B-36 Peacemaker Group Build

Howdy lajntx, yes I think I'm going to use my B-52D engine pods a masters and cast some in resin as I don't have a trashed B-52 kit around to rob parts from. Magoo

Hi Magoo!,

That`s going to be quite a build. I was just wondering...what does Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE mean? You have it all through this post.

Len

Reasoned

Okay, I think the bomb bay door fiasco has been smoothed out (which is better than all my scratches), that's for tomorrow.

The retro fit BB with scratch spar cover.

 

The quick fix bombs.

 

Completed

 

Now don't go telling me my version of the B=36 didn't carry bombs....... MINE does!

Len

Well the flash bombs Mk122 were natural metal colored, silver with black stencils.

Answer to an earlier question- the wing spar looked like the kit one, but with all kinds of extra detail and flanges and stuff. in fact the whole bomb bay is really busy.

I forgot my spar entirely when building that kit. Have it still in the parts box even tho the rest went to the great polar ice cap in the sky long ago.

Andrew Magoo

Howdy lajntx, thank you fro the information I didn't know this guy existed, life in the fast lane and I'm changing my tire. Magoo

NP.  Just one question. How are you going to build the right jet pods for the YB-60? Are you going to use the ones out of one of your B-52 kits?

Reasoned

   Now what fun is that?  Somebody needs to scratch build a nuke for this thing.

 

Somebody already has:

http://millcreekconsultants.com/SR-N1.html

Howdy lajntx, thank you fro the information I didn't know this guy existed, life in the fast lane and I'm changing my tire. Magoo

lajntx

Reasoned:

Now don't go telling me my version of the B=36 didn't carry bombs....... MINE does!

 

 

If they dont go "BOOM" when they explode and make craters they dont count.

Those are photo flash bombs so the thing could take high altitutde recon photos.... kind of like that flash stick your parents would stick on those old polaroid instant camera we all hated being blinded by when we were kids.

   Now what fun is that?  Somebody needs to scratch build a nuke for this thing.

Reasoned

Now don't go telling me my version of the B=36 didn't carry bombs....... MINE does!

If they dont go "BOOM" when they explode and make craters they dont count.

Those are photo flash bombs so the thing could take high altitutde recon photos.... kind of like that flash stick your parents would stick on those old polaroid instant camera we all hated being blinded by when we were kids.

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Howdy Wild Child, I think you should build a B-36 that appeals to you. There a quite a few variations to choose from. The unassembled model kit on the left will be a GRB-36D/Ficon unit. The kit on the right will be a RB-36H from the 28^th BW in Rapid City South Dakota. The sacrificial lamb in the center will be a YB-60.

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Mike Herrill makes a vacuform conversion kit to turn a 1/72 Monogram B-36 into a YB-60

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The parts are made from styrene plastic some 0.030 of an inch some 0.060 of an inch and he labels them for your identification.

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I couldn’t find any 28^th bomb wing decals in 1980 so I hand painted the 28^th BW badge, 8^th USAF badge and the triangle S on paper then glued them to the model. Crude but looked good from 6 feet.

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The first step is the disassembly of the major parts of the plane.

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Here is the 1 pound lead ingot that I installed in the wing spare/fuel tank because I forgot to add weight in the nose at the start of the build. I’m going to try and remove it because I will be able to easily add weight to the nose section that will be cut off for the new nose.

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Here is the RF-84F kit that will be used in the GRB-36D conversion. The RF-84F can be easily converted to an RF-84K.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Mike sends some reference material that will come in handy. I’m going to publicly thank Jeff Thomsen for allowing me to upscale his art work that he did on his computer for his 1/144 scaled YB-60 and Greg at Draw Decal for contacting Jeff to inquire if I could use his program and have Greg upscale the decals. The art work and decals are high quality.

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I know many months ago I had posted a question about YB-60 decals and someone had given me the FS color number for the reddish/orange color of the stripes, engine paint, and script. Like a fool I didn’t write it down and now the posting seems to have been erased. Alas life is tough when you don’t pay attention. Magoo

Okay, I think the bomb bay door fiasco has been smoothed out (which is better than all my scratches), that's for tomorrow.

The retro fit BB with scratch spar cover.

The quick fix bombs.

Completed

Now don't go telling me my version of the B=36 didn't carry bombs....... MINE does!

Andrew Magoo

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Hi lajntx, I thought I would build an X or YB-52 with the other monogram B-52D. I like the tandem canopy. However, I know I'll need some kind of to scale blueprint to get the canopy and shorter fuselage correct but I do think it would be cool. If I decided not to use the kit and one of my boys don't want it I will give you first dibs if you still want it in the future. Magoo

 

Hi Magoo,

That`s fine. Just to give you an FYI -  Click2detail does also produce an aftermarket kit to turn a 1/72 B-52 kit into either the XB or YB-52 with the decals included as well. It is a  bit pricy at $129.99, but Chris ( the owner) has always been willing to accomodate orders for specific parts as part of a kit sold seperatley on my builds and projects.

He also has kits to do an XB or YB 36 and another kit if you wanted to do a XB-36 with the Track Landing gear as well.

http://click2detail.com/products-details.php?pro_id=50 

Hi lajntx, I thought I would build an X or YB-52 with the other monogram B-52D. I like the tandem canopy. However, I know I'll need some kind of to scale blueprint to get the canopy and shorter fuselage correct but I do think it would be cool. If I decided not to use the kit and one of my boys don't want it I will give you first dibs if you still want it in the future. Magoo

TheWildChild

saw a built one hanging from the ceiling at a LHS..... 1/48 one would be stupidly huge, and yeah hanging it would be about the only option.......or perharps henging on a post aver a garden to scare smaller birds and varmits away lol.

Nah

One person has already addressed this issue if giantism. He`s doing it in 1/12 scale and had the perfect solution to the "what to do with it " problem -- make it fly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gdgza5dc9s

TheWildChild

I have been mulling around this thread, just trying to learn a bit about a new subject. i never realised the B-36 was largely magnesium, any other aircraft like that? i also never knew there was an attempt to develop nuclear powered aircraft...interesting. as far as planes go, i dont do much digging on planes built after WWII (other than the odd few that i like jut...well...because i do lol), so its always cool to learn something new. call me crazy, but i'd like to build a B-36 in 1/48......it would be unnecessarily massive, but man would it be cool. a 1/48 B-52 would also be pretty sweet.

Regards, Logan.

I`m not familar with many other using magnesium in such quantity. While the B-36 had an operational life that was post WWII, it`s life actually began shortly before Pearl Harbor was bombed with intial delivery due in May, 1944. The needs and progress of the war both sped up production as well as hampered it. LOTS of time was also lost when it was decided to move production from San Diego to Ft Worth into the same plant that was already at max capacity churing out  B-24`s and was slated to begin producing B-32`s as well. The XB-36 was rolled out of the hangar 82% complete soon after the Japanese surrender. The magnesium panels used for non pressurized areas was in part due to the high demands for aluminum during the war which was also carried over into post war production. In late 1945, when many contracts for airplanes were being cancelled, the B-36 was actually one of the few that was increased.  Had the unlikely event of England being overrun, or the Japs putting up a much longer protracted defense thus keeping the B-29 out of effective range of the Japanese home islands, then the B-36 would have undoubtedly seen combat action bombing Japan from Alaska as portrayed in the Disney Film Victory Through Airpower which can be seen in the links at the begining of this GB. It was the blockade of Berlin in 1948 which both spawned life into the program and saved it from cancellation as well.

saw a built one hanging from the ceiling at a LHS..... 1/48 one would be stupidly huge, and yeah hanging it would be about the only option.......or perharps henging on a post aver a garden to scare smaller birds and varmits away lol.

TheWildChild

I have been mulling around this thread, just trying to learn a bit about a new subject. i never realised the B-36 was largely magnesium, any other aircraft like that? i also never knew there was an attempt to develop nuclear powered aircraft...interesting. as far as planes go, i dont do much digging on planes built after WWII (other than the odd few that i like jut...well...because i do lol), so its always cool to learn something new. call me crazy, but i'd like to build a B-36 in 1/48......it would be unnecessarily massive, but man would it be cool. a 1/48 B-52 would also be pretty sweet.

Regards, Logan.

Logan, if I may make a suggestion, take a look at the 1/72 version of the B-36 in person.  It may change your mind about wanting a 1/48.  Upon completing this, it will have to hang to be displayed cause there ain't no shelf that it will fit on!

I have been mulling around this thread, just trying to learn a bit about a new subject. i never realised the B-36 was largely magnesium, any other aircraft like that? i also never knew there was an attempt to develop nuclear powered aircraft...interesting. as far as planes go, i dont do much digging on planes built after WWII (other than the odd few that i like jut...well...because i do lol), so its always cool to learn something new. call me crazy, but i'd like to build a B-36 in 1/48......it would be unnecessarily massive, but man would it be cool. a 1/48 B-52 would also be pretty sweet.

Regards, Logan.

Andrew Magoo

Hi lajntx, at this time no I would not want to sell one of the Monogram B-52Ds. However, should I change my mind I'll let ya'll know. Magoo

Thanks!

My long term goal is to have a D model ( or earlier ) B-52 build built in the old SAC silver/white ( pre Vietnam camouflage) scheme.

Speaking of the early B-52`s, remember these oldies but goodies from back in the day?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxna0d4rkaw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNObrZ99rGg

Hi lajntx, at this time no I would not want to sell one of the Monogram B-52Ds. However, should I change my mind I'll let ya'll know. Magoo

Okay, here are some pics of where I'm at now.  As I looked over the instructions, I thought it was strange the wing spar was open to the bomb bay, thought it looked really odd.  Then ! I realized I had put it in upside down.  So...... I cut a piece of sheet styrene and glued it on, I have no idea what the other side is supposed to look like but that's the way mine will look.  You can see a little of the seam repair, the putty residue and TONS of scratches from the bomb bay door mishap.  in fact, I have hours of wet sanding to do because of all the seam repairs etc.  I guess my 109 build will have to wait.... and wait.... and....

 Next up are the bay doors and look at the seams to be repaired on the jet engine nacelles!

lajntx

Reasoned:

I missed that, where did you get it?

edit: Never mind found it on pg4?  Wow $30, heck that's more than the kit cost me.....worth it..... eh maybe now.  I may just remove the doors, open it up and see if i can salvage them to be posed bomb bay open.

 

Yes, it is well worth the $30, as you found out the stock doors are a nightmare to "close". It`s too late for your model, as you have to first glue it to one of the fuselage halves before putting the fuselage together.

If you find your doors are trashed, send me a private message with your address, and I can send you a set out of one of my spare parts kits. I would ask that you reimburse the shipping if we do that. It shouldnt be more than $3 ( ish ) via USPS.

 

Hey thanks for the offer.  As of now, I've removed the doors, sanded down the putty (boy does that Squadron putty eat into the styrene!) and am figureing a way to retro this bad boy.

Andrew Magoo

Howdy Everybody,

This test to see if I  can post a picture or two of where I had to go to find the RF-84F.  Above was my search area and below is where I found it. Magoo

Too bad this forum wont let you post videos, other than the link to the video........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4BWhvIlFVE

Want to make a deal on one of those `89 Monogram B-52 kits?

BTW.... I found the answer to your earlier question concerning the landing gear of the B-36 on the FICON project...

You were originally right, during the test program the B-36 if carying the RF-84 on takeoff couldnt retract the wheels and had to wait until the RF-84 was first released to retract the landing gear.

see page 85 of this book:

Reasoned

I missed that, where did you get it?

edit: Never mind found it on pg4?  Wow $30, heck that's more than the kit cost me.....worth it..... eh maybe now.  I may just remove the doors, open it up and see if i can salvage them to be posed bomb bay open.

Yes, it is well worth the $30, as you found out the stock doors are a nightmare to "close". It`s too late for your model, as you have to first glue it to one of the fuselage halves before putting the fuselage together.

If you find your doors are trashed, send me a private message with your address, and I can send you a set out of one of my spare parts kits. I would ask that you reimburse the shipping if we do that. It shouldnt be more than $3 ( ish ) via USPS.

I missed that, where did you get it?

edit: Never mind found it on pg4?  Wow $30, heck that's more than the kit cost me.....worth it..... eh maybe now.  I may just remove the doors, open it up and see if i can salvage them to be posed bomb bay open.

Reasoned

Need help!  I made a big boo boo (and not just attempting this kit) but decided to fill in and smooth out some of the seams around the bay doors by using putty .  What a big goober mess, at work and can't post pics but this is getting to be less than tolerable.

Now you know why I say this little thing is well worth the cost in saved time, elbow grease, aggravation, and sanity. LOL

I`d have to see pics of your build to give you an exact idea, but it sounds like you`ll either have to sand it down, or file it off.

troublemaker66

AW, C`mon Reasoned, maybe you got a lemon. I signed up for this GB but haven`t had a chance to get started yet but all this negative talk is making me wonder if I should. I may just pull mine out and do some dryfitting to see what`s doing. After building the Modelcraft F-82 , I fear no kit..except another Modelcraft F-82 that is.....

Havent done that Hasegawa B-47 kit have you?

As Yoda told Luke during his training after saying "he`s not afraid" :

You will be very afraid! LOL

That closed bomb bay door from click2detail eliminates the worst/hardest  part of the B-36 if you are doing a closed door.

Need help!  I made a big boo boo (and not just attempting this kit) but decided to fill in and smooth out some of the seams around the bay doors by using putty .  What a big goober mess, at work and can't post pics but this is getting to be less than tolerable.

troublemaker66

AW, C`mon Reasoned, maybe you got a lemon. I signed up for this GB but haven`t had a chance to get started yet but all this negative talk is making me wonder if I should. I may just pull mine out and do some dryfitting to see what`s doing. After building the Modelcraft F-82 , I fear no kit..except another Modelcraft F-82 that is.....

Yeah, don't let my rants scare you off.  I suppose in the hands of a skilled builder, a fine product can be had BUT due to the shear size of this thing any blemishes (and there are a ton) are magnified.  I'll post some pics tonight of a few of the fit issues I've delt with.  Asside from fuselage seams, the engine naucles are a mess, the wings are better but the roots are another mess etc..

FYI my charity case will now be accepting any free unwanted model kits until further notice...