Several decades ago, I attempted to do an inflight refueling model using the old Crown B-52 Stratofortress and ancient Revell KC-135 Stratotanker. They were slightly different scales, but the only thing available at the time that was reasonable in size. It didn't work out for a variety of reasons I won't go into here, but ever since then, I've wanted to try that again at some point.

A couple of years ago I purchased Minicraft's B-52D/E and their KC-135A. I figured I would get it while they were still available as Minicraft was going out of business. At the same time, I picked up the B-47 and KC-97 kits. I intended to do inflight dioramas for both combinations at some point.

The F-104 group build going on in another group and the large number of complicated builds I did in 2024 has gotten me wanting to do something easier and mostly out of the box. In addition to the previous combinations mentioned, I have a few other candidates. After considering several factors, I decided to give the B-47 and KC-97 build a go.

So this is going to be my next project once I have completed my RAF Mohawk build (soon). So here are some preliminary photos to show the two kits I will be using. The plan is for both to be in the resplendent SAC natural metal, inflight refueling. For inspiration, I watched "Strategic Air Command" with Jimmy Stewart last night. There is a scene with this refueling taking place in all it's beauty.

I am looking forward to getting started on this one. I'll go into more details as I get started.

Hi Carl (@clipper). I found some of the photos from the KC-97 flights. Some of the film didn't age very well. I also found a photo of the B-52 I want to build. It was in the Bone Yard in 1977. I don't know if you can use the photos for your models, but they were fun to dig up. The first photo shows what happens if you can't stay in the clear during a refueling.

14 attached images. Click to enlarge.

That's a wonderful entry, Carl @clipper
Looking forward to this project.