1/32nd scale Boeing B-29 - ID Models Vac project underway.

This monster has been in my to do pile for a few years now, but having just returned to England from a trip to the USA, I have finally been given the inspiration I need to get started.

First up, I came face to face with Enola Gay:

[IMG][/IMG]

Then Bocks Car:

[IMG][/IMG]

And most impressive of them all was seeing FIFI at the Thunder Over Michigan Airshow:

[IMG][/IMG]

Even better, I got to go inside her:

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

...and whilst holding that iconic Boeing control column I decided there and then that when I got home this was going to be my next long term, vacform project.

The kit itself is enormous, I've not seen one bigger, although I think the 1/48th B-52 also from ID Models could well pip it to the post.

Here is the fuselage at a whopping 36" - the 'small' fuselage next to it is the Monogram 1/48th B-29:

[IMG][/IMG]

And the wings - a quick measure gives a span of approx. 54". Again, the 'small' wings are the Monogram 1/48th kit:

[IMG][/IMG]

This was a very old unwanted kit at some point and the stabilsers are missing; instead I have a spare set from a Combat Models 1/32nd B-17 which with some modification will substitue nicely:

[IMG][/IMG]

The transparencies were also missing in my kit, so Tigger Wilkes (who has the molds for these now) kindly made me a new set - they are beautifully clear too!

[IMG][/IMG]

Again a nice size comparison - here is a 1/48th cowling compared to 1/32nd:

[IMG][/IMG]

As I'm sure you can see from the photo's this is a very basic kit indeed. Altough very accurate shapewise, the kit is devoid of any panel detail, interior, undercarriage, wheel bays, propellers and engines - it's certainly going to be a challenge!

The Monogram kit will be used as a guide for scribing and the interior parts. I plan to have a fully detailed interior, wheel bays and open bomb-bays which will all need to be built from scratch. As for the undercarriage, engines and propellers... well I'll cross those bridges as I come to them! Having built Combat Models' B-17 and B-24 in 1/32nd scale and ID's 1/32nd Lancaster too, I know from experience that something usually turns up, and if not... improvise!

I've always got a few projects on the go so this one will probably be picked up and put down as with long term builds like this you often need a break and a freshen up!

I've pretty much got all the references I need to get started on the flightdeck, so hopefully I'll be able to cut some plastic soon, and I'll show you some in progress pictures as she progresses.

Happy modelling all!
Tom