1/72 AMT/Ertl B-52G

Gallery Article by Eric R. Engstrom on Sept 23 2003

 

B-52G In Chrome Dome finish

One of those kits often purchased but not often finished, it is not the best possible rendition of the BUFF. While it's problems are many (okay, legion), it is the easiest way to add a -G or -H Stratofortress to your collection; and the Hound Dog missiles are really neat and almost make the kit worth buying by themselves.

 

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I used Paul Boyer's method of drooping the wings to depict it on the ramp. In so doing I had to completely sand through the top of the wing molded to the fuselage. Not to worry, about a half ounce of CA glue with judicious use of accelerator restored the upper wing surface.

Silver paint is Sherwin-Williams enamel "Just Silver" (honest, that's the name of the color!) from the local auto paint jobber, thinned with Model Master airbrush thinner and mixed with some Floquil Retarder. The white is 2 jars of Model Master Insignia White, again mixed with Model Master airbrush thinner and Floquil Retarder. The retarder slows down drying, allowing the paint to 'flow out' into a smoother finish. I use this method when painting large subjects and it works well.

I swapped out the oversized USAF decal for the wing with one from an AMT KC-135 I had laying around the shop. AMT goes cheesy and tells you to add walkway stripes from "Commercial Sources". I thought that was why one purchased a kit with decals included...my mistake. Anyway, I added 2 packages of Scale-Master size "G" stripes (2.1" in 1/72) for the walkways, a first for me and I was pleased with the outcome. I am inordinately proud of the fact that all 10 wheels make proper contact with the ground.

Eric R. Engstrom

      

Photos and text © by Eric R. Engstrom