Beyond The Sprues
Modelling => Ideas & Inspiration => Aero-space => Topic started by: Daryl J. on April 15, 2012, 01:51:17 AM
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US Navy post war anti submarine variant: Shortened fuselage immediately fore and aft the wing. Belly radar. Overall Gloss Sea Blue, later variants have a gloss white upper surface. What to do with bomb bay modifications? I have no idea. :o That has yet to be thought through. Designation: PB-whatever. Serves well into the P-3 era.
USAF post war variant as a B-50 alternative: 4 turboprop engines (made by some U.S. appliance company...say Kelvinator or such) and swept tail surfaces not unlike the Bear. Tip tanks. Arctic scheme.
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Something that could have been...I am actually tempted to model this up as an operational bird. Might do it as an in-flight diorama with the operational F-85A shown being either deployed or recaptured.
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/Artic/b29ficon.jpg)
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What if the R3350 took rather longer to wring the bugs out and the USAAF was forced to go with the W3420-powered B-39 instead?
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What if the R3350 took rather longer to wring the bugs out and the USAAF was forced to go with the W3420-powered B-39 instead?
Hmmm...does anyone do a conversion for that I wonder?
(http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/Larkins/2972L.jpg)
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What if the R3350 took rather longer to wring the bugs out and the USAAF was forced to go with the W3420-powered B-39 instead?
Hmmm...does anyone do a conversion for that I wonder?
Scale-O-Rama.
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US Navy post war anti submarine variant: Shortened fuselage immediately fore and aft the wing. Belly radar. Overall Gloss Sea Blue, later variants have a gloss white upper surface. What to do with bomb bay modifications? I have no idea. :o That has yet to be thought through. Designation: PB-whatever. Serves well into the P-3 era.
USAF post war variant as a B-50 alternative: 4 turboprop engines (made by some U.S. appliance company...say Kelvinator or such) and swept tail surfaces not unlike the Bear. Tip tanks. Arctic scheme.
Did a bunch of B-29 alternate profiles, including these:
(http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s101/Maverick65au/Post%20War%20USN/B-2907.jpg)
(http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s101/Maverick65au/Post%20War%20USN/B-2908.jpg)
(http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s101/Maverick65au/Post%20War%20USN/B-2909.jpg)
Regards,
John
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RCAF as well!!
(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/CF-101B/RCAF-CPB-2W-Superfotress.jpg)
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([url]http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s101/Maverick65au/Post%20War%20USN/B-2909.jpg[/url])
Regards,
John
Oh that is SOOOOOOO sexy. Fool a lot of people too!
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There was an escort B-17. How about an escort -'29??
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There was an escort B-17. How about an escort -'29??
Well, there was at least one B-29 test fitted with a couple remote-control nose barbettes in streamlined pods, that could be a starting point for such an escort. Perhaps larger caliber automatic guns in the turrets (20mm instead of .50 caliber)?
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The Russians replaced the 50cal with 23mm cannons in the Tu-4, so replacement of the 50s in the B-29 isn't far fetched. Just have to get around the USAAF's preference for MGs rather than cannon. At least the larger weapons would give equal range to the Jap fighters that were toting 20mms. Not so for the heavier guns tho.
Regards,
John
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Hmmmm......eyes P2B-5. Then eyes Academy B-50 kit. Hmmmm...... :D :D :D
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Hmmmm......eyes P2B-5. Then eyes Academy B-50 kit. Hmmmm...... :D :D :D
HEY! I claimed it first!!! :icon_punal:
Kidding. Hell if you do one, then I'm forced to do a ECM/recce version, ala P4M-1Q 8)
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Nah.....I don't ever buy into the 'I've got dibs on a whiff' idea. ;D :) Excellent is excellent.
So stretch a B-50 fuselage, put a solid nose on it and a tandem cockpit on top a la B-47. :icon_music: :icon_music:
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We are doing a "Dambusters" build using B-29s. For a "Hollywood Does the Dambusters" build. Its a follow on from "Bollywood Does the Battle of Britain". :icon_ninja:
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Where?
My life right now doesn't allow for virtually any building but I make a great lurker.
TIA,
Daryl J.
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Where?
My life right now doesn't allow for virtually any building but I make a great lurker.
TIA,
Daryl J.
Sorry - if thats to me its at a local modelling club where a few of us do Wifs.
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It is to you. And thanks. Whiffs within a modeling club, that's cool.
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(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/arc3371/Blanks/SmallTu-4J4.png)
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:)
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http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal9/8301-8400/gal8342-Tupolev-Petrie/00.shtm (http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal9/8301-8400/gal8342-Tupolev-Petrie/00.shtm)
or, for ease of reading:
1/144 Tupolev TU-4T "Bolshoi"
With the advent of jet aircraft, the leadership of the Soviet Union began to express concerns about keeping up with the decadent Westerners. One area urgently looked into was the Jet Bomber. With this type of aircraft, planes could hit capitalists fast and hard, without fear of interception
One of the first attempts was basically a jet engined version of the Tu-4 "Bull", which itself was a reverse engineered B-29. It seemed simple enough, add some jets to an existingly fast aircraft, and quick like borscht, you'd have a new, faster plane. Well, almost...
It turns out the airfoil design used on the B-29 had a limiting Mach factor, so the addition of jet engines only added 50 knots airspeed. The thirsty nature of early jet engines also meant that a massively large part of the payload had to be given over to fuel, and range suffered drastically as well. It turned out, the Tu-4T was capable of a slightly faster attack, at only 25% of the range of a conventional Tu-4, with only 31% of it's payload. A fully fuelled Tu-4T, taking off from Moscow, could only reach Kiev before requiring refuelling. Needless to say, the plane wasn't put into production, with only three prototypes being built.
However, the ever busy CIA and MI-6 were able to photograph the Tu-4T at a Soviet airfield, and it was assumed to be an operational aircraft. It was designated "Bolshoi" under the NATO naming protocols, and remained in the west's Cold War planning directives as late as 1967.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/Alvis3_1/TU4T2.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/Alvis3_1/TU4T3.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/Alvis3_1/TU4T1.jpg)
I got the idea from an old issue of Mechanix Illustrated. Academy lent their 1/144 scale B-29 to the cause, with engines from an old Revell 707 helping out.
Alvis 3.1
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([url]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/arc3371/Blanks/SmallTu-4J4.png[/url])
Very similar to me `plastic` Tu-90 it built back in July last year....... ;)
(http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac81/tc2324/009-36.jpg)
(http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac81/tc2324/005-48.jpg)
(http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac81/tc2324/008-42.jpg)
(http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac81/tc2324/002-67.jpg)
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Very similar to me `plastic` Tu-90 it built back in July last year....... ;)
([url]http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac81/tc2324/005-48.jpg[/url])
Is that the dreaded "bamboo curtain" or the "cane curtain" behind your model? :)
Looks quite convincing with the FOD covers in place and the NMF.
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All these recent posts have been brilliant!!! Well done all of you! :) :) :)
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Oddly enough, I've had a similar idea as this except to use a ------ Lancaster.
The idea came about because when I had ordered some 1/72 Buccaneer S1 intakes from Heritage Aviation, and I received the 1/48 set instead. Ian would have replaced them but I decided to keep them for the Lancaster project along with the discarded large scale Mosquito wing tanks I wouldn't use for my Twin Lancaster project. I had bought both of Paragon's 1/48 200 Gal. tanks and 1/32 100 Gal. tanks to see which would look better. On the Jet Lanc' I'm planning on installing one of the tank front ends onto the inner nacelle instead of the engine.
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>There was an escort B-17. How about an escort -'29??<
Well of course!! Except, rather than repeat the "mistake" of the overly-heavy, armed-to-the-teeth bomber conversions that couldn't keep up with the bomb-empty brood on the way home, *MY* take on the "escort" idea is some "bait" B-29's that are actually half-scale aircraft designed to RESEMBLE a B-29 but are actually single-seat fighters. Attacking these "lumbering" aircraft will surprise the attacker with a distorted perspective of size, AND a suddenly VERY AGILE gun platform bent on destruction. Sometimes a bomberless "Fighter Sweep" with HALF's in "bomber" formation will entice some "suckers" to come out and play. To wit, I present the 1/72-scale "H.A.L.F." (High-Altitude, Long-Range Fighter), made from a 1/144 B-29 and a 1/72 Il-28 cockpit/front gun:
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/sequoiaranger/HALF-01.jpg)
I have it in "Soviet Pacific" markings, helping to escort their Tu-4(?) copy of the B-29 over Japan.
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Tu-90, Bolshoi, ... they are marvels :) :) :-* :-*
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We are doing a "Dambusters" build using B-29s. For a "Hollywood Does the Dambusters" build. Its a follow on from "Bollywood Does the Battle of Britain". :icon_ninja:
Or going after the Tirpitz? It seems (I toured Silver Hill when the Enola Gay was being rebuilt) that the A-bomb uses the same bomb shackles et al. as the Grand Slam. 'Twould be interesting to see B-29s outfitted for dambusting as a low-level mission like that is definitely not what it was designed to.
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One would think the -29's wing planform wouldn't be fun at dambusting altitude.
I did read that the type could heft Grand Slams, but I was under the impression they were to be externally hung under the inner wings rather than internally. Tarzon was based on the 12000lb Tallboy and it required surgery to fit into the -29's fuselage with precious little clearance. A bomb twice the size would require something different regarding carriage.
Regards,
John
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Boeing wasn't without flying boat experience.
Give the B-29 a shoulder mounted wing and a deepened fuselage with a planing hull.
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Grand Slam was never used at low altitude. It needed a high altitude release to develop high speed in the fall as part of its ground penetration ‘earthquake’ effect. It was used to destroy dams through high altitude attack.
As to fitting inside a B-29 the Grand Slam wasn’t that much bigger than the Tallboy despite being almost twice the weight. Diameter was 1.17m vs 0.95m and length 8.08m vs 6.35m compared to the Tallboy. But the maximum internal bomb size of the B-29 was limited to around 3.5m in length because of the wing running between the two bomb bays. Tarzan, Tallboy and Grand Slam were all carried semi recessed under the fuselage in a similar way to such weapons carried by the Lancaster.
Tarzan Radio Controlled Guided Bomb (1952) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ3x-5c5p5E#)
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[url]http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal9/8301-8400/gal8342-Tupolev-Petrie/00.shtm[/url] ([url]http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal9/8301-8400/gal8342-Tupolev-Petrie/00.shtm[/url])
or, for ease of reading:
1/144 Tupolev TU-4T "Bolshoi"
With the advent of jet aircraft, the leadership of the Soviet Union began to express concerns about keeping up with the decadent Westerners. One area urgently looked into was the Jet Bomber. With this type of aircraft, planes could hit capitalists fast and hard, without fear of interception
One of the first attempts was basically a jet engined version of the Tu-4 "Bull", which itself was a reverse engineered B-29. It seemed simple enough, add some jets to an existingly fast aircraft, and quick like borscht, you'd have a new, faster plane. Well, almost...
It turns out the airfoil design used on the B-29 had a limiting Mach factor, so the addition of jet engines only added 50 knots airspeed. The thirsty nature of early jet engines also meant that a massively large part of the payload had to be given over to fuel, and range suffered drastically as well. It turned out, the Tu-4T was capable of a slightly faster attack, at only 25% of the range of a conventional Tu-4, with only 31% of it's payload. A fully fuelled Tu-4T, taking off from Moscow, could only reach Kiev before requiring refuelling. Needless to say, the plane wasn't put into production, with only three prototypes being built.
However, the ever busy CIA and MI-6 were able to photograph the Tu-4T at a Soviet airfield, and it was assumed to be an operational aircraft. It was designated "Bolshoi" under the NATO naming protocols, and remained in the west's Cold War planning directives as late as 1967.
([url]http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/Alvis3_1/TU4T2.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/Alvis3_1/TU4T3.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/Alvis3_1/TU4T1.jpg[/url])
I got the idea from an old issue of Mechanix Illustrated. Academy lent their 1/144 scale B-29 to the cause, with engines from an old Revell 707 helping out.
Alvis 3.1
Sorry my friend .... was this a 'What If' or was it an actual Soviet project to adapt the Tu-4 from a piston engine to jet job???? :o
M.A.D
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([url]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/arc3371/Blanks/SmallTu-4J4.png[/url])
Very similar to me `plastic` Tu-90 it built back in July last year....... ;)
([url]http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac81/tc2324/009-36.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac81/tc2324/005-48.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac81/tc2324/008-42.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac81/tc2324/002-67.jpg[/url])
What a great Idea, what an even fantastic effort!!!
I like it!
I want it!!
M.A.D
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Very similar to me `plastic` Tu-90 it built back in July last year....... ;)
([url]http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac81/tc2324/005-48.jpg[/url])
Is that the dreaded "bamboo curtain" or the "cane curtain" behind your model? :)
Looks quite convincing with the FOD covers in place and the NMF.
I would love to see it with a big, fat and powerful Kh-20 (AS-3 'Kangaroo') city buster semi-recessed under its fuselage!! :icon_surprised:
M.A.D
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[url]http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal9/8301-8400/gal8342-Tupolev-Petrie/00.shtm[/url] ([url]http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal9/8301-8400/gal8342-Tupolev-Petrie/00.shtm[/url])
or, for ease of reading:
1/144 Tupolev TU-4T "Bolshoi"
Alvis 3.1
Again I would love to see it with a big, fat and powerful Kh-20 (AS-3 'Kangaroo') city buster semi-recessed under its fuselage!! :icon_surprised:
M.A.D
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Black 175 looks so right, it's like it's something real. Not sure I can come up with much higher praise for a whiff!
Red 05 is like that, too! And the magazine cover there makes it even more so.
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Black 175 looks so right, it's like it's something real. Not sure I can come up with much higher praise for a whiff!
Red 05 is like that, too! And the magazine cover there makes it even more so.
Yup! :) You could easily put these two on the table of some Soviet Special Interest Group display at a model show and the vast majority of people wouldn't spot these as whifs.
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Boeing wasn't without flying boat experience.
Give the B-29 a shoulder mounted wing and a deepened fuselage with a planing hull.
Where the B-29 got its wings:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_XPBB_Sea_Ranger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_XPBB_Sea_Ranger)
(http://www.umt.fme.vutbr.cz/~ruja/modely/podklady/Boeing/B-344/B-344.jpg)
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Someone built a model of the 1/48th scale Monogram B-29 and modified it to have electric motors driving the propellers. While the tolerances of such a fit are painfully obvious in the video it is still quite nice to watch and appreciate this modeler's efforts to add some animation to a scale model.
B-29 Superfortress - 1:48 Scale Model (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzq6AXVlAFg#ws)
Additional links on the left side of the YouTube page have more videos on this model and others if you are interested.
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That's brilliant!
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Grand Slam was never used at low altitude. It needed a high altitude release to develop high speed in the fall as part of its ground penetration ‘earthquake’ effect. It was used to destroy dams through high altitude attack.
As to fitting inside a B-29 the Grand Slam wasn’t that much bigger than the Tallboy despite being almost twice the weight. Diameter was 1.17m vs 0.95m and length 8.08m vs 6.35m compared to the Tallboy. But the maximum internal bomb size of the B-29 was limited to around 3.5m in length because of the wing running between the two bomb bays. Tarzan, Tallboy and Grand Slam were all carried semi recessed under the fuselage in a similar way to such weapons carried by the Lancaster.
Tarzan Radio Controlled Guided Bomb (1952) ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ3x-5c5p5E#[/url])
B29 did carry Tallboy but not semi-recessed, they were carried under the inboard wings.
http://forum.valka.cz/files/b29_se_dv_ma_pumami_tallboy.jpg (http://forum.valka.cz/files/b29_se_dv_ma_pumami_tallboy.jpg)
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Grand Slam was never used at low altitude. It needed a high altitude release to develop high speed in the fall as part of its ground penetration ‘earthquake’ effect. It was used to destroy dams through high altitude attack.
As to fitting inside a B-29 the Grand Slam wasn’t that much bigger than the Tallboy despite being almost twice the weight. Diameter was 1.17m vs 0.95m and length 8.08m vs 6.35m compared to the Tallboy. But the maximum internal bomb size of the B-29 was limited to around 3.5m in length because of the wing running between the two bomb bays. Tarzan, Tallboy and Grand Slam were all carried semi recessed under the fuselage in a similar way to such weapons carried by the Lancaster.
Tarzan Radio Controlled Guided Bomb (1952) ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ3x-5c5p5E#[/url])
B29 did carry Tallboy but not semi-recessed, they were carried under the inboard wings.
[url]http://forum.valka.cz/files/b29_se_dv_ma_pumami_tallboy.jpg[/url] ([url]http://forum.valka.cz/files/b29_se_dv_ma_pumami_tallboy.jpg[/url])
Actually those are Grand Slams ---
I got the information straight from Boeing. I also have this photo but it shows the complete aircraft, I also have a photo of a B-29 carrying a T-12, which was 44,000 lbs in weight. Both photos were bought from the Boeing Archive
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Grand Slam was never used at low altitude. It needed a high altitude release to develop high speed in the fall as part of its ground penetration ‘earthquake’ effect. It was used to destroy dams through high altitude attack.
As to fitting inside a B-29 the Grand Slam wasn’t that much bigger than the Tallboy despite being almost twice the weight. Diameter was 1.17m vs 0.95m and length 8.08m vs 6.35m compared to the Tallboy. But the maximum internal bomb size of the B-29 was limited to around 3.5m in length because of the wing running between the two bomb bays. Tarzan, Tallboy and Grand Slam were all carried semi recessed under the fuselage in a similar way to such weapons carried by the Lancaster.
Tarzan Radio Controlled Guided Bomb (1952) ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ3x-5c5p5E#[/url])
B29 did carry Tallboy but not semi-recessed, they were carried under the inboard wings.
[url]http://forum.valka.cz/files/b29_se_dv_ma_pumami_tallboy.jpg[/url] ([url]http://forum.valka.cz/files/b29_se_dv_ma_pumami_tallboy.jpg[/url])
Actually those are Grand Slams ---
I got the information straight from Boeing. I also have this photo but it shows the complete aircraft, I also have a photo of a B-29 carrying a T-12, which was 44,000 lbs in weight. Both photos were bought from the Boeing Archive
Found this :-
Are the underwing bombs Tallboys or Blockbusters? It seems inconceivable to me that a B29 can carry the load of a Lancaster under each wing!
They are Tallboys (Medium) 12,000lbs 21ft long with the casing 10ft 4ins long, 38ins dia.
Tallboy (Large) 22,000lbs 25ft 5ins long the casing 12ft 6ins long, 46ins dia.
Called Grandslam.
Tallboy (small) 4,000lbs used for ballistic trials.
According to wikipedia, the loaded weight of a B-29 is 120,000lb. max take off weight with combat load of 135,000lb.
Let the confusion reign
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Actually those are Grand Slams ---
I got the information straight from Boeing. I also have this photo but it shows the complete aircraft, I also have a photo of a B-29 carrying a T-12, which was 44,000 lbs in weight. Both photos were bought from the Boeing Archive
Found this :-
Are the underwing bombs Tallboys or Blockbusters? It seems inconceivable to me that a B29 can carry the load of a Lancaster under each wing!
They are Tallboys (Medium) 12,000lbs 21ft long with the casing 10ft 4ins long, 38ins dia.
Tallboy (Large) 22,000lbs 25ft 5ins long the casing 12ft 6ins long, 46ins dia.
Called Grandslam.
Tallboy (small) 4,000lbs used for ballistic trials.
According to wikipedia, the loaded weight of a B-29 is 120,000lb. max take off weight with combat load of 135,000lb.
Let the confusion reign
I figured you'd come back with a reply so have a look at these photos I bought from Boeing. The top one I got first but when I offered up my Grand Slam bomb to the B-29 kit I have I quickly realized that the bomb in the photo was much bigger. An email back to Boeing got me my answer, I was told it was actually a T-12. I was then told there was another photo available which I then bought on the spot (bottom photo). I then did a comparison with my kit Grand Slam and a Paragon Tallboy and found that the two bombs hanging under the B-29 were Grand Slam size. You can see from this photo that the one you posted is only a part of it and from the full photo you can see the size very clearly and they are not Tallboys. But don't take my word for it, you only have to do some comparing yourself to find out for yourself.
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Here's a bomb size comparison of a T-12, Grand Slam and Tallboy. The T-12 shape is a master I'm making for some resin re-productions I'll do, the dimensions for it I got from the US Army Ordnance Museum at Aderdeen, MD website
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...now I am confused.
OK--the two large bombs in the lower picture are the 44,000-lb "Grand Slam" Tallboys (comes in three flavors!).
You mentioned that the single Tallboy-like bomb semi-recessed in the B-29's fuselage was "actually a T-12". My question is, What is a "T-12" called, how much did *IT* weight? How big was it relative to the first A-bombs?
Thanks.
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The two large bombs in the lower photo are 22,000 lb Grand Slams. The single recessed bomb is a 44,000 lb T-12, sometimes called a Grand Slam too but mostly just a T-12.
The T-12 was a 44,000 lb deep penetration bomb, it started as a directly scaled up copy of the 22,000 lb Grand Slam. But because the overall length of it wouldn't fit in the modified B-29 or a standard B-36 bomb bay, the tail cone was shortened. My top photo shows it with the shortened tail cone.
The Tallboy was a 12,000 lb deep penetration bomb that was the first to emerge during WW.II, followed by the Grand Slam some months later. My dad was in 617 Sqn. when they used these bombs and he told me one time the scarest part of these were when they brought the bomb back with them because they couldn't see the target, they weren't allowed to waste the bomb by just dumping it on the return flight.
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In the T-12 photo you'll notice that it's hanging directly off the wing spars that go through the fuselage, the spars were re-enforced to handle the weight and you'll also notice the wing root fairing which was added to streamline the strengthening.
This info I got direct from Boeing.
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A pic of a T-12 at Aberdeen Proving Ground (and no that's not me in the pic)
http://www.qsl.net/aa6rv/photos/aberdeen5.htm (http://www.qsl.net/aa6rv/photos/aberdeen5.htm)
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That pic makes that bomb pretty impressive-looking!
>the spars were re-enforced to handle the weight <
Yeah, I am imagining the pull of the bomb bending the wing spar, making the wings go up in a "V"!!!!
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Actually those are Grand Slams ---
I got the information straight from Boeing. I also have this photo but it shows the complete aircraft, I also have a photo of a B-29 carrying a T-12, which was 44,000 lbs in weight. Both photos were bought from the Boeing Archive
Found this :-
Are the underwing bombs Tallboys or Blockbusters? It seems inconceivable to me that a B29 can carry the load of a Lancaster under each wing!
They are Tallboys (Medium) 12,000lbs 21ft long with the casing 10ft 4ins long, 38ins dia.
Tallboy (Large) 22,000lbs 25ft 5ins long the casing 12ft 6ins long, 46ins dia.
Called Grandslam.
Tallboy (small) 4,000lbs used for ballistic trials.
According to wikipedia, the loaded weight of a B-29 is 120,000lb. max take off weight with combat load of 135,000lb.
Let the confusion reign
I figured you'd come back with a reply so have a look at these photos I bought from Boeing. The top one I got first but when I offered up my Grand Slam bomb to the B-29 kit I have I quickly realized that the bomb in the photo was much bigger. An email back to Boeing got me my answer, I was told it was actually a T-12. I was then told there was another photo available which I then bought on the spot (bottom photo). I then did a comparison with my kit Grand Slam and a Paragon Tallboy and found that the two bombs hanging under the B-29 were Grand Slam size. You can see from this photo that the one you posted is only a part of it and from the full photo you can see the size very clearly and they are not Tallboys. But don't take my word for it, you only have to do some comparing yourself to find out for yourself.
Bowing to your superior knowledge and having taken your advice I have looked around and can confirm that they are sand filled test GRAND SLAMS.
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I have looked around and can confirm that they are sand filled test GRAND SLAMS.
Hmm! that is something I hadn't discovered. Which begs a question, is a sand filled Grand Slam the same weight as one filled with explosives ?
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Another thing of interest in the photo of the two bombs under the wings, the flap above the bombs was half removed so that the flap would clear the bombs tail cone
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I have looked around and can confirm that they are sand filled test GRAND SLAMS.
Hmm! that is something I hadn't discovered. Which begs a question, is a sand filled Grand Slam the same weight as one filled with explosives ?
Your pic with text
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b28/smeders/b292.jpg)
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Interesting :)
In my photo, if I look at it under a magnifying glass, you can see someones face looking out the side blister quite clearly. Another interesting observation, the B-29 has it's full compliment of turrets and guns ---
I was going to build my B-29 as an RAF Washington like this.
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I have looked around and can confirm that they are sand filled test GRAND SLAMS.
Hmm! that is something I hadn't discovered. Which begs a question, is a sand filled Grand Slam the same weight as one filled with explosives ?
Probably pretty close, as TNT has a specific gravity of 1.62 to 1.65, RDX is 1.7 (the Torpex filling was a mix of RDX, TNT, wax and aluminum powder) and packed sand has a specific gravity in a rough range of 1.6 to 1.9.
- Chemical Engineers' Handbook and Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers
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I just got a Revell 1/72 Dambuster Lancaster. So I was thinking of putting the Upkeep bouncing bomb in the B-29 bomb bay.
To keep in the Upkeep in Commonwealth control, finish the B-29 in SEAC or FAA colours.
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Ok....credit to Colin at Freightdog for the inspiration of this spinoff:
Rounded nose extended a trifle and converted to a giant antenna. Pilot/copilot relocated to top of fuselage B-57 style. Another belly or dorsal antenna mid fuselage. Various antennae protruding from the aft fuselage. Rest of crew sits in an air conditioned room at Nellis. Yep..its a bit anachronistic with satellite communications but serves as a monitoring of foreign power shipping in the Pacific.
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Crazy or Inspired? A twinned B-29 (zwilling style) as an alternate to the B-36. Both fuselages only use the front bomb bay for weapons (thus have the same overall weapons load as standard B-29) and use rear bay for additional fuel. Crew would be less than two separate B-29s but range would be far in excess to standard.
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How many engines would you have between the fuselages? 1, 2, 3?
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If a B-36 alternate, then starting with a B-50 is probably a better fit. Certainly B-29 family.
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How many engines would you have between the fuselages? 1, 2, 3?
Not sure. 2 pr 3.
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If a B-36 alternate, then starting with a B-50 is probably a better fit. Certainly B-29 family.
Nah! The idea here would be that the twinned B-29 would be developed as a stopgap or alternate to the B-36 when that runs into problems. Thus this would be well before the B-50.
Besides, it is easier to get B-29 kits than it is B-50s... ;)
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Of course the escort for this would have to be P/F-82s... ;)
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If a B-36 alternate, then starting with a B-50 is probably a better fit. Certainly B-29 family.
Nah! The idea here would be that the twinned B-29 would be developed as a stopgap or alternate to the B-36 when that runs into problems. Thus this would be well before the B-50.
Besides, it is easier to get B-29 kits than it is B-50s... ;)
The B-50 was originally ordered as the B-29D in July, 1945 and engineering had started well
before that date.
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If a B-36 alternate, then starting with a B-50 is probably a better fit. Certainly B-29 family.
Nah! The idea here would be that the twinned B-29 would be developed as a stopgap or alternate to the B-36 when that runs into problems. Thus this would be well before the B-50.
Besides, it is easier to get B-29 kits than it is B-50s... ;)
The B-50 was originally ordered as the B-29D in July, 1945 and engineering had started well
before that date.
Jon, what were the B-29B & C? I know what the B-29 and B-29A are but these have me stumped --
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B-29B: 311 Bell built aircraft with all armament stripped except for tail guns. Tail guns controlled
by AN/APG-15B fire control radar. External radar 'ball' and lack of turrets identify wartime B models.
(http://www.airfields-freeman.com/HI/GuamNW_Guam_B-29B_APG-15.jpg)
B-29C: Designation assigned to planned version with improved R-3350, canceled.
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what were the B-29B & C? I know what the B-29 and B-29A are but these have me stumped --
If you can not trust the United States Air Force then who can you trust for a list of known B-29 variants ;)
National Museum of the United States Air Force (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/index.asp)
National Museum of the USAF > Research > USAF Aircraft & History > Bomber > Fact Sheets: (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/research/aircraft/bomber/index.asp)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29 (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2527)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29A (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2528)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29B (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2530)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29C (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2531)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29D (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2532)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29E (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2575)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29F (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2533)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29G (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2576)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing XB-29H (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2577)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing YB-29J (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2593)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing RB-29J (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2557)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing KB-29K (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2553)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29L (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2534)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing KB-29M AND B-29MR (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2554)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing KB-29P (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2555)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing YKB-29T (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2597)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing EB-29 (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2548)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing SB-29 (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2562)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing TB-29 (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2564)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing WB-29 (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2567)
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29 Airborne Early Warning (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2529)
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what were the B-29B & C? I know what the B-29 and B-29A are but these have me stumped --
If you can not trust the United States Air Force then who can you trust for a list of known B-29 variants ;)
National Museum of the United States Air Force ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/index.asp[/url])
National Museum of the USAF > Research > USAF Aircraft & History > Bomber > Fact Sheets: ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/research/aircraft/bomber/index.asp[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29 ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2527[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29A ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2528[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29B ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2530[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29C ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2531[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29D ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2532[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29E ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2575[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29F ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2533[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29G ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2576[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing XB-29H ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2577[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing YB-29J ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2593[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing RB-29J ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2557[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing KB-29K ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2553[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29L ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2534[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing KB-29M AND B-29MR ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2554[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing KB-29P ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2555[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing YKB-29T ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2597[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing EB-29 ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2548[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing SB-29 ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2562[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing TB-29 ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2564[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing WB-29 ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2567[/url])
National Museum of the USAF Fact Sheet - Boeing B-29 Airborne Early Warning ([url]http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2529[/url])
Okay. I have the B-29A and KB-29P in the stash. I guess I need to get 19 more kits to build the family.
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Okay. I have the B-29A and KB-29P in the stash. I guess I need to get 19 more kits to build the family.
Some of the variants on that list were not produced or were fielded under a different designation such as the KB-29K which ended up in service as the KB-29M. Others on the list did not get further than the paperwork so your total number of B-29 variants will be far less than the nineteen that you claim to need :)
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Some of the variants on that list were not produced or were fielded under a different designation such as the KB-29K which ended up in service as the KB-29M. Others on the list did not get further than the paperwork so your total number of B-29 variants will be far less than the nineteen that you claim to need :)
Unless you decide that you need to include the USN and Soviet (Tu-4) variants of the Superfortress. In that case you'll need to add a few more to the pile. I know, I'm cruel. >:D
Cheers,
Logan
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(http://www.ausairpower.net/CAM-Shahezhen-AB/_KJ-1-AWACS-Tu-4-Bull-Turboprop-PLAAF-APA-1.jpg)
;)
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Lovely :-*
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The B-50 was originally ordered as the B-29D in July, 1945 and engineering had started well
before that date.
I realise that but also refer to my earlier statement re kit availability... ;)
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And don't forget the XB-39 and what might have developed from there if the R3350 had not managed to resolve its problems.
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([url]http://www.ausairpower.net/CAM-Shahezhen-AB/_KJ-1-AWACS-Tu-4-Bull-Turboprop-PLAAF-APA-1.jpg[/url])
;)
The Cutting Edge 1/72 conversion I have of this was missing the inner nacelles, thanks to Greg I can now reproduce a pair and place the extra air intakes they have in their correct locations. Then I just need to build it ----- :-X
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There is a 1/48 conversion for sale on eBay right now. It has been there for weeks/months now...guess why?
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Aww cmon, its only £394.51 + P+P
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(http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=18913.0;attach=203318;image)
Boeing Model 413 which was one of the early explorations for what became the B-47. (Looks like a -29 to me though!)
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yep, jet B-29 ;)
Thought about a KG-200 B-29 .... Superfort shot down in European theatre or salvaged by Japan & sent across ....
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([url]http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=18913.0;attach=203318;image[/url])
Boeing Model 413 which was one of the early explorations for what became the B-47. (Looks like a -29 to me though!)
B-29 with B-46 nacelles? I think these nacelles are larger, though, so 1/100 B-29 with 1/72 B-46 nacelles?
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Very tempted to build one of these. BTW, here is the more detailed photo with caption:
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/413_zpsffc87071.jpg)
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How about a turboprop B-29/B-50 with T-34 Turboprops ala the YC-97J:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/YC-97J_USAF.jpg)
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/image_zps81ecb033.jpg)
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Suppose the R3350 had been a bit more troublesome and the USAAF had gong with the W3420-powered B-39 (Allison had be this time debugged the engine design); how would the aircraft have evolved? Would that huge Lycoming liquid-cooled radial (XR7755) have been used in developed versions?
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(http://www.igorstshirts.com/blog/conceptships/2013/hxh/hxh_01.jpg)
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Cool!
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That's pretty neat.
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Looking thru stash box of B-29 kits found three smaller (non 1/72) kits each their own scale.
Passing this along as FYI for you potential B-29 kitbashers.
> Academy-Minicraft 1/144 yep!
> Testors 1/130 picture attached
> Revell ~1/118 picture attached This kit usually advertised as 1/135, well it aint. Measured fuselage and wing. Come up with 117-120ish scale numbers.
> Differences in size are obvious when placed side-by-side.
> Box art changes over time.
> There you be.....
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Revell ~1/118 picture attached This kit usually advertised as 1/135, well it aint. Measured fuselage and wing. Come up with 117-120ish scale numbers.
Strewth, that was the second plastic kit I ever built, back in the mid 50s! I was in an RAF hospital and one of the other patients had the B-29 kit and wanted to build it as an RAF Washington, but camouflaged! So I offered to do it for him and it came out pretty good. It seems I started in the Whiff business at an early age. :)
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Just loved the one I saw down at the Yuma Airshow (even got to see it flying two days later), one of my favorite aircraft and at least two of the 1/72 kits I have will be Washington B.1's
(http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa263/kitnut617/Yuma%20Airshow%202013/Yuma2013036_zps795360ad.jpg) (http://s200.photobucket.com/user/kitnut617/media/Yuma%20Airshow%202013/Yuma2013036_zps795360ad.jpg.html)
(http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa263/kitnut617/Yuma%20Airshow%202013/Yuma2013041_zps6ae08d83.jpg) (http://s200.photobucket.com/user/kitnut617/media/Yuma%20Airshow%202013/Yuma2013041_zps6ae08d83.jpg.html)
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Odd thought hit me, how does the Centaurus compare with the R3350? I'm thinking of a Washington B.1A or B.2 with Centaurus engines and 5-bladed props.
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Well, the Vickers Type 'C' was to have six contra-prop Centaurus engines and it was nearly as big as a B-36, so four on a B-29 would very easily be possible. The nacelles were very similar to the B-29's too -- I would say just a change of engine in the B-29 nacelle and you could call it good-to-go --- :) According to Wiki, there's only 1/2" difference in diameter of the two engines.
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SIX Centauruses (Centaurii?)?
Just think of the oil trail behind the aircraft, someone would surely design a detector so they could find it without using their radar! :)
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how does the Centaurus compare with the R3350?
From Wikipedia (so take it as you will):
R-3350-C18-BA:
Length: 76.26 in (1,930 mm)
Diameter: 55.78 in (1,420 mm)
Dry weight: 2,670 lb (1,212 kg)
Power output: 2,200 hp at 2,800 rpm (takeoff power)
Centaurus VII:
Diameter: 55.3 in (1,405 mm)
Dry weight: 2,695 lb (1,223 kg)
Power output: 2,520 hp (1,880 kW) at 2,700 rpm
Seems potentially like a good match. Maybe do a Licence production version for either the UK or the Commonwealth? Maybe a good selection for a RAAF ASW B-29 instead of the Lincoln Mk.31 - ditch the Turbo-superchargers if operating most of the time at low level. Put a Mad boom out the back.
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Which makes me wonder, how feasible would a "Double Centaurus" four-row radial be for an alternate B-50 powerplant? Or perhaps a re-engining of BOAC's Stratocruisers?
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New tail fins for B-29. They look soviet but none is soviet. :D
(http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j340/ysi_maniac/Drawing/b-29tails.jpeg) (http://s1080.photobucket.com/user/ysi_maniac/media/Drawing/b-29tails.jpeg.html)
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Tails on bottom two B-29 look right for Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 with 6-blade props powered B-29.
Like the profiles :)
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Which makes me wonder, how feasible would a "Double Centaurus" four-row radial be for an alternate B-50 powerplant? Or perhaps a re-engining of BOAC's Stratocruisers?
Evidently Bristol did work on a 28-cylinder design that used Centaurus pots, much the same way the
R-4360 was developed using R-2800 pots.
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,670.0.html
(http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,670.0.html)
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When my Dad was a crew chief on Hastings and Beverleys he used to say that a Centaurus had 10 more litres capacity, 1000 more horsepower and a million more oil leaks than a Hercules. I dread to think what a DOUBLE Centaurus would leak like!
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(http://bathead.com/Modelaircraft/P2B2S.jpg)
http://bathead.com/modelaircraft.html#p2bs (http://bathead.com/modelaircraft.html#p2bs)
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Scott Pedersen (BatHead) has some really interesting information on his web pages.
One of my pet what-if ideas for the B-29 Superfortress would be to try and make a maritime patrol aircraft out of it.
Basically just put it in markings and paint scheme for a late war or early cold war VPB(H) squadron or similar Commonwealth/UK Coastal Command patrol maritime patrol aircraft. Nothing extravagant aside from markings along with some additional antennas and blisters peculiar to an aircraft of that time frame. A good example of such would be the blisters, bumps, and antennas found on the PB4Y Privateer that could be used with a what-if Boeing P2B-1 (B-29) Superfortress/Washington B.1.
Some aftermarket items are available from Belcher Bits (http://www.belcherbits.com/). Key among these resin bits are the Leigh Light for the Coastal Command Liberator GRV (B-24D) (http://www.belcherbits.com/lines/148conv/bb16.htm) which should fit without issue to the outer wing. The other item is much more attractive as it is the first generation Mk24 ASW homing torpedoes (http://www.belcherbits.com/lines/148conv/bb20.htm). Belcher Bits also offers some 1500 pound mine shapes and 250 pound depth bombs (http://www.belcherbits.com/lines/148conv/bb11.htm) that include different tail options for the mines. There are several other bomb types available from Belcher Bits that might work with the Superfortress but that is up to your own imagination and financial resources.
I suppose ASR/SAR mission equipment should also be considered for the Superfortress maritime patrol/ASW aircraft. Paragon offerd a very nice SB-29 conversion that included the Higgins' Airborne Lifeboat that would look splendid on the B-29 but now long OOP and scarce in addition to quite expensive. In 1:72nd scale you can find this same lifeboat included in the Hasegawa SB-17G/H kit and it is quite detailed in addition to being affordable.
My own interpretatioun of an airborne lifeboat would be to create some kind of containerized liferaft that could be placed between the inboard engines and fuselage so as to keep the bomb bays open for other mission stores and fuel tanks. I have had the benefit of being able to scavenge several ferry tanks from the 1:48th scale AMT-Ertl/Italeri A-20 Havoc kits that has a unique shape. While there is only one ferry tank per A-20 kit you can acquire these things from other modelers thanks to their reluctance to use that part on their own A-20 model. So I ended up with enough to make several paired up halves to create a pod that could easily become a large liferaft that could then be mounted on a bomb rack/pylon between the inboard engines and fuselage on the Superfortress. The large bomb rack can be sourced from the 1:48th scale B-17F kit that included a pair of these things with what appear to be 1000 pound general purpose bombs. A lot of modelers do not use these parts in their build so there is a spare parts box near you with a set of these things just waiting for you to ask for the things :)
Other ideas that have bounced around my head include mounting the four-gun turret normally mounted top-forward to be instead mounted bottom-forward to allow the Superfortress to strafe a surface target such as a small boat or surfaced submarine.
Anyway, those ideas needed to be shared in order to give inspiration to others that are keen to do something different with a B-29.
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And if all else fails, build one in RCAF markings with upgrades. :o
(http://www.canmilair.com/prodimages/ac_513.jpg)
1/72 Decals are available from Canmilair (http://www.canmilair.com/proddetail.asp?prod=513).
(http://www.canmilair.com/prodimages/image_513.jpg)
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Ever since getting my copy of Stewart Wilson's "Lincoln, Canberra & F-111 in Australian service" that briefly mentioned the B-29 was reviewed as an option to build in Australia but determined to have been too advanced and difficult for our industry at the time. From memory this was when the Lancaster rather than the Lincoln was in line to be produced while the war was still underway and possibly before large numbers of Liberators became available through lend lease.
What if the lend lease Liberators had been signed off earlier meaning there was no urgency for local production of heavy bombers, pushing the project off until after the end of hostilities. Perhaps a number of RAAF squadrons could even have been re-equipped with B-29, i.e. Lancaster squadrons withdrawn from Europe to provide an RAAF Wing or Group to the US giving the RAAF chance to operationally assess the main options and Australia went for the B-29 instead of the Lincoln.
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I have a plan to do a 1/48 RAAF B-50MR (have got all the parts) in the Maritime Patrol/Recon role - would basically be done instead of the Mk.31 Lincolns and would be selected since the RAAF was already using B-50 bombers. The fuller story would be that the RAAF/Australian Govt selected the B-29 as their new bomber instead of the AVRO Lincoln which was far less advanced. Of course, by the time the first Australian produced aircraft was rolled out, the production variant had turned to the B-50. Meanwhile the RAAF would have leased two squadrons of B-29s...
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B-29 looking impressive in that Canadian theme.
White on top,,, dives away while inverted after dropping a big one ???
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I have a plan to do a 1/48 RAAF B-50MR (have got all the parts) in the Maritime Patrol/Recon role - would basically be done instead of the Mk.31 Lincolns and would be selected since the RAAF was already using B-50 bombers. The fuller story would be that the RAAF/Australian Govt selected the B-29 as their new bomber instead of the AVRO Lincoln which was far less advanced. Of course, by the time the first Australian produced aircraft was rolled out, the production variant had turned to the B-50. Meanwhile the RAAF would have leased two squadrons of B-29s...
Or the USAAF/USAF sticks with the B-29 designation and makes the B-29D instead of designating it the B-50 to convince Congress that it was a new aircraft instead of an improvement based on the original B-29.
BTW. the Belcher Bits Mk.24 ASW torpedo also includes several early type sonobouy shapes that can be put to good use.
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I have a plan to do a 1/48 RAAF B-50MR (have got all the parts) in the Maritime Patrol/Recon role - would basically be done instead of the Mk.31 Lincolns and would be selected since the RAAF was already using B-50 bombers. The fuller story would be that the RAAF/Australian Govt selected the B-29 as their new bomber instead of the AVRO Lincoln which was far less advanced. Of course, by the time the first Australian produced aircraft was rolled out, the production variant had turned to the B-50. Meanwhile the RAAF would have leased two squadrons of B-29s...
If I recall correctly there was a quote in the book I mentioned where a political or senior RAAF type actually stated that the Lincoln was as, if not more, advanced and capable than the B-29. Then again the powers that be in Australia had a pretty consistent track record of pretending that our existing gear, or worse the new gear they had selected for political reasons, was better than everyone else's, even when public domain facts were to the contrary.
If there was an Australian B-29/B-50 line, would that mean the UK may have chosen to buy GAF built examples to become the Boeing Washington instead of ex US examples, i.e. like the interim acquisition of Canadair Sabres?
Perhaps this would also see an early RAAF adoption of IFR, ELINT and maybe AEW?
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Centaurus VII:
Seems potentially like a good match. Maybe do a Licence production version for either the UK or the Commonwealth? Maybe a good selection for a RAAF ASW B-29 instead of the Lincoln Mk.31 - ditch the Turbo-superchargers if operating most of the time at low level. Put a Mad boom out the back.
Saved for future reference. Who makes 1/144 Sea Furies?
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Centaurus VII:
Seems potentially like a good match. Maybe do a Licence production version for either the UK or the Commonwealth? Maybe a good selection for a RAAF ASW B-29 instead of the Lincoln Mk.31 - ditch the Turbo-superchargers if operating most of the time at low level. Put a Mad boom out the back.
Saved for future reference. Who makes 1/144 Sea Furies?
Miniwings: Hannants (https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/MINI009)
(https://d26qn1y84zs32g.cloudfront.net/pics/MINI009.jpg)
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If I recall correctly there was a quote in the book I mentioned where a political or senior RAAF type actually stated that the Lincoln was as, if not more, advanced and capable than the B-29. Then again the powers that be in Australia had a pretty consistent track record of pretending that our existing gear, or worse the new gear they had selected for political reasons, was better than everyone else's, even when public domain facts were to the contrary.
If there was an Australian B-29/B-50 line, would that mean the UK may have chosen to buy GAF built examples to become the Boeing Washington instead of ex US examples, i.e. like the interim acquisition of Canadair Sabres?
That sounds a lot like what much of the Canadian press said about the Vampire vs. the Sabre back when that decision was being made. That reporting would make today's look like responsible journalism.
As for the Washington vs. the Lincoln, from what I've read, the Lincoln was in most practical ways better than a Washington. Based on the comments of an RAF officer who was relating his experience on the two types, this was more due to the wear on the B-29s and B-29As the RAF was operating than it was an indictment on the design itself. He said that most (if not all) of the airframes the RAF received were war weary combat veterans. A number of them had patches where they'd been hit by Japanese fire and subsequently repaired. Apparently, they'd received little in the way of refurbishment before their transfer to the RAF and were always breaking down. This was all compounded by the fact that the RAF had almost no stocks of spare parts for the type since they'd never operated it before and didn't have the money to afford spares for the aircraft they had, forcing them to cannibalize aircraft to keep others flying. As the officer said, they never could have dreamed of a taking the Washingtons on a deployment to Kenya like they did with the Lincoln. The RAF needed nuclear capability immediately and on the cheap. They got what they paid for...and nothing more!
(http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/albums/Boeing-Washington-WW354/Boeing_Washington_WW354_Meteor_A77_2.jpg)
From a performance and technological advancement standpoint, though, the B-29 and its progeny were a step ahead of the Lincoln. Bad as the Washingtons were, the RAF noted that they were more difficult to intercept than the Lincoln, though it wasn't until the Canberra that the Meteors and Vampires met their match. If the Australians had chosen to manufacture it, I'd be interested to see if they'd go with a British engine like the Centaurus or Griffon or just import American ones. From a What If standpoint, the Centaurus is the more interesting option, certainly.
Cheers,
Logan
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^ Griffon powered B-29?
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^ Griffon powered B-29?
Well, we did have a W3420-powered one, called the XB-39, so it's not impossible. Would it have a radiator installation similar to those on the Lincoln and Shackleton? I wonder if you could transplant the engines from a Shackleton?
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^ Griffon powered B-29?
Centarus powered?
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I doubt that Australia would have substituted a British engine for the American engines on the B-29. Doing so would have made the project horrendously difficult and complicated. Although it might have fixed one of the major complaints about the B-29 in service (the unreliability of it's engines).
I'm interested in the reliability issue. I've always understood that the B-29 was always troubled with reliability issues, particularly with it's engines, which often overheated and it's remote control gun turrets. Apparently they often didn't point quite where they were meant to.
I doubt that Australia would or could have undertaken license manufacture of the B-29. It was, for it's day, a very advanced plane in so many ways and being fully pressurised would have been quite a leap forward compared to the Lincoln. While the Lincoln flew lower, IIRC, it carried a bigger conventional load internally than the B-29 could. IMHO, the Lincoln was the right choice at the time for Australian industry. It was the biggest aircraft we have ever manufactured downunder and was not without it's own share of problems.
The RAAF did operate IIRC two B-29 Washingtons at Woomera on behalf of the RAF for trials. I wonder how they compared to the Lincolns also in use there?
My father who worked at Woomera in the late 1940s, often recounted of how they would use spare B-29 wheels on jeeps, which were the only vehicles capable of crossing the salt lakes there. The combination of light weight and low grown pressure allowed them to cross the thin salt layer overlaying the sticky mud underneath, whereas most other vehicles sunk to their axles with great speed.
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Rickshaw has a point on the engines, especially as Australia's track record if anything to that point was the opposite, preferring to licence produce and fit US engines to British types, rather than British engines to US aircraft (probably more from necessity than intent), although I do not believe there would be too big an issue with a licence to produce the B-29/50 as the US was already committed to the B-36 and looking towards jets and other advanced designs.
Maybe Boeing, seeing their evolved B-29s being overlooked by SAC (or more to the point, by Curtis Le May), could even have offered anglicised B-29/50/54 to the UK, Canada and Australia to secure sales that they were not getting from the USAF?
The other thought that comes to mind, now there are a couple of Shackleton's around he corner, is a hybrid strategic bomber variant, based on B-29 tech, built instead of the Lincoln. Don't know exactly how you could do it but maybe Shack engines, nose, 20mm turrets with a B-29 wings and fuselage?
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I doubt that Australia would or could have undertaken license manufacture of the B-29. It was, for it's day, a very advanced plane in so many ways and being fully pressurised would have been quite a leap forward compared to the Lincoln. While the Lincoln flew lower, IIRC, it carried a bigger conventional load internally than the B-29 could. IMHO, the Lincoln was the right choice at the time for Australian industry. It was the biggest aircraft we have ever manufactured downunder and was not without it's own share of problems.
This is a what if type scenario... ???
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I'm interested in the reliability issue. I've always understood that the B-29 was always troubled with reliability issues, particularly with it's engines, which often overheated ...
I doubt that Australia would or could have undertaken license manufacture of the B-29. It was, for it's day, a very advanced plane in so many ways and being fully pressurised would have been quite a leap forward compared to the Lincoln. While the Lincoln flew lower, IIRC, it carried a bigger conventional load internally than the B-29 could.
The early version R-3350 problems were sorted.
Lincoln max normal 14,000lbs, B-29 max normal 20,000lbs.
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I was thinking the same thing, jcf. I know the early B-29s had issues with the R-3350 when it was new, but the later ones were fine. They powered the Constellation, Neptune, and Skyraider, all of which conducted far longer flights over water than they had any right doing with shoddy engines. And I've never heard of them having any more trouble than anyone else on those engines.
Cheers,
Logan
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Who makes 1/144 Sea Furies?
Miniwings: Hannants (https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/MINI009)
I thank you, my credit card does not.
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AEHS articles of relevance to the license build B-29 discussion:
R-3350 History
http://www.enginehistory.org/Wright/Wright%20R-3350.pdf (http://www.enginehistory.org/Wright/Wright%20R-3350.pdf)
Comparison of sleeve-valve and poppet-valve engines
http://www.enginehistory.org/members/articles/Sleeve.pdf (http://www.enginehistory.org/members/articles/Sleeve.pdf)
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Who makes 1/144 Sea Furies?
Miniwings: Hannants (https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/MINI009)
I thank you, my credit card does not.
Anytime Zac. Anytime. We should do the math: how much in $/gram
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New aircraft or engine designs that do not have early issues are the exception not the rule, especially when talking bleeding edge developments in time of war. In fact, come to think of it most comparatively trouble free developments tend to be evolutions of existing designs, by well established and skilled teams, using well developed and understood principles, there are not as new as they may appear to be.
For Australian production of the B-29/50 being more difficult than the Lincoln, yes it undoubtedly would be, but would it be impossibly difficult? Recall where the Australian came from only a few years earlier, what was achieved in that time and then what was achieved not long after, with the Canberra, Sabre etc. It wouldn't be easy but I really can't see it couldn't be done.
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The early version R-3350 problems were sorted.
True but the question is when and how expensive was it to sort them out? The Australian choice was made in 1944 IIRC for the Lincoln. The B-29 was still suffering problems and doubts then. I think on reflection that the B-29 would have been a wiser choice but not for us to manufacture them. We lacked the experience and the industry to make it a reality. We'd have been better off purchasing them or even better, just hanging onto our B-24s, which were fine aircraft and well suited to the role that the Lincoln fulfilled.
Lincoln max normal 14,000lbs, B-29 max normal 20,000lbs.
I will note that I used the word "internally" to qualify my point, Jon. IIRC the B-29 was only able to carry a smaller load than the Lancaster internally, when it was first mooted as the carrier for the A-Bomb. It required considerable modification to make it capable of fitting the Fat Man bomb into it's fuselage bomb bay (I assume it lacked the later external wing hard hard points?).
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I was thinking the same thing, jcf. I know the early B-29s had issues with the R-3350 when it was new, but the later ones were fine. They powered the Constellation, Neptune, and Skyraider, all of which conducted far longer flights over water than they had any right doing with shoddy engines. And I've never heard of them having any more trouble than anyone else on those engines.
Cheers,
Logan
Remember, we are talking about late 1944 if we are considering when the Lincoln was adopted by the RAAF for manufacture in Australia. At that point in time, the B-29 was suffering quite a few engine failures in the North Pacific and China when used against the Japanese. The engine's reliability improved, without a doubt after the war but in 1944-45, it was having problems.
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I doubt that Australia would or could have undertaken license manufacture of the B-29. It was, for it's day, a very advanced plane in so many ways and being fully pressurised would have been quite a leap forward compared to the Lincoln. While the Lincoln flew lower, IIRC, it carried a bigger conventional load internally than the B-29 could. IMHO, the Lincoln was the right choice at the time for Australian industry. It was the biggest aircraft we have ever manufactured downunder and was not without it's own share of problems.
This is a what if type scenario... ???
So, no doubts are allowed to be entertained then? ???
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The early version R-3350 problems were sorted.
True but the question is when and how expensive was it to sort them out? The Australian choice was made in 1944 IIRC for the Lincoln. The B-29 was still suffering problems and doubts then. I think on reflection that the B-29 would have been a wiser choice but not for us to manufacture them. We lacked the experience and the industry to make it a reality. We'd have been better off purchasing them or even better, just hanging onto our B-24s, which were fine aircraft and well suited to the role that the Lincoln fulfilled.
Lincoln max normal 14,000lbs, B-29 max normal 20,000lbs.
I will note that I used the word "internally" to qualify my point, Jon. IIRC the B-29 was only able to carry a smaller load than the Lancaster internally, when it was first mooted as the carrier for the A-Bomb. It required considerable modification to make it capable of fitting the Fat Man bomb into it's fuselage bomb bay (I assume it lacked the later external wing hard hard points?).
Uh, no the B-29 could always carry a greater weight of standard munitions internally than any version of the
Lancaster or Lincoln, up to 40 AN-M64 500lb bombs (20,000 lbs), farther and faster to boot.
You're conflating the single long bay mod required for the Thin Man design (long and skinny) with the Fat Man
installation. Only one aircraft was modded to fit a Thin Man type device, the so called Pullman mod and it was later
restored to normal B-29 configuration. The forward bomb-bay on the Silverplate aircraft did not require extensive modification
to fit Little Boy or Fat Man. A Brit style single-point bomb release was fitted to the forward bay on a redesigned
H-frame rack, the aft bay was used for fuel tanks. No mods were made to the doors or aircraft structure. External hardpoints
are irrelevant when discussing the first generation nukes as they were designed to be armed while in flight, kinda hard to do
if it's hangin' on the outside.
As to the R-3350 problems, which had zero to do with the aircraft design, the -41 version on the aircraft that were delivered in
July/August of 1945, and on, had adressed most of the issues. The switch from carburetor to fuel injection eliminating some
of the most serious.
Anyhow license production in Australia in the 1940s is extremely doubtful for reasons of technical/manufacturing capability,
cost, (doubtful that Oz industry of the period would be able to produce it and it would have been a budget buster,
with the two feeding each other negatively) and US security, both national and industrial. Both the military and the politicians
would have been loudly opposed.
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Lincoln Mk.1 could lift 22,000 lbs. B-29 could lift 20,000 lbs, Jon.
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Wasn't the 22000lb specifically the Grand slam bomb, which required modifications to carry and could also be carried by modified B-29? I think normal loads are being compared to special loads, and being used to distort the true facts that the B-29 was a more modern and capable aircraft that usually carried heavier loads over greater distances.
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Yup. The B-29 was modified to carry the Tallboy and Grand Slam both internally and externally. And the T-12.
The US built the T-12 Cloudmaker (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-12_Cloudmaker). Originally designed to meet a 42,000 lb (19,000 kg) target weight (the maximum payload for the Convair B-36 "Peacemaker" bomber), the original design with its hardened case was slightly less than 43,000 pounds. The final T-12 weighed 43,600 lb (nearly 20 metric tons).
Do a Google on B-29 + Grand Slam and head over to the Images tab.
(http://forum.keypublishing.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=201879&d=1323632675)
(http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/lancasterman/Tallboy2022K201.jpg)
(http://i57.tinypic.com/f4fas8.jpg)
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Wasn't the 22000lb specifically the Grand slam bomb, which required modifications to carry and could also be carried by modified B-29? I think normal loads are being compared to special loads, and being used to distort the true facts that the B-29 was a more modern and capable aircraft that usually carried heavier loads over greater distances.
Got it in one Paul.
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I doubt that Australia would or could have undertaken license manufacture of the B-29. It was, for it's day, a very advanced plane in so many ways and being fully pressurised would have been quite a leap forward compared to the Lincoln. While the Lincoln flew lower, IIRC, it carried a bigger conventional load internally than the B-29 could. IMHO, the Lincoln was the right choice at the time for Australian industry. It was the biggest aircraft we have ever manufactured downunder and was not without it's own share of problems.
This is a what if type scenario... ???
So, no doubts are allowed to be entertained then? ???
I wasn't asking for analysis of the backstory or proposing this as something that should have occurred (as all too many seem to try to do). I have a kit and wish to make it like described with a fictional backstory to go along with it.
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Rather than license manufacture, how about Oz assembly of B-29 kits?
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Wasn't the 22000lb specifically the Grand slam bomb, which required modifications to carry and could also be carried by modified B-29? I think normal loads are being compared to special loads, and being used to distort the true facts that the B-29 was a more modern and capable aircraft that usually carried heavier loads over greater distances.
The only modification was, IIRC removal of the bomb bay doors and the placing of a single suspension beam in the middle of the bomb bay, rather than the several smaller beams across the bomb bay roof.
However, again I will point out, I said specifically "internally". As I understand it, the B-29 could carry a Grand Slam externally, not internally whereas the Lincoln could carry it internally and was designed to, from the outset, whereas the B-29 wasn't.
Jon, there would be nothing stopping Australian Government Aircraft Factories from assembling B-29s from CKD kits. Afterall, they did that with the initial Lincolns IIRC. However, the B-29 was also appreciably more expensive than the Lincoln. While Australia had enjoyed a high balance of payments with Lend Lease and it's purchases from the US in armaments, that ceased with the end of the war. Whether they assembled it or made it, it would still have cost a lot more than the Lincoln.
Again, I'll point out that the RAAF had quite an adequate aircraft already in service - the B-24 Liberator, which could and did fulfil the same function as the Lincoln - low-medium altitude long range strategic bombing in 1945. While I appreciate the B-29's technical excellence, it wasn't necessary for any foreseeable future conflict that the RAAF might be a participant in, after 1945. However, instead of retaining that, we decided to purchase and build the Lincoln. We weren't going to be dropping atomic bombs and we weren't likely to be facing superior Nazi night fighters.
This does not stop people discussing a what-if scenario, where the RAAF does acquire B-29s. Nor does it stop someone building an RAAF B-29. I am merely pointing out the reasons why it didn't happen and what the alternatives were. I am sorry if that upsets you Greg and why you specifically pick on me to vet your anger, whereas JCF has said repeatedly basically the same message.
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With the RAAF option for the B-29, or even more to the point the B-50, there would not have been the urgent need for the Canberra. As I understand it the requirement for the Canberra was tied in part to an Australian nuclear mission, if the RAAF already had B-50s perhaps they could/would wait for Vulcans, or at least Valiants (maybe even B-47s).
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Go back to reply #55 and then work your way backwards, it's already been discussed. The wing spar in a B-29 prevented any of the Grand Slams being carried internally --- reason it has two bomb bays
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And speaking of very clean Washingtons (B-29s), Shackletons, Lincolns and many other nice flying machines:
RAF Odiham 1953: The Royal Review of the Royal Air Force
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CTKKwmZUYAAr-l5.jpg:large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CTKKwl7WIAANtu4.jpg:large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CTKKwmyVEAAq2On.jpg:large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CTKKwmVWUAA9LtI.jpg:large)
Source Twitter :: Bryan Elwick @Elwick70
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However, again I will point out, I said specifically "internally". As I understand it, the B-29 could carry a Grand Slam externally, not internally whereas the Lincoln could carry it internally and was designed to, from the outset, whereas the B-29 wasn't.
Given the Lincoln was essentially a development of the Lancaster (hell, it even started out being named the Lancaster IV) which in turn was a development of the Manchester and had a fuselage that apart from some lengthening was essentially unchanged across the three types (at least as far as the weapons bay was concerned), I fail to see how one can say that the Lincoln was designed to carry a Grand Slam from the outset. From everything I have seen/read, the Grand Slam was a special/rare store to be carried by either the Lancaster or Lincoln...or B-29 for that matter. It was most certainly not a standard, every day weapon and thus should be really left out of any discussions comparing carrying capacities of the various types.
I also challenge anyone to produce a photo or otherwise showing the Grand Slam being carried internally by a Lincoln in any better configuration than that shown on the previous page at Reply#128 for the B-29. Both needed mods to do so.
I am sorry if that upsets you Greg and why you specifically pick on me to vet your anger, whereas JCF has said repeatedly basically the same message.
Do you really want to go there??
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Moving on from this distraction - what about a US (as opposed to the Chinese development of the Tu-4) turboprop B-29/B-50?
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The only modification was, IIRC removal of the bomb bay doors and the placing of a single suspension beam in the middle of the bomb bay, rather than the several smaller beams across the bomb bay roof.
It actually hung off the main wing spar (as did the Tallboy).
The Tallboy was the only one to be carried internally though ----
My Dad served with 617 during the time they used the Tallboy and Grand Slam and told me a number of things not so well known ---
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If memory serves me correctly, they were restoring Enola Gay when I visited Silver Hill and they said the bomb shackles were the same as for Grand Slam and they'd had to go to consultants in Britain to get the necessary drawings for the restoration.
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(http://d1kqib0uq4v1gs.cloudfront.net/wp-content/gallery/boeing_b-54a_mock-up/boeing_b-54_mock-up_04.jpg)
(http://d1kqib0uq4v1gs.cloudfront.net/wp-content/gallery/boeing_b-54a_mock-up/boeing_b-54_mock-up_01.jpg)
(http://d1kqib0uq4v1gs.cloudfront.net/wp-content/gallery/boeing_b-54a_mock-up/boeing_b-54_mock-up_36.jpg)
(http://d1kqib0uq4v1gs.cloudfront.net/wp-content/gallery/boeing_b-54a_mock-up/boeing_b-54_mock-up_39.jpg)
More here:
http://retromechanix.com/boeing-b-54a-mock-up-inspection-1948/nggallery/image/image-1067 (http://retromechanix.com/boeing-b-54a-mock-up-inspection-1948/nggallery/image/image-1067)
:-* looks amazing
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Some different armament options:
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/janswede/Aviation/DSC_0587_zpsvwy1bbuj.JPG)
(http://ww2aircraft.net/forum/attachments/aircraft-pictures/252843d1390704316t-odd-29-a-29-jpg)
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:-* looks amazing
Anigrand do a kit of that in 1/144 (http://www.anigrand.com/AA4054_B-54A.htm)
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I thank you, my credit card does not.
Anytime Zac. Anytime. We should do the math: how much in $/gram
At least writing a backstory is free! I've done that much. Now I'm planning plastic...
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Yeah nice find with the Bomber-escort conversion of a Boeing YB-29 Greg!
Anyone got more detailed pictures?
Was it a mock-up or did it actually fly?
M.A.D
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Here's an odd one:
(https://scontent.fman1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12301580_571461579669686_2150509348100409857_n.jpg?oh=6f5bd20caee6bed6c77d8ed444bda953&oe=56E10BAF)
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Yeah nice find with the Bomber-escort conversion of a Boeing YB-29 Greg!
Anyone got more detailed pictures?
Was it a mock-up or did it actually fly?
M.A.D
Nothing yet - still investigating.
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Here's an odd one:
(https://scontent.fman1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12301580_571461579669686_2150509348100409857_n.jpg?oh=6f5bd20caee6bed6c77d8ed444bda953&oe=56E10BAF)
That's a Tu-91 test attached to a Tu-4.
I found more pictures at the Prop & Jet forum:
http://propjet.ucoz.ru/forum/6-17-49#18152 (http://propjet.ucoz.ru/forum/6-17-49#18152)
It would be great if Musa (owner of Prop & Jet) produced a Tu-91. His resin kits are just amazing. There's a Unicraft Tu-91 which would require "just a bit" more work.
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An old idea:
(http://cdn.historynet.com/wp-content/uploads/image/2011/AVH/600x265xMovies.jpg.pagespeed.ic.LmaDC3SkLg.jpg)
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Some different armament options:
([url]http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/janswede/Aviation/DSC_0587_zpsvwy1bbuj.JPG[/url])
([url]http://ww2aircraft.net/forum/attachments/aircraft-pictures/252843d1390704316t-odd-29-a-29-jpg[/url])
A little more info on these:
Extra armament had been fitted to the fourth YB-29 to test it as an escort fighter, like the B-40. Two .50s were mounted in a nose turret and in each of four side blisters. The top and bottom turrets were retained with a 20-mm gun added to the lower turret and a 37-mm gun in the tail, for a total of 22 guns.
Here's a photo:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/Boeing_YB-29-BW_Superfortress_41-36954.jpg)
One experimental B-29-25-BW tested in October 1944 replaced the remote-controlled system with two conventional Martin top turrets, two Sperry “ball” turrets underneath, a one-gun Emerson barbette on each side of the nose, and a manual gun at each side blister.
Some more photos:
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/GTX_Christmas/b-29-25-BW.jpg)
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/GTX_Christmas/1311186199123.jpg)
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([url]http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/GTX_Christmas/1311186199123.jpg[/url])
Incorrect dress code ! .... needs some RBF tassles on those ;)
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If funds were no issue, it'd be fun to do a 1/144 B-29 up as a large cigar. :o ;D ;D
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If funds were no issue, it'd be fun to do a 1/144 B-29 up as a large cigar. :o ;D ;D
but in which squadrons markings would you do it ??
(http://www.cigaranado.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Havana-300x224.jpg)
(http://cigarproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/cropped-cropped-cropped-cigars11.jpg)
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Swisher Sweets or Phillies Blunt, purely for the cheese factor. ;D
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Here is one I built about 6 years ago. It started in the green based camo scheme which I was not happy with...
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/WashR4DecSM1.jpg)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/WashR4DecSM6.jpg)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/Washington_R4_S1.jpg)
Then was repaint in a grey scheme which it still wears today
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/Washington_R4_1012.jpg)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/Washington_R4_15.jpg)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/Washington_R4_1011.jpg)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/Washington_R4_17.jpg)
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:)
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Wow. That is all sorts of awesome!
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Yes, all sorts of awesome.
Gets one's bomber mania blood flowing. :)
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-70
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-75
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-80
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-85
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From bottom to top: T-70 in old aeroflot livery, Tu-70 derivative with turboprops taken from a chinese version of Tu-4, Tu-85 converted to airliner.
(http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j340/ysi_maniac/Drawing/TupolevLiners1.jpg) (http://s1080.photobucket.com/user/ysi_maniac/media/Drawing/TupolevLiners1.jpg.html)
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I came across some decals lately that purport to show a couple Washington B.1's in RAAF markings for testing done at Woomera (allotted A76 serials but kept their RAF serials). I'm tempted to take those, my Airfix/MPC-B-29, and the conversion kit I have for a B-50 and do a B-44B/Washington B.2 in RAAF markings.
Any ideas for operational units?
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Bunch of photos of the real birds here: http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/Boeing-B29-Washington (http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/Boeing-B29-Washington)
As for potential units of operational ones, I would go with 1, 2 or 6 SQNs which flew Avro Lincolns from 1946 to 1961.
If you want to be a little more esoteric, you could go with 12 SQN since these operated Avro Lincolns from 1947 - Feb 1948 when the unit was was redesignated No. 1 Squadron.
Or, you could do like I plan and have a Maritime Patrol configured B-50 with 10 SQN.
Plenty of image inspiration for schemes/markings using the Lincons here: http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/Lincoln (http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/Lincoln)
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Here is one I built about 6 years ago. It started in the green based camo scheme which I was not happy with...
([url]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/WashR4DecSM1.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/WashR4DecSM6.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/Washington_R4_S1.jpg[/url])
Then was repaint in a grey scheme which it still wears today
([url]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/Washington_R4_1012.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/Washington_R4_15.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/Washington_R4_1011.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Aussie747/Bombers/B29%20and%20B50/Washington%20R4/Washington_R4_17.jpg[/url])
LOVE IT!!
BTW: How was the drone done?
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As for potential units of operational ones, I would go with 1, 2 or 6 SQNs which flew Avro Lincolns from 1946 to 1961.
If you want to be a little more esoteric, you could go with 12 SQN since these operated Avro Lincolns from 1947 - Feb 1948 when the unit was was redesignated No. 1 Squadron.
Plenty of image inspiration for schemes/markings using the Lincons here: [url]http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/Lincoln[/url] ([url]http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/Lincoln[/url])
One of the many things lost in my laptop's self-purge last year was a page-long history for RAAF operated, Aussie-built B-29s with Bristol Centaurus engines - instead of Lincolns. Something I really wish I still had, given the time I spent on it.
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Bunch of photos of the real birds here: [url]http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/Boeing-B29-Washington[/url] ([url]http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/Boeing-B29-Washington[/url])
As for potential units of operational ones, I would go with 1, 2 or 6 SQNs which flew Avro Lincolns from 1946 to 1961.
If you want to be a little more esoteric, you could go with 12 SQN since these operated Avro Lincolns from 1947 - Feb 1948 when the unit was was redesignated No. 1 Squadron.
Or, you could do like I plan and have a Maritime Patrol configured B-50 with 10 SQN.
Plenty of image inspiration for schemes/markings using the Lincons here: [url]http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/Lincoln[/url] ([url]http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/Lincoln[/url])
Both look to generally be in natural metal/polished aluminum. I'll have to see what decal markings I can find for Lincolns in those squadrons.
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What scale?
There are these in 1/72 and 1/48:
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/y9YAAOSwv0tVDKbt/s-l1600.jpg)
Purchase them here (http://stores.ebay.com.au/Novascale-Hobbies/_i.html?_nkw=lincoln&submit=Search&_sid=377247789)
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I was going to combine these, in 1/72, with the Novascale 1/72 decal set for the Washingtons to do a production Washington B.2 in RAAF markings instead of one "on loan", so to speak. Are these Lincolns in natural metal or an overall Light Grey? Or do the decal instructions simply show aluminum as grey?
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RAAF Lincolns served in natural metal. Some were occasionally polished up a bit most were just left to dull down over the years.
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Okay, then I'll use that scheme on my Washington B.2 in RAAF markings.
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Off topic, but with the way Airfix has been going the last several years its probably only a matter of time before they do a Lincoln
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And I have ordered both sets of decals to combine with my other "bits and pieces" for a B-44B/Washington B.2.
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I have a Dutch Decal sheet for a Washington (1/72), that is for a NM top side one but then has gloss black undersides with a very wavy demarcation line
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I have a Dutch Decal sheet for a Washington (1/72), that is for a NM top side one but then has gloss black undersides with a very wavy demarcation line
Some of the B-29s which flew in the Korean war were painted black:
(https://media.defense.gov/2010/Jun/14/2000352269/-1/-1/0/100614-F-1234S-005.JPG)
(https://media.defense.gov/2010/Jun/14/2000352268/-1/-1/0/100614-F-1234S-006.JPG)
Source: National Museum of the USAF
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And I have ordered both sets of decals to combine with my other "bits and pieces" for a B-44B/Washington B.2.
It may now be a B-44C with other RAAF-specific mods - AN/APS-24 replaced by British ASV Mk.21, using the AN/APS-13 radome, for better over-water searching and .50 cal. machine guns in all positions replaced by ADEN 30mm cannons, much as the TU-4 replaced them with 23mm cannons.
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Maybe I've mentioned it before but in 1955 there were B-29s at Kadena that were totally black, all serial numbers of every single item removed, the pilots flew in civilian clothing with no ID and all tags removed from their clothes. They were privately called ''The Bastard Squadron''.
Anyone have any information on them?
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None whatsoever, but it sounds fascinating!
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Maybe I've mentioned it before but in 1955 there were B-29s at Kadena that were totally black, all serial numbers of every single item removed, the pilots flew in civilian clothing with no ID and all tags removed from their clothes. They were privately called ''The Bastard Squadron''.
Anyone have any information on them?
Daryl,
This section from Wikipedia might be a good place to start as it gives you the squadron numbers and the official mission description for the mission performed by this unit during the Cold War era: Wikipedia > B-29 Superfortress > Air Resupply and Communications Service (ARCS) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_B-29_Superfortress_operators#Air_Resupply_And_Communications_Service)
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I still want to wrap a 1/144 scale fuselage with a couple of tobacco leaves for a model of a Superfortress cigar.
Maybe it would be the SuperStogie. ;D
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Gent's, Im putting out a profile request for a modified Boeing B-50 with Pratt & Whitney T34 turboprop (engine arrangement same as Boeing YC-97J) and fitted with the Grumman E-1B Tracer radome, containing its AN/APS-82 radar, over its forward fuselage, and in 1950's RAAF markings please.
Thanks for your consideration
M.A.D
Why not an evolved Centaurus powered GAF B-29 of the type built for the RAAF in the late 40s instead of the Lincoln? ;)
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If I was to pose a RAAF Washington B.2/B-44C with bomb bays open, what weapons would you expect to find there for the RAAF's missions?
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If I was to pose a RAAF Washington B.2/B-44C with bomb bays open, what weapons would you expect to find there for the RAAF's missions?
500lb, 1000lb bombs, primarily. Perhaps a 12,000lb "special purpose" Tallboy bomb was also a possibility but apart from that, not much else.
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Thanks, I'll probably stick to the first two options. I need to see what the Airfix B-29 comes with before seeing if I need to buy a suitable bomb load to show.
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Thanks, I'll probably stick to the first two options. I need to see what the Airfix B-29 comes with before seeing if I need to buy a suitable bomb load to show.
Having built a couple of the Airfix B-29s in the past (but none came with me to Canada), from what I can remember the bomb bay is quite detailed. It comes with a full load of USAAF GP 500 lb-ers, and the doors could be made to open and close
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Gent's, Im putting out a profile request for a modified Boeing B-50 with Pratt & Whitney T34 turboprop (engine arrangement same as Boeing YC-97J) and fitted with the Grumman E-1B Tracer radome, containing its AN/APS-82 radar, over its forward fuselage, and in 1950's RAAF markings please.
Thanks for your consideration
M.A.D
Why not an evolved Centaurus powered GAF B-29 of the type built for the RAAF in the late 40s instead of the Lincoln? ;)
Paul, I hear you re the “Centaurus powered GAF B-29....”
But the turboprop retrofit works into my ‘Alternative ADF ORBAT' under Project Turbo!
I envisage the ADF taking close notice of the USAF and USN's trials of retrofitting trail Douglas C-124's (YC-124B) and Boeing C-97's (YC-97J) with Pratt and Whitney T34 turboprop.
The RAAF see the benefits of these trials, as a cost effective means of improving their small fleet of C-124's and KC-97's performances in terms of speed, payload and greater range, under the title of Project Turbo.
It is during the process of formulating Project Turbo, that the RAAF (with the sentiment of its civilian masters) elects to incorporate five additional Boeing B-50 Superfortress', which are about to be replaced by modern state-of-the art Vickers Valiant B2's, and modified into B-50 AEW.1's airborne early warning platforms. The RAAF, with consultation with Boeing assertaing that the wing of the B-50 being no different to that of the YC-97J/T34 arrangement, would offer an increase in maximum altitude and time-to-altitude performance improvement over the piston engine powered B-50 – critically important for the AEW mission. Staying with the ADF's credo of standardisation, the RAAF ops to incorporate the RAN's Grumman E-1B Tracer radome, containing its AN/APS-82 radar, over the forward fuselage of these five B-50 AEW.1's, as a simple proven and risk reduced option of providing a long-range, long-endurance AEW platform.
M.A.D
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.50 cal. machine guns in all positions replaced by ADEN 30mm cannons, much as the TU-4 replaced them with 23mm cannons.
Interesting. If you do replace them with ADENs, you'd probably be down to one per turret (two in the fwd upper) because the feed mechanisms and breeches for the ADENs would be much bigger than the .50s they'd replace.
Would look super cool, though.
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For modeling purposes, I'm using the Olimp armament coversion for the Tu-4 (I know, 23mm cannon aren't quite as large as 30mm, but 'twill look convincing enough).
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I suspect they'd put it over the center fuselage, above the wing, so it doesn't muck with c.g. too much and any aero loads from the radome would blend with those from the wing. Additionally, putting the mounting structure for the radome in an unpressurized area simplifies the installation. Then you only need to bring the necessary cabling through pressure bulkheads.
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Thank's elmayerle for your insight and input!!
That makes sense!
I was just concerned the the forward fuselage creating a blind spot in terms of radar (and I had the WB-29 AEW configuration in mind)
But I guess that even the forward fuselage of the E-1 Tracer is in its radar zone!
So it is, that I revise my profile request, to incorporate the Grumman E-1B Tracer radome, containing its AN/APS-82 radar over the centre fuselage of the B-50!
M.A.D
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Note that the Chinese WJ-1 testbed, a turboprop-powered Tu-4, has it even farther aft like the E-3's antenna. I could see that for a testbed, but I think my suggested location works better for a major retrofit since you won't violate pressure zones for most of your structural modifications, just small interface panels for the cabling, both signal and power. I'm using the B-29 D&S book as a guide since it has excellent illustrations of the various fuselage sections.
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Note that the Chinese WJ-1 testbed, a turboprop-powered Tu-4, has it even farther aft like the E-3's antenna. I could see that for a testbed, but I think my suggested location works better for a major retrofit since you won't violate pressure zones for most of your structural modifications, just small interface panels for the cabling, both signal and power. I'm using the B-29 D&S book as a guide since it has excellent illustrations of the various fuselage sections.
Well kick me in the arse and call me aunty mate...of course the KongJing-1 (KJ-1) is almost the depiction of what I want, except 5-10 years earlier!!
Will attempt to find KJ-1 profile(s) on webthe!
Thank's again elmayerle
M.A.D
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Just stumbled across this:
Tu-4P Giant Night Fighter
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/tu-4p.htm (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/tu-4p.htm)
The Continental aircommand early-warning radar aircraft combat airplane is the Tu-4, re-equipping as a giant night fighter aircraft, possibly the world the biggest air combat fighter. The Tu-4 was the American B-29 bomber aircraft which the Soviet Union imitates, and in March 1953 gave 10 to China. This batch of Tu-4 airplanes equipped the air force 4th Independent Groups, then stationed in the Hebei Shijiazhuang. Harassed by the Taiwan P2V-7U, the mainland air force, during re-equipping the Tu-2 night fighter, also proposed making modifications and re-equipping the Tu-4.
The Tu-4 night fighter re-equipping used a different plan. The airborne radar approach used was called "Cobalt" PSBN bombing aiming radar. This kind of radar's search range amounted to 100 kilometers, can be steered around 60 degrees, but can also make a 360-degree panoramic scan. This kind of radar was mainly used in the Il-28 bomber aircraft, where it was installed in the front of and underneath the the airplane. With the re-equipped Tu-4 night fighters, the "Cobalt" the radar was installed on the airplane's back turret, and the radar and optical sights needed to be cross-linked. To ensure night operation, the optical sight, searchlights and infrared sights were installed in the front cabin, and this kind of sight can discover the P2V-7U target within 3 kilometers. The Tu-4 spacious bomb bays were converted for use as an airbornecommand post, mounting in the cabin the radar external connection monitor, and placed the charttable and communications link in the cabin, for receiving ground air intelligence and coordinating Tu-4 airplanes on the emplacement of the operations.
After theconversion the Tu-4P giant night fighter was simply a giant airborne cruiser. Equipped with five pairs of body-mounted 23 millimeter aerial cannons in revolving turrets, even Taiwan's F-86 fighter aircraft were not the Tu-4P's match. At that time the four powerful engineswhich drove the giant invincible night fighter made a huge roar in the sky and raised dust everywhere to capture the mouse-like P2V. The pilot's hearts are always filled with invincible, indomitable pride and feeling of superiority. However, the Tu-4P record is not satisfactory.
On 19 December 1960 an attempt was made to intercept one P2V at night in Zhangjiakou by three batches of giant Tu-4P night fighters. The Tu-4P almost did not need the ground radar control, as they could use their own "Cobalt" radar to find the goal very quickly. The ground director guiding the Tu-4P to intercept at night was the opposite to guiding the Mig-17, the difference between "heaven on earth". The P2V was nearly unable to get rid of these giant fighter aircraft. But the equipment was really bad - the infrared sights' error amounted to nearly 2 degrees, and had a very heavy afterglow. In several raids the Tu-4P opened fire in pursuit, but did not cause P2V mortal harm. And when this P2V arrived in the Shandong Linyi sky, it encountered the third batch of Tu-4P in dogfight which lasted for 35 minutes, but the P2V finally escaped.
Although the modified Tu-4P was too unwieldy as a night fighter, there was already the early early-warning aircraft's embryonic form. During World War II the performance of the U.S. Navy's carrier-borne TBM-3W "Avenger" early warning aircraft was also mediocre. However, in the nine years from 1960-1969 the mainland air force di not make further effort in the development of airborne early warning aircraft. In 1966 the Great Cultural Revolution erupted, which had a large negative impact on technology advancement, and many very good projects and proposal were put aside.
Wow, that's one big and expensive night fighter!
M.A.D
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I still think the antenna should be mounted further forward, at least on a B-29/B-50 fuselage, but that's me and I've given my reasons.
I have a question, if the B-29 was the Washington B.1, would the B-50 be the Washington B.2 and the turboprop-powered AEW version the Washington E.3 with any B-50's converted just to turboprop power being Washington B.3's?
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Shades of the XB-40/-41, but better thought out. I can just imagine that aircraft barreling in on a comparatively much smaller P2V and the reaction of the P2V's crew.
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Sorry elmayerle, your reiteration
I still think the antenna should be mounted further forward, at least on a B-29/B-50 fuselage, but that's me and I've given my reasons.
Is that in relation to my posting of the KongJing-1 picture? For I agree with your analogy - re 'antenna mounted further forward'!
I like your Washington analogy also (and it makes sense!), but wasn't the 'Washington' title specific to the British?
My 'Alternative ADF ORBAT' has the ADF far more independent from Britain.
Thank's again for your great input!!
M.A.D
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No, Washington wasn't exclusive to the RAF, there were two of them, WW353 and WW354, transferred to the RAAF, serialized as A76-001 and -002, because they were spending lots of time at Woomera for test and evaluation work. The aircraft had RAAF serials assigned but were never repainted to have them added and the RAF serials removed.
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Tupolev's own website states that the Tu-4P was a long-range photo reconnaissance planes that were converted from production Tu-4s.
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Will attempt to find KJ-1 profile(s) on web
These might help:
(http://wallpapic.narod.ru/Air/Tu/Tu4.png)
(http://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/images1/1/0316/20/72-tu-bull-chinese-29-awacs-complete_1_fdb4afacab4286b696d764a6da0cc0d4.jpg)
If you wanted something similar looking in RAAF service, why not 'swap' the AI-20K turboprop engines in the KJ-1 for something such as a developed RR Dart or even a RR Tyne engine - both are around the same power setting and similar look. A RR Tyne powered RAAF EB-50 with either a AN/APS-20 or AN/APS-82 radar might be a very interesting addition to the OOB and could parallel developments in the US and UK to a certain extent.
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From Facebook.
(https://scontent.fxds1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17626169_832783660203556_6785833611982097384_n.jpg?oh=03a137a99f4a2d99c67f366934885ea1&oe=5982B69B)
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Will attempt to find KJ-1 profile(s) on web
These might help:
([url]http://wallpapic.narod.ru/Air/Tu/Tu4.png[/url])
([url]http://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/images1/1/0316/20/72-tu-bull-chinese-29-awacs-complete_1_fdb4afacab4286b696d764a6da0cc0d4.jpg[/url])
If you wanted something similar looking in RAAF service, why not 'swap' the AI-20K turboprop engines in the KJ-1 for something such as a developed RR Dart or even a RR Tyne engine - both are around the same power setting and similar look. A RR Tyne powered RAAF EB-50 with either a AN/APS-20 or AN/APS-82 radar might be a very interesting addition to the OOB and could parallel developments in the US and UK to a certain extent.
Nice profile drawing thinks Greg!
Gives a little more perspective of what I'm trying to obtain.
Also emphasis elmayerle concern about the random position nicely!
A down rated Tyne might be the way to go.
Thank's for your contribution Greg.
M.A.D
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Yeah, I notice that the back leg mounts straddle the joint frame between the unpressurized aft bomb bay and the aft pressurized bay; that has to complicate your structural mods. For additional AEW operators, you could probably put pressurized capsules in the bomb bays, much like the ERB-47H did; you might even have to do a similar bulging of the doors under them. I seriously doubt such capsules would be more crowded than an E-1 or E-2 operator area.
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Got the old Cutting Edge conversion to build the Chinese AWAC in 1/72 (the box you can see here in the bottom left).
The only problem with it is the set only came with two engines >:( and Cutting Edge closed down not long after I got it from them.
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Got the old Cutting Edge conversion to build the Chinese AWAC in 1/72 (the box you can see here in the bottom left).
The only problem with it is the set only came with two engines
Wow, that's great QA! :-\
M.A.D
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From Facebook.
(https://scontent.fxds1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17626169_832783660203556_6785833611982097384_n.jpg?oh=03a137a99f4a2d99c67f366934885ea1&oe=5982B69B)
Ah, are you insinuating an anti-ship variant of B-50, with an anti-ship variant/adoption of Bell X-2?
If so me like him!!
M.A.D
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Found this, which I thought was appropriate to the topic of anti-ship B-29/B-50!
https://youtu.be/BVAxxcQ4Arc
M.A.D
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Anti-ship variant of Boeing B-50D, armed with supersonic, radar-guided variant of Bell X-9 Shrike missile!!
M.A.D
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M.A.D asked me to have a go at creating a profile of a B-50 based AWACS aircraft, fitted with T34 turboprops.
The nacelles are from the YC-97J. I found a fantastic site dedicated to the Stratocruiser, with a selection of sideviews, which is where I got the outline for the engines.
http://b377.ovi.ch/ (http://b377.ovi.ch/)
Here is my attempt.
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/jonesthetank/Planes/EB50D%20AWACS%201%20metal%20raaf_zpswrmcle58.png)
Mark
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Oh, wow Mark, that looks so cool - thanks mate!!
Mark, if you don't mind, I'd like to get elmayerle input as too whether the radome is positioned where he envisaged please.
This is truly great, elmayerle's technical input, jonesthetank's profiling skill and my long (and sadly drawn out) need and want for my 'Alternative ADF ORBAT' is another step closer to fruition!
Thank's once again Mark :P
M.A.D
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Yeah, that IS rather cool! 8)
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Great profile Mark. A seamless conversion.
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M.A.D asked me to have a go at creating a profile of a B-50 based AWACS aircraft, fitted with T34 turboprops.
The nacelles are from the YC-97J. I found a fantastic site dedicated to the Stratocruiser, with a selection of sideviews, which is where I got the outline for the engines.
[url]http://b377.ovi.ch/[/url] ([url]http://b377.ovi.ch/[/url])
Here is my attempt.
([url]http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/jonesthetank/Planes/EB50D%20AWACS%201%20metal%20raaf_zpswrmcle58.png[/url])
Mark
Beautiful! I think though, that the radome needs to be moved to be centered over the wing for both weight and balance reasons and for ease of actual installation (installing fasteners to mount it in an unpressurized area is far easier than in a pressurized one).
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Thanks for the comments. I'll have a go at moving the roto dome further back (a la EC121) and see what it looks like.
Mark
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Thanks for the comments. I'll have a go at moving the roto dome further back (a la EC121) and see what it looks like.
Mark
Thank's Mark, you the man :P
M.A.D
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This is a noble effort. :)
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OK, revised roto dome placement, (based on no engineering knowledge at all!) and a different take on the idea, using a roto dome based on the EC121L.
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/jonesthetank/EB50D%20AWACS%201%20metal%20raaf%201_zpsg2rom5wn.png)
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/jonesthetank/EB50D%20AWACS%201%20dish_zpso7eboopx.png)
Mark
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I like it a lot! The turboprops, the roos, the rotodomes - it all fits together nicely!
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YC-97J.
Had to look that one up --- then I found this :o
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OK, revised roto dome placement, (based on no engineering knowledge at all!) and a different take on the idea, using a roto dome based on the EC121L.
([url]http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/jonesthetank/EB50D%20AWACS%201%20metal%20raaf%201_zpsg2rom5wn.png[/url])
Mark
I like this one Mark!!
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OK, revised roto dome placement, (based on no engineering knowledge at all!) and a different take on the idea, using a roto dome based on the EC121L.
([url]http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/jonesthetank/EB50D%20AWACS%201%20metal%20raaf%201_zpsg2rom5wn.png[/url])
([url]http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/jonesthetank/EB50D%20AWACS%201%20dish_zpso7eboopx.png[/url])
Mark
I love the first one. The second one needs the EC-121L rotodome moved forward so that the back edge of the support pylon is ahead of the vertical panel line just forward of the observation blister (about as much forward as it currently is aft of the vertical panel line aft of the observation blister). As it is now, you've got the installation partly in unpressurized areas and partly in presurrized areas and that's a pain from fastener sealing requirements to maintain pressurization. Too, from weight and balance, as well as air load, aspects, I reckon it'd work better there.
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Your wish is my command Oh Great Engineer!
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/jonesthetank/EB50D%20AWACS%201%20dish%201_zpsaajwn9cc.png)
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Yeah, that looks much better.
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Who will 3D print up a turboprop conversion for the B-29/50 kits out there?
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Australia briefly looked at the B-29 for local production but decided it was too complex, opting for the Lancaster (changed to Lincoln later) instead. Had the B-29 been built locally there still would have been a need for a GR (General Reconnaissance) / MPA version as there was of the Lincoln in the Mk31 with its extended fuselage. So hows aboot a RAAF MPA B-29?
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Australia briefly looked at the B-29 for local production but decided it was too complex, opting for the Lancaster (changed to Lincoln later) instead. Had the B-29 been built locally there still would have been a need for a GR (General Reconnaissance) / MPA version as there was of the Lincoln in the Mk31 with its extended fuselage. So hows aboot a RAAF MPA B-29?
*chuckle* Actually, I'm working up a RAAF MPA B-44C (equivalent to B-50 but with cannon armament in the turrets and ASV. Mk.21 replacing the AN/APQ-13 radar while retaining the same radome) and I've collected all the bits and pieces I need (using Tu-4 armament set for the Aden-fitted turrets).
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I alsohave a RAAF B-50 MPA planned in 1/48. Have all the bits just need the time...
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Australia briefly looked at the B-29 for local production but decided it was too complex, opting for the Lancaster (changed to Lincoln later) instead. Had the B-29 been built locally there still would have been a need for a GR (General Reconnaissance) / MPA version as there was of the Lincoln in the Mk31 with its extended fuselage. So hows aboot a RAAF MPA B-29?
*chuckle* Actually, I'm working up a RAAF MPA B-44C (equivalent to B-50 but with cannon armament in the turrets and ASV. Mk.21 replacing the AN/APQ-13 radar while retaining the same radome) and I've collected all the bits and pieces I need (using Tu-4 armament set for the Aden-fitted turrets).
Sounds great, can't wait to see it!!
:P
M.A.D
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(https://scontent.fxds1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/27021574_10204066962351651_4795193957321530299_o.jpg?oh=e4f387eb884fbe95e83d7d48e88b01d0&oe=5AF37D7E)
Stratovision was a system to rebroadcast TV and FM radio signals via transmitters mounted on airplanes.
The idea was first proposed in 1944, and by September 1946, engineers had a workable design. The Glenn L. Martin Company modified a Bell-built B-29B Superfortress (US Air Force serial number 44-84121) bomber for testing. On 23 June 1948, the B-29 crew, orbiting 25,000 feet above Pittsburgh, rebroadcast the Republican National Convention directly from WMAR-TV in Baltimore, Maryland. The bomber was outfitted with an eight-foot mast on its vertical stabilizer to receive programs; the signal was sent from the antenna to the cabin, and then to the broadcast antenna. The antenna, stored horizontally in the bomb bay, extended twenty-eight feet down when operating.
Testing wrapped up in 1949 and Westinghouse dropped Stratovision in 1950.
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Testing wrapped up in 1949 and Westinghouse dropped Stratovision in 1950.
Dropped on who and what?
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Reminds me a bit of those proposals to use highflying aircraft such as the Scaled Composites Proteus as a high-altitude, long operation (HALO) telecommunications platform.
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Random idea: B-29/B-50 or even B-54 re-engined with T-56 engines.
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Testing wrapped up in 1949 and Westinghouse dropped Stratovision in 1950.
The Stratovision B-29 concept was also featured in the 1986 film called The American Way starring Dennis Hopper (also released as Riders on the Storm).
Wikipedia > "The American Way (Riders on the Storm)" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_American_Way_(film)).
IMDB > "The American Way" (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091853/)
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(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQHbq_wy54A/UUMnSV2_XcI/AAAAAAAALX8/YVaRw6bNZpo/s640/50sfalcon05.jpg)
https://deeplyobsessed.blogspot.com/2013/03/1950s-millennium-falcon.html (https://deeplyobsessed.blogspot.com/2013/03/1950s-millennium-falcon.html)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_orM11mJNgNY/Sz-rrPzFV3I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/IXj5PJMFRNw/s1600/Nose_Art.jpg)
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This video is quite educational and has a lot of good on the B-29.
YouTube > USAAF Training Film on B-29 Superfortress ground handling, towing, and mooring procedures (https://youtu.be/MjHUSKSnAYI)
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In the book about the Bristol Brabazon there are numerous photos. Some of them are of the inside of the huge hanger that was built for the Brabazon at Filton. There's two (or three) which show a B-29 that the RAF got, going through their conversion to RAF standard. Although it doesn't come right out and say it, but I got the impression Bristol had the maintenance job for them too.
I had this thought of a B-29 which had arrived for some damage repairs, like after a heavy landing, and the first thought was to scrap it. But then the Bristol engineers, suggest they repair it and upgrade it at the same time. My thoughts were to put Britannia engines and wings on it ----- along with the 4-wheel u/c ---- My thinking was the wing got a new build fuselage section, and then the front and rear fuselage parts of the B-29 were added to this new center section, making it longer. To finish the job, a B-50 tail was installed.
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Sounds like a great project Robert. Now add it to your list. ;)
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As Jeff said: "Sounds like a great project Robert. Now add it to your list." :smiley: Mach2 makes 1/72 Britannia.
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:smiley:
On the list -- the ever growing list ;)
I've got a couple of Airways Vac Form Britannias in the stash, and a number of B-29/50's. The Britannias are earmarked for something else, but I'll dig the kits out and see what's involved.
I'm seriously considering buying a Mach II Britannia though.
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What would the maximum altitude be for a T-56 engined B-29?
Could it have flown high enough to be a large, long rage very high altitude recce aircraft?
I know the time frame overlaps the RB-47H but why not?
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I have a hard time believing any turboprop is going to be able to compete with the RB-47 for high altitude performance. The props just won't have enough purchase on the air at high altitude so its ceiling is going to be pretty dismal in comparison IMO.
If you remove the high-altitude requirement, I can think of a few reasons you might keep something of the B-29's size and prodigious payload capability well into the jet age:
Parasitic recce aircraft's mother aircraft - sort of a baby GEBO
Carrier for a large aperture telescope for MASINT in a modified rear fuselage
Use the B-29's relatively large bomb bay dimensions for a really large aperture SLAR pod
The trouble for all of these is that I think a RB-36 would probably be even better. Now a T-56 engined B-29 MPA? Perfect!
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The Tu-95 has a higher service ceiling than the B-47, by over 5,000'.
Anyhow the RB-47H was not a high-altitude recce aircraft.
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Ha! Genuinely thought the Stratojet was good for a bit (lot) more than that. The RB-47 not withstanding, my point holds true, the RB-29 is outclassed for performance in the jet era.
I think for 1950s high-altitude heavy recce, its hard to beat the HP Victor SR.2 for ceiling even if it is at least half a generation later. I've heard rumours of them north of 60000ft on more than one occasion. I don't see a Bear doing that!
Edited to Add:
Some other ways to get a RB-29 with turboprops:
Fit an earlier generation turboprop earlier in the day, such as T40 (I was going to suggest the T34 as on the YC-97J but that buys you perhaps a year or 2 on fielding a T56 variant - circa 1955 vs 1957, on the late side in either case IMO)
Kick the RB-29 to a secondary theatre where its obsolescence is less of an issue, say AdlA over Algeria
WB-29V weather recce freeing up newer B-47s/B-52s/C-135s for SAC's frontline strength
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T40 was a dog of an engine. I could see a B-29 or B-50 being used as a flying testbed but then being converted to T54s for operational variants. T54 bears the same relationship to the T56 that the T40 bears to the T38.
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(http://www.flankers-site.co.uk/china_2010_files/day02_031.jpg)
China did it. ;D
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T40 was a dog of an engine.
As I've said elsewhere, the T-40 never met an aircraft design it couldn't kill.
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I've got a 1/72 conversion to do that too (the AEW variant), the Cutting Edge offering. Just one little problem with the set I got though, only two engine nacelles, the outer two :-X
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Why not simply follow the lead of the R7V-2 (see below) and use four Pratt & Whitney YT34-P-12A turboprops. These were rated at 5,500 bhp (4,100 kW) each, and were installed in place of the usual Wright R-3350 (also used on the B-29):
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Lockheed_R7V-2_turboprop_Connie_in_flight_c1953.jpeg)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f4/YC-121F_MATS.jpg)
Or closer to home, the YC-97J, a KC-97G conversion with four similar 5,700 hp (4,250 kW) Pratt & Whitney YT34-P-5 turboprops:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/YC-97J_USAF.jpg)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/1700_ATG_Boeing_KC-97G-26-BO_Stratofreighter_52-2693.jpg)
Does anyone know if there is a conversion set for the latter available?
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If using the the R7V-2 as an option, one could steal from a WelshModels kit (though not necessarily a easy decision):
(http://www.welshmodels.co.uk/MT39P-makeup.jpg)
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If you're in to 1/144 -----
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Yeah, well that is just perverse...
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If using the the R7V-2 as an option, one could steal from a WelshModels kit (though not necessarily a easy decision):
([url]http://www.welshmodels.co.uk/MT39P-makeup.jpg[/url])
It would be expensive, but I'm so tempted to cross that with Anigrand's XB-30 kit to do an evolved B-30 variant.
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Well I've got some 1/72 T34's in resin that could get a fetish ---- ;D
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I mentioned and dismissed the T34/C-97J option upthread. The earliest this is available is 54/55, by which time you might as well go for a RC-97J for the reconnaissance mission as it has substantially more internal volume available for equipment and operators. By the time a T34-B-29 comes to fruition for the crews' sake I hope it is in a stand-off role! Hmmm... USN GAM-63 Rascal toting B-29s for Sverdlov plinking?
Oh and in my defence, I only mentioned T40 as a way to get a B-29 turboprop variant in a timeframe that the B-29 is still something like a viable combat aircraft not because I thought it was a good idea! :-\ ??? :))
Couple of other bad ideas that I may end up building:
A mixed wing of B-50s with a few knackered B-29s to bolster the numbers (B-29s used for training/as hacks etc) are forward deployed in Turkey when the Jupiter MRBM suffers a spate of pad explosions and is delayed, as a fig leaf deterrent. Then when Jupiter is finally deployed, rather than waste fuel bringing the B-29s back, they are gifted to Turkey (minus their more potent warloads of course). To compensate, Greece gets some RB-45s that were keeping an eye on the Aegean and Bulgaria re-converted back to the bomber role to maintain a semblance of balance.
Bell get a contract from Marquardt to test some of their ramjet designs so use modified surplus X-1s dropped from B-29s - essentially an unmanned X-1 with a conical-centrebody (MiG-21) nose intake and external booster rockets to get them up to speed. Ramjet development continues to the point we get baby Navahoes under B-29s....
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Well the RAF used some Washington's up to 1958, in the ELINT role. They probably could have done with an engine upgrade by then --- ;)
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^ Ah well I was proceeding under the assumption of NIH syndrome for US as well as any potential US-sourced foreign B-29s. For some reason I regard the Washington as a separate entity to the B-29. Stupid brain! For British-refitted Washingtons, myriad options open up! Bristol Orions would be my preference or for a timeline closer to OTL, go with Tynes.
An Orion-Washington would be just fine for the later stages of Operation Firedog or Blue Steel trials as well as electronic shadow games above the Baltic....I'd still want the main deterrent in the hands of the V-Bombers though.
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I mentioned and dismissed the T34/C-97J option upthread. The earliest this is available is 54/55, by which time you might as well go for a RC-97J for the reconnaissance mission as it has substantially more internal volume available for equipment and operators...
...Oh and in my defence, I only mentioned T40 as a way to get a B-29 turboprop variant in a timeframe that the B-29 is still something like a viable combat aircraft not because I thought it was a good idea! :-\ ??? :))
Fair enough. I got led astray by the mention of T56s.
Other options might be some experimental versions using early British turboprops such as the Rolls-Royce RB.39 Clyde, Armstrong Siddeley Python or even Rolls-Royce RB.53 Dart. These are all arguably available in the mid-late 1940s.
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rather than waste fuel bringing the B-29s back, they are gifted to Turkey
Hmmm...a Türk Hava Kuvvetleri B-29 would be an interesting build.
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^ Ah well I was proceeding under the assumption of NIH syndrome for US as well as any potential US-sourced foreign B-29s. For some reason I regard the Washington as a separate entity to the B-29. Stupid brain! For British-refitted Washingtons, myriad options open up! Bristol Orions would be my preference or for a timeline closer to OTL, go with Tynes.
An Orion-Washington would be just fine for the later stages of Operation Firedog or Blue Steel trials as well as electronic shadow games above the Baltic....I'd still want the main deterrent in the hands of the V-Bombers though.
Well 1/72 Tynes are available from Aircraft in Miniature
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^ Ah well I was proceeding under the assumption of NIH syndrome for US as well as any potential US-sourced foreign B-29s. For some reason I regard the Washington as a separate entity to the B-29. Stupid brain! For British-refitted Washingtons, myriad options open up! Bristol Orions would be my preference or for a timeline closer to OTL, go with Tynes.
An Orion-Washington would be just fine for the later stages of Operation Firedog or Blue Steel trials as well as electronic shadow games above the Baltic....I'd still want the main deterrent in the hands of the V-Bombers though.
Well 1/72 Tynes are available from Aircraft in Miniature
They are? Where? Do you have a link, please?
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They are? Where? Do you have a link, please?
They don't seem to be in AIM catalogue at the moment. A set was sold as Transport Wings (TWC72031) "Canadair CL-44J Conversion (Tyne engines)" for the Mach 2 Britannia kit.
You may want to email them about future availability ... http://www.aim72.co.uk/page142.html (http://www.aim72.co.uk/page142.html)
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They are? Where? Do you have a link, please?
They don't seem to be in AIM catalogue at the moment. A set was sold as Transport Wings (TWC72031) "Canadair CL-44J Conversion (Tyne engines)" for the Mach 2 Britannia kit.
You may want to email them about future availability ... [url]http://www.aim72.co.uk/page142.html[/url] ([url]http://www.aim72.co.uk/page142.html[/url])
Standalone Tynes would be a nice additional to their Dart engines.
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It is as Stephen says, part of the CL-44 conversion set. You get them from Hannants. BTW, AiM hasn't updated their website since Aug 2018 ----- ??? I think they have a farcebook page but I don't go there so can't say for sure. I just check the Hannants AiM page periodically ---
Below are the other bits you get in the CL-44 conversion, fuselage plugs and a clear windshield.
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FICTIONAL Boeing B.29 Washington variants by John Kacey 'Maverick' ...
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Been tempted, and collecting the parts, to model a RAAF B-44B "Washington Mk.II" with 2x ADEN 30mm cannon in each turret instead of 4x .50 machine guns (basically a similar approach to what the Soviets used on the Tu-4 turrets, relative the those on the B-29).
The RL XB-44 was a testbed for the R4360 installation that went into the B-50; this would just be a derivative for the RAAF.
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One in a USAF flavour.
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Nice photo of a RAF Washington.
H/T to tsrjoe.
(https://scontent.fxds1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/123822486_254477439397306_5293976130868352119_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=2&_nc_sid=be0b5f&_nc_ohc=evdzx6Ef-ZsAX9ZRkCl&_nc_ht=scontent.fxds1-1.fna&oh=7521b48cf24e493324423827a53795ca&oe=5FC6FF46)
(https://scontent.fxds1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/123876092_254479929397057_7330405972137467879_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=2&_nc_sid=be0b5f&_nc_ohc=6qLQA090C8kAX89MtDV&_nc_ht=scontent.fxds1-1.fna&oh=63dfc9b94f7b5f0a472c65c54d93e728&oe=5FC9B397)
(https://scontent.fxds1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/123841671_254479972730386_7984579056581509083_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=2&_nc_sid=be0b5f&_nc_ohc=4AAqc294OaEAX9bLOB0&_nc_ht=scontent.fxds1-1.fna&oh=1bb826e29dbbda46682a60cbc01076ac&oe=5FCA5E57)
B-29 Washington with Red Rapier
WW353 also served with the RAAF: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a76.htm (http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a76.htm)
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(https://ww2aircraft.net/forum/attachments/b29-jpg.513051/)
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That just screams "DIORAMA!" ... but only for those with severe AMS. ;D
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Yep!
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Boeing B-14.5 MediumFortress
(https://scontent.fyzd1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/s720x720/187900884_10159646716297386_6256689695814921404_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=TCwk1CybIKsAX-yJvbu&_nc_ht=scontent.fyzd1-3.fna&tp=7&oh=c4949b583a1b41d1cdf3fa5000e0cdeb&oe=60CC898D)
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Must be low production model with limited use that never made the press !
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Atlantis Models produces a 1/120th B-29 that might be scale o rama into that B14.5 medium bomber.
Like I don’t have enough projects!
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Oh those poor engines...(https://cdn-0.emojis.wiki/emoji-pics/whatsapp/fire-whatsapp.png)
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Mind you, what about a twin turboprop version?
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(https://ww2aircraft.net/forum/attachments/b29-jpg.513051/)
That is an awesome pic GTX😯, giving much perspective!!
I visited The Australian National Aviation Museum, Moorabbin, Victoria yesterday and was fortunate enough to be given an in-depth personal tour by one of the officials. He showed me their Avro Lincoln, which is in a thousand pieces and under tarps....I couldn't believe the thickness/depth of the main wing box.....
MAD
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I visited The Australian National Aviation Museum, Moorabbin, Victoria yesterday and was fortunate enough to be given an in-depth personal tour by one of the officials. He showed me their Avro Lincoln, which is in a thousand pieces and under tarps....I couldn't believe the thickness/depth of the main wing box.....
Cool. It's been a few years since I was last there. Did you also see the CA-31 mock up? The museum will need more room if they ever manage to get some of their items completed.
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I visited The Australian National Aviation Museum, Moorabbin, Victoria yesterday and was fortunate enough to be given an in-depth personal tour by one of the officials. He showed me their Avro Lincoln, which is in a thousand pieces and under tarps....I couldn't believe the thickness/depth of the main wing box.....
Cool. It's been a few years since I was last there. Did you also see the CA-31 mock up? The museum will need more room if they ever manage to get some of their items completed.
Unfortunately the CA-31 mock-up is no longer on display, but in a non-public access shed GTX, which I was fortunate to see on this in-depth tour. One thing I did notice and I was very appreciative, was the fact that you can actually hop into the cockpit of their Gloster Meteor, CA-27 Sabre, the Canberra Mk20 and Sea Venom, which was fantastic, as it gives an eye-opening perspective of the aircraft!!😯👍
MAD
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Random idea: French Armée de l'Air B-29 or B-50 in the late 1940s/early 1950s.
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Random idea: French Armée de l'Air B-29 or B-50 in the late 1940s/early 1950s.
I'm in. Le Superforteresse
I checked and yes, super is super.
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Possible schemes:
(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/0/9/2/953092-16207-13-pristine.jpg)
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Possible schemes:
Or polished metal à la postwar Armée de l'air Marauders and Invaders?
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That would work too.
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Possible schemes:
(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/0/9/2/953092-16207-13-pristine.jpg)
:smiley:
B-29 in this scheme and with a French version of V-1 as a cruise missile carrier.
Or maybe a scale-o-rama'd version of the Matra R.511 for a guided missile as an anti-shipping/stand-off attack version.
(https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Matra_R511-1.jpg)
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Strangely enough I just bought this decal sheet off another Canadian who lives just down the road.
Note: For the non-Canadians, given our geography, the definition of "just down the road" is a drive lasting about 6-8 hours.
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Note: For the non-Canadians, given our geography, the definition of "just down the road" is a drive lasting about 6-8 hours.
We get it. I have been known to drive 180km twice a week just to go to the gym.
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Strangely enough I just bought this decal sheet off another Canadian who lives just down the road.
Note: For the non-Canadians, given our geography, the definition of "just down the road" is a drive lasting about 6-8 hours.
Folks in the US get that as well. ;)
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Note: For the non-Canadians, given our geography, the definition of "just down the road" is a drive lasting about 6-8 hours.
We get it. I have been known to drive 180km twice a week just to go to the gym.
Just walk to the gym and back, no workout required!
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Yeah but one wanted to be able to work again the next morning... ;)...plus the location was kind of in the desert... :-\
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What if the R3350 took rather longer to wring the bugs out and the USAAF was forced to go with the W3420-powered B-39 instead?
Hmmm...does anyone do a conversion for that I wonder?
([url]http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/Larkins/2972L.jpg[/url])
There is now a 1/72 conversion for the XB-39 available on Ebay. I know it's not your preferred scale, but....
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What if the R3350 took rather longer to wring the bugs out and the USAAF was forced to go with the W3420-powered B-39 instead?
Hmmm...does anyone do a conversion for that I wonder?
([url]http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/Larkins/2972L.jpg[/url])
There is now a 1/72 conversion for the XB-39 available on Ebay. I know it's not your preferred scale, but....
I have bought other items from this Ebay seller. He's a good dude.
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How about a B-44B/washington B.2, or MR.2, in RAAF service with twin ADEN turrets replacing the four .50 cal. turrets? Start with a B-50 kit, add the turrets and guns from a Tu-4 conversion, and then add whatever other mods seem appropriate for your approach.
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A B-44A