colors for Navy

[Bill L.]

DO NOT even attempt to build the B-52 kit with the 'gear up' >  The main gear doors do not fit, and of course the touch the floor in the approp. open position too.  I built that kit for the NC Museum display we did a few years back, so a picture should be in our gallery somewhere.

All said and done, it will look like a Buff to whomever you give it to.   GOOD LUCK!

Bill L.

[ClydeM]

to look acuate, there are some large dark grey panels as well as large white panels on top of the b-58, wings plus the arformentioned varied aluminum panels. you can refer to the cover of Air and space magizene ,jan. 2006. good luck with all the little wheels.  clyde

[Matt Feiden]

thanks, I'll figure something out on the 52, will do my best on the Panther, trumpeter usually has some size issues in armor so I kind of expected it with the aircraft.  Not worried though, it is what it is.  I think I'm gonna try the 58.

[Lee_K]

Matt,

I would look to building the B-52G kit as close to stock as possible if it's going to be given away.  Very few non-modelers notice the things we do.  A model to hang from the ceiling would be just fine straight from the box.  One on the ground would present problems as the anhedral issue is very apparent to even a novice since the outriggers won't touch the ground.  I know in real life that this sometimes occurs when the aircraft is unfueled, but usually it is only one wing or the other -- not both.  I would look at all three options: Buff Models (formerly Grand Dragon), Monogram, or modifying the AMT wing box and decide which one you are most comfortable working with.  There is no right answer, all are means to an end.

The knock on the Trumpeter kit is that it has the length of a F9F-5, whereas the -2 was shorter.  Also, the windscreen has framing errors.  But to me the biggest issue is those damn Trumpeter rivets, which look totally out of place on the smooth Grumman jet.

Lee K

[Matt Feiden]

Wow Lee, I wish I could get that good, I have the new Trumpeter kit, got a real good deal.  Too late on the Buff models I already bought the wing box and the engines.  I wish I had known that.  The kit came to me via the guy that was at Seymour and that was the model where he was the crew chief.  Guess I'll have to read up on the droop and try and fix it as best I can.  He does want one in take off position though to mount from the ceiling.  I have the Monogram D as well should I use the wing box from there or can I get away with cutting the Italeri for section for the G and use the tail from the Itelari kit.

Matt

[Lee_K]

Hi Matt,

I'm assuming this is the Monogram Panther kit?  If so, it is very nice, quite accurate, and builds up without any vices.  I scratch-built some air intake covers to hide that gaping holes in there, as there is no intake tunking provided in the kit.  Ryan is correct about the proper color paint, readily available in the Testors line.

The Monogram B-58 is also a good kit.  Just prepare for a multi-hued natural metal finish.  The air intakes on each pod are a challenge because the shock cone makes it difficult to fill the seam from the inside which is quite visible on the finished model.  Like most of Monogram's bombers, you don't see it built very often.  But it is extremely impressive when you do see one in person.

The Italeri (formerly AMT) B-52G has all kinds of problems.  First and foremost, the wing anhedral angle is molded for an in-flight aircraft.  The wings drooped much more severely when the aircraft was parked on the ground.  Also, each nacelle is undersized, but only a B-52 aficionado would recognize that.  Don't be tempted by the Grand Dragon resin replacements -- they are junk.  I also understand that the kit has poor fit just about everywhere.  Truly dedicated modelers of the BUFF have been known to graft Monogram B-52D parts on the AMT kit in order to get a more accurate model.  Paul Boyer of Fine Scale Modeler also had an article many years ago about how he attacked the wing issue by cutting numerous slits in the wingbox and bent the wing downwards to get the proper look.

Here's my Monogram F9F-4, built about ten years ago:



Lee K

[Ryan K]

Gloss Sea Blue....15042

[Matt Feiden]

I'm now the proud owner of an F9F Panther.  What would be the proper color blue?  I have the Italeri B52 G, any reviews?  I'm looking at the Monogram B58, anything I need to know on that one? 

Matt