in my mind), how much/where for a set of masks?

Reasoned

Just looking over the kit (with the Val greenhouse fresh in my mind), how much/where for a set of masks?

You`re SOL there, that part is no longer offered. In the last year Ive seen it listed twice on ebay.. Once as a stand alone listing and the second as part of a kit listing.... Both went for $$$$.

If you are game for finding the proverbial lost needle in a haystack, what you are looking for is the Black Magic canopy mask for a 1/72 B-36 by meteor productions. I believe they ceased operations in 2008.

Ive seen the suggestion to take some bare metal foil and rig a cutting mechanism with some xacto blades to make some adhesive strips cut to size...... Sounds expensive and VERY time consuming to me

Best advice I can give you is get some high end masking tape and follow the instructions on that build from Lafayette Modelers I posted. Or with that same roll of high end masking tape paint mask it to paint your vertical lines, then remask it later to paint your horizontal line.... The round circular lines on the bottom..... Your on your own to figure how to do those.

Andrew Magoo

Hi, well I had good intentions of getting something done last weekend but I’ve got some work I have to finish, none model related, on my big table. This weekend I have my youngest son visiting from out of state Friday and Saturday and have other people coming over Sunday afternoon. So I may not get much accomplished this week. I do have intensions of trying to get something done but the DO LIST may get in the road; I’m sure that none in the forum have ever experienced such events. Magoo  

Yes, last week was quite eventful for you... Someone got it on video.

When Magoo Flew

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o5zipU6r7o  

 

 

Howdy, thanks for the cartoon, it has been quite a few years since I've seen Mr. Magoo in action. Now for the questions you asked about the B-36 history. What are the answers? Also do you know or have any information on where the recons (RB-36s) went? Did they fly into China with the FICON units? I've got a couple of books and one infers that RB-36s Flying at 60,000 feet did do incursions into hostile territory but no details. Magoo

Andrew Magoo

Howdy, thanks for the cartoon, it has been quite a few years since I've seen Mr. Magoo in action. Now for the questions you asked about the B-36 history. What are the answers? Also do you know or have any information on where the recons (RB-36s) went? Did they fly into China with the FICON units? I've got a couple of books and one infers that RB-36s Flying at 60,000 feet did do incursions into hostile territory but no details. Magoo

 

Nobody has attempted to answer them..... Plus it`s a good quiz for those on giving them practice looking up B-36 info on the net. 

As for your recon questions.... I`ve spent some time over at the B-36.net message board which has quite a few B-36 vets on it. The common concensus is that most people from that era ( the 1950`s ) did as they were told and when they were told "that their country`s safety depended on them doing their jobs to the best of their ability, safely, and to not talk about it -- ever, they did that. Even  today some 6 decades later most wont talk about their secret clandestine recon runs.

However on condition of not naming names, this has been brought up numerous over there:

1. B-36`s while not a part of the actual fighting in Korea flew recon runs over China to find staging areas, air bases, supply depots, etc to gain their location and to take photos to determine strength and movement.

2. Nobody has ever admited over flying the Soviet Union ( on purpose mind you ), but several have agreed that they did happen in the early 1950`s before Soviet jet interceptor and SAM technology improved to the point they could bring down a B-36 at 40K+ feet. Also remember the Soviets did shoot down a B-47 once that they claimed was loitering too close to the Siberian coast

The FICON units were all test units, and none ever saw actual deployment -  or being adopted into an actual AF program. More or less they were one and done because the Jet age had come which meant the 36 was being retired in favor of the B-52 in both bomber & recon roles. The U-2 had replaced the RB-36 for penetrating Soviet/East Bloc airspace for info. Also, spy satellites were begining to be put into orbit in the late 1950`s. Combined all of that with the fact the ICBM was rapidly becoming the cheaper more prefered method of going on one trip sorties to deliver a payload inside the USSR and for obvious reasons would not need a fighter escort or protection

lajntx

Reasoned:

Just looking over the kit (with the Val greenhouse fresh in my mind), how much/where for a set of masks?

 

You`re SOL there, that part is no longer offered. In the last year Ive seen it listed twice on ebay.. Once as a stand alone listing and the second as part of a kit listing.... Both went for $$$$.

That would figure, man I hate canopies.  Time to do another P-51D or P-47 bubble top!

Reasoned

 

That would figure, man I hate canopies. 

You`ll eat what you are given and like it!

I actually LIKE sweet peas, although I prefer frozen.

Reasoned

I actually LIKE sweet peas, although I prefer frozen.

GOOD! since you like canopies... you can do mine. Here you go!

When you get done with those, Ive got 5 more B-36 Canopies in unopened kits.

Bon Appétit !

Howdy, eight canopies and bombadier nose pieces is a little bit daunting. Are you taping them or metal foil? I have another question; where would a person find some good photos of some 28th BW Ellsworth AFB

Andrew Magoo

Howdy, eight canopies and bombadier nose pieces is a little bit daunting. Are you taping them or metal foil? I have another question; where would a person find some good photos of some 28th BW Ellsworth AFB

No, I have 8 OPENED kits, thats not counting the other 5 that remain sealed or are still in transit too me to support my very own 1/72 scale Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group ( AMARG - Boneyard )

I have no idea where someone would find some good photos at the 28th BW at Rapid City/Ellsworth AFB. If someone had only put a few free videos and a couple free online reference books at the begining then anyone could have looked that info up.