1/144 Revell B-52H

Gallery Article by Douglas Conrady on Apr 29 2013

 

 

Here for your viewing pleasure is a 1/144 Revell B-52H.  The B-52 started service way back in the 50's, and will continue to serve for many more years... there is nothing more I can add.

 

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This B-52H is part of a larger project.  I decided I wanted to do a tribute to the SAC sash ('cause it looks so cool).  I researched the time frame for bombers and decided that the early 60's would give me many options.  This is the third of the 4 models in my series.  The other 3 are a B-47E, a B-58, and a Titan II ICBM, all 1/144.  I have a new, unmessed with civil defense fallout shelter sign that will be the base for my series to sit on.

This B-52 is the Revell boxing of the old Crown kit. The Revell from the 80's, the Crown from the 60's.  Why this kit?  I wanted that 8th AF symbol on the tail.  I've always been a sucker for the 8th. Since this was a reboxing (including decals), either kit would've done, but the Revell is far easier to get ahold of.  I built this one pretty much out of the box. There weren't any fit issues.  I don't think I even used any filler.  Being an older Revell kit, I was expecting all sorts of issues.  Since I was going for a parked B-52, I had to add the wing droop.  I wasn't sure what I was going to do there, so I opted to do the drooping until after the engine pods were glued onto the fuselage.  Off to the kitchen to heated up a pot of water to just under boiling. I then dipped a wing (small pot) in for a few seconds, pulled it out and bent it.  I tried to add a gradual droop, but I ended up getting more of a kink at the engine pods.  After looking at pics, I think that's how it works anyway.  I had to go back and do a bit of work on the leading edges of the wings and pods.  The hot water did a number on the finished edges.  Next time, I'll put the finishing touches on after a bend.  That was the only modification I did.  All other parts went on according to the instructions.  I used the Houndog missles under the wings, because it seems they were in full use in the early 60's. Next was the primer, then the Model Master alluminum paint.  My son helped me paint the alluminum and the sealer coat after.  The decals were straight from the box.  I noticed an issue with the instructions.  They forgot to tell me where to add the decals.  Fortunately, I have the internet at my disposal, and I was able to figure where they go.

That seems to be about it. Please email me if you've got any questions or comments.

Thanks for looking and don't throw rotten tomatoes!

Douglas Conrady

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Photos and text © by Douglas Conrady