B29 Enroute 2010

[cliff strachan]

A couple of shots of my B29:

http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-4388


http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-4387


http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-4389

The model is 10" in length. Approximately 1/120 scale. Built of Balsawood with plastic formed side and top blisters. Sanding sealer used was SIG commercial sealer comprised primarily of Dope. Painting used Testor's Silver Enamel applied with an Aztec single action airbrush. Final overcoating: Model Master Semigloss Enamel from the can.

The subject was chosen chiefly because I had attempted this model many years ago and it comprised one of my determinations to try to make or replace what had been part of my collection. And after having almost completing the model from plans that were purposely drawn with errors due to wartime secrecy objectives, falling with the model and all the painting "learning experiences" - I am very happy to have anything to present at all.

As an historical contributor to aviation the B29 has definite significance. From "Classic Aircraft of World War II" it has led in three respects: the solution to the problem of high wing loading vs high landing speed, Pressurization vs a requirement to open the fuselage for military purposes - all  based on the earlier Boeing Stratoliner, and the problem of providing a source of power.

Cliff

[Oceaneer99]

Cliff,

My first (and second) thought was, "Where did Cliff get those fantastic photos?"  That's a truly incredible model you made.  Congratulations!

Garet

[lastvautour]

Excellent modeling skills Cliff.

Lou

[Ken Pugh]

Great finish.  Even more so considering balsa with a silver paint.  Well done.

Ken Pugh

[cliff strachan]

Thanks for the comments gentlemen. But Ken you are absolutely right. Silver does present a lot of problems. For one thing almost any masking device will tend to "lift off" the silver. More on this later.

Has anyone seen the latest issue of "Classic Aircraft"? They are running an article on the evolution of plastic models from the older "solid" kits. When we get more members maybe we will be in a position to challenge their conclusions. It is an interesting article nevertheless.
Cliff

[cliff strachan]

That should be "Air Classics" Vol 46, #6, p58. (I think).
Cliff.

[Balsabasher]

Really beautiful Cliff,lets show what can be done with balsa !
Congratulations on a fine model,and the photography is something else.
Barry.

[dave_t]

I found a picture of the actual B-29 Cliff modeled his after (serial no. 42-94106). Nice work Cliff, photography and model.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:B-29_Bomber_on_a_long_range_mission_in_late_1945.jpg

[cliff strachan]

Thanks Dave for the B29 photo. Nice shot of it "on top". Yes that's the one I tried to duplicate but the photo I used was a small black and white view from a library book. Think it was called "Great Bombers of World War Two". In general I attempt to replicate some aircraft that has been the subject of a photograph but at the same time one that is Representative of the type rather than of some particular significance.

Now back to my painting. Something that I' no great shakes at as I've been away from this activity for a long time - since plastics took over from balsa.
Cliff