Boeing B-29 Superfortress – 1/32nd scale vacform
This was a huge undertaking, in both the challenge it provided and the sheer size of this kit.
An ID Models vacform, this model provided the absolute basics such as the fuselage shell, wings and stabilisers. No interior was provided, so the whole thing had to be made from scratch, including a fully detailed bomb-bay, complete with long-range auxiliary fuel tanks.
The landing gear was made completely from scratch, including the fully detailed bays.
Engines were copies of the ZM Skyraider engine (there’s no after-market available for these kits!) and the propellers were modified 1/24th P-47 props.
The transparencies were a mixture of the kit’s and being home-made.
Paints were automotive acrylics, with decals either home-made or ‘borrowed’ from other kits. I finished this model as the famous ‘Kee Bird’ which crash-landed on the Greenland ice in 1947, until an attempted recovery in 1995 led to an APU fire and the loss of the aircraft.
This is by some way the largest model I’ve ever built – the span is 54″. This took 9 months from cutting the first plastic until completion.
9 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Jim Sullivan said on August 28, 2014
Hello Thomas….WOW, that’s an awesome build and quite a modeling accomplishment for sure. That’s the first B-29 in that scale that I’ve ever seen modeled. That scratch-built cockpit is quite outstanding as are the bomb bays and engines. Great paint job too. That’s one you can certainly be proud of. Now…where are you going to put it??
Thomas Probert said on August 28, 2014
Hi Jim, and thanks for the kind comments!
This, along with a 1/32nd scale Halifax, Lancaster, B-17, B-24 and 1/72nd scale Boeing 747 all live in our spare bedroom, purched upon wardrobes and a king-size double bed. It’s fine until we have friends to stay… then the wife does tend to become a little unimpressed.
I’ve got a 1/32nd Sunderland and Stirling in the stash, but daren’t start them yet until we move somewhere bigger!
Simon Whitney said on August 28, 2014
Tom after seeing this and the other builds on a different forum , can I say WOW, they look fantastic.
Vac forms is one territory I will not tread. They are beyond my modest skills.
Thanks for sharing Tom.
AL HOFFMAN said on August 28, 2014
Another unbelievable build Thomas. I was going to ask where you kept them but that has been ask & answered.
Craig Abrahamson said on August 28, 2014
Amazing craftsmanship, Thomas…54″ wingspan? I can’t imagine. At least you didn’t need magnifiers, huh? lol
Perhaps you could add an another photo with a “common object” included, so that we may truly see just how BIG this really is. Stellar build, sir.
olivier.rive said on August 28, 2014
oouuuccchhh ! king size ! a monster !
I’have the 1/48 monogram model but my wife say “STOP ! it’s too big….” and I sold it…and cry….
Morne Meyer said on August 28, 2014
Hi Thomas. A MOST AWESOME BUILD. Congrats!!! Your work is indicative of what model building is all about. What about a 1/32 B 36 Peacemaker? Just kidding!!!
Bails said on August 28, 2014
Remarkable. Stunning. Eye-popping.
Gotta be a real live air crew in that big-bad-boy.
Rick Wilkes said on August 28, 2014
Another outstanding example of your craftsmanship Tom, truly impressive.
Tom Cleaver said on August 28, 2014
Truly amazing. You, sir, are Krraaaaaayyyy-zzeeeeeee!! 🙂
California Steve said on August 28, 2014
What a great model, what more can I say.
California Steve
George Williams said on August 28, 2014
OK, then, another word: incredible!
Gregor d said on August 29, 2014
Outstanding sir! You are a brave man building bombers in 1/32 🙂 . Your scratch building details are amazing.
Thomas Probert said on August 29, 2014
Many thanks for the feedback gentlemen… I’m glad you like ‘the beast!’
Mike Grant said on August 29, 2014
Amazing. You must have a very large workbench.
Frank Cronin said on February 23, 2015
Thomas,
What else can I add.your kills are awesome