Monogram Superfortress
![Album image #1 Album image #1](/albums/img/0/8/4/959084-11681-77-720.jpg)
The subject of this build is B-29-45-BW 42-24695 T6 Lucky 'Leven flown by Lt Barton Yount of the 873rd BS / 498th B, Isely Field, Saipan, 1945
![Album image #2 Album image #2](/albums/img/8/9/9/340899-11681-29-720.jpg)
Big, empty gear bay needs detailing - rear wall
![Album image #3 Album image #3](/albums/img/9/0/0/340900-11681-16-720.jpg)
Front wall of the gear bay
![Album image #4 Album image #4](/albums/img/9/0/1/340901-11681-91-720.jpg)
Test fit, starting to look good
![Album image #5 Album image #5](/albums/img/9/0/2/340902-11681-12-720.jpg)
Detailing the "trays"
![Album image #6 Album image #6](/albums/img/9/0/4/340904-11681-64-720.jpg)
Gear tray looks better
![Album image #7 Album image #7](/albums/img/9/0/3/340903-11681-96-720.jpg)
Sidewalls fabricated
![Album image #8 Album image #8](/albums/img/9/0/5/340905-11681-99-720.jpg)
Gear bay painted
![Album image #9 Album image #9](/albums/img/9/0/6/340906-11681-12-720.jpg)
Test fit with the wing spars
![Album image #10 Album image #10](/albums/img/9/0/7/340907-11681-83-720.jpg)
Big, heavy kit, reinforcing the gear bays
![Album image #11 Album image #11](/albums/img/9/0/8/340908-11681-42-720.jpg)
.50 MGs from Master
![Album image #12 Album image #12](/albums/img/9/0/9/340909-11681-20-720.jpg)
Intercooler doors, made from aluminum sheet vs. plastic
![Album image #13 Album image #13](/albums/img/9/1/0/340910-11681-79-720.jpg)
Inside intercooler doors
![Album image #14 Album image #14](/albums/img/9/1/1/340911-11681-96-720.jpg)
Aluminum sheet intercooler door
![Album image #15 Album image #15](/albums/img/9/1/2/340912-11681-14-720.jpg)
Modifying a resin P&W 2800R into Wright Cyclone 3350
![Album image #16 Album image #16](/albums/img/9/1/4/340914-11681-92-720.jpg)
Looking better than the plastic
![Album image #17 Album image #17](/albums/img/9/1/7/340917-11681-16-720.jpg)
Inside the cowlings
![Album image #18 Album image #18](/albums/img/9/1/6/340916-11681-77-720.jpg)
Doing the necessary modifications
![Album image #19 Album image #19](/albums/img/9/1/8/340918-11681-87-720.jpg)
Crankshaft casing needs lengthening
![Album image #20 Album image #20](/albums/img/9/2/0/340920-11681-46-720.jpg)
times 4
![Album image #21 Album image #21](/albums/img/9/2/1/340921-11681-68-720.jpg)
Starting to look right
![Album image #22 Album image #22](/albums/img/9/2/3/340923-11681-77-720.jpg)
Starting with the ignition wiring
![Album image #23 Album image #23](/albums/img/5/6/2/347562-11681-90-720.jpg)
making the intercooler apertures the same size and shape
![Album image #24 Album image #24](/albums/img/7/3/6/347736-11681-85-720.jpg)
Boxes for the intercoolers
![Album image #25 Album image #25](/albums/img/5/9/7/349597-11681-81-720.jpg)
Exhausts from a Trumpeter 1:32 BAC Lightning turned into turret housings
![Album image #26 Album image #26](/albums/img/6/0/4/349604-11681-30-720.jpg)
Frame for the dorsal turret
![Album image #27 Album image #27](/albums/img/6/0/5/349605-11681-54-720.jpg)
Test fit
![Album image #28 Album image #28](/albums/img/7/0/7/349707-11681-60-720.jpg)
Removing the thick cooling flaps
![Album image #29 Album image #29](/albums/img/1/2/0/350120-11681-35-720.jpg)
Drilling the exhausts
![Album image #30 Album image #30](/albums/img/5/4/1/351541-11681-98-720.jpg)
Exhaust pipes are too long, need to be shortened
![Album image #31 Album image #31](/albums/img/9/3/9/351939-11681-99-720.jpg)
Further detailing the exhausts
![Album image #32 Album image #32](/albums/img/7/7/2/352772-11681-24-720.jpg)
Making exhaust pipes
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Exhaust as supplied, round aperture (left) and corrected (right). Big thanks to Thomas Mayer for the wonderful reference pic!
![Album image #34 Album image #34](/albums/img/0/2/8/360028-11681-77-720.jpg)
Inner cockpit framing
![Album image #35 Album image #35](/albums/img/3/0/0/364300-11681-63-720.jpg)
![Album image #36 Album image #36](/albums/img/3/9/2/365392-11681-27-720.jpg)
Cockpit padding/insulation
![Album image #37 Album image #37](/albums/img/3/0/1/366301-11681-74-720.jpg)
![Album image #38 Album image #38](/albums/img/4/8/4/367484-11681-10-720.jpg)
![Album image #39 Album image #39](/albums/img/4/8/5/367485-11681-64-720.jpg)
![Album image #40 Album image #40](/albums/img/0/9/3/369093-11681-52-720.jpg)
Bad: Dorsal gunner's blister and the tunnel do not communicate
![Album image #41 Album image #41](/albums/img/0/9/4/369094-11681-72-720.jpg)
A section from a 1/32nd SC 250 from the spares box has solved the problem
![Album image #42 Album image #42](/albums/img/0/9/5/369095-11681-12-720.jpg)
Much better!
![Album image #43 Album image #43](/albums/img/7/9/3/379793-11681-81-720.jpg)
New 20 mm cannon made from hypodermic needles. Kit part (top) is awful. M2 .50 barrel provided for comparison.
![Album image #44 Album image #44](/albums/img/5/6/8/381568-11681-97-720.jpg)
Padding for the tunnel made from aluminum sheet
![Album image #45 Album image #45](/albums/img/8/5/3/381853-11681-79-720.jpg)
Pedestal for the dorsal gunner. The kit part is lacking detail
![Album image #46 Album image #46](/albums/img/4/4/3/382443-11681-67-720.jpg)
There are issues with the location of items in the crew rest area.
![Album image #47 Album image #47](/albums/img/4/4/4/382444-11681-42-720.jpg)
Crew berths needed some rework
![Album image #48 Album image #48](/albums/img/7/0/9/382709-11681-84-720.jpg)
![Album image #49 Album image #49](/albums/img/0/6/4/383064-11681-71-720.jpg)
![Album image #50 Album image #50](/albums/img/0/6/5/383065-11681-85-720.jpg)
Kit toilet (left) undersized and lacking a lid
![Album image #51 Album image #51](/albums/img/9/6/9/386969-11681-97-720.jpg)
Tail skid bay
![Album image #52 Album image #52](/albums/img/9/7/0/386970-11681-74-720.jpg)
Filling the gap left by the rudder
![Album image #53 Album image #53](/albums/img/9/7/1/386971-11681-42-720.jpg)
Prepping for paint
![Album image #54 Album image #54](/albums/img/3/6/8/388368-11681-86-720.jpg)
Tail skid had no working hinge, so one was made from plastic strips
![Album image #55 Album image #55](/albums/img/3/6/9/388369-11681-33-720.jpg)
Hinge for tail skid
![Album image #56 Album image #56](/albums/img/6/0/2/390602-11681-20-720.jpg)
General layout of Aft pressurized compartment
![Album image #57 Album image #57](/albums/img/6/0/3/390603-11681-35-720.jpg)
![Album image #58 Album image #58](/albums/img/3/5/2/395352-11681-49-720.jpg)
Flare port
![Album image #59 Album image #59](/albums/img/3/5/3/395353-11681-31-720.jpg)
Put-put exhaust drilled
![Album image #60 Album image #60](/albums/img/3/6/9/395369-11681-12-720.jpg)
Making sure the floor aligns properly
![Album image #61 Album image #61](/albums/img/3/6/8/395368-11681-50-720.jpg)
![Album image #62 Album image #62](/albums/img/6/1/0/395610-11681-58-720.jpg)
Turret casings
![Album image #63 Album image #63](/albums/img/0/2/1/398021-11681-99-720.jpg)
Upper rear turret casing in place. Will be barely visible, but it's there...
![Album image #64 Album image #64](/albums/img/0/2/8/398028-11681-89-720.jpg)
Pressurized aft compartment in place
![Album image #65 Album image #65](/albums/img/3/5/5/401355-11681-79-720.jpg)
There was no chute for the spent cartridges in the tail stinger
![Album image #66 Album image #66](/albums/img/1/0/9/403109-11681-39-720.jpg)
Test fit for the tail guns. The canvas cover was reshaped and reduced substantially
![Album image #67 Album image #67](/albums/img/2/1/2/405212-11681-40-720.jpg)
The first aluminum skin to be applied
![Album image #68 Album image #68](/albums/img/8/4/9/408849-11681-14-720.jpg)
Tail gunner's position as provided is too cramped.The seat should not be on the floor
![Album image #69 Album image #69](/albums/img/8/5/0/408850-11681-25-720.jpg)
A more accurate position of the bulkheads
![Album image #70 Album image #70](/albums/img/9/3/2/408932-11681-97-720.jpg)
Tail gunner's compartment. The floor has been enlarged. Ammo tubes and the seat are in their correct places
![Album image #71 Album image #71](/albums/img/9/3/0/408930-11681-73-720.jpg)
The frame for the seat and the footrests on the ammo tubes will be added later
![Album image #72 Album image #72](/albums/img/9/3/1/408931-11681-28-720.jpg)
The pressure bulkhead door was missing.
![Album image #73 Album image #73](/albums/img/8/6/5/433865-11681-24-720.jpg)
Tail gunner's seat
![Album image #74 Album image #74](/albums/img/0/0/3/436003-11681-42-720.jpg)
Frame for the gunner's seat and the bulkhead padding
![Album image #75 Album image #75](/albums/img/0/0/7/436007-11681-32-720.jpg)
Seat mounted on its frame
![Album image #76 Album image #76](/albums/img/9/9/3/441993-11681-21-720.jpg)
Had to make new side windows, size difference is pretty substantial
![Album image #77 Album image #77](/albums/img/9/9/5/441995-11681-57-720.jpg)
Test fit, kit walls were substantially thinned
![Album image #78 Album image #78](/albums/img/2/2/5/449225-11681-41-720.jpg)
Clear parts had to be made for the tail gunner's place, the kit ones (above) were badly undersized
![Album image #79 Album image #79](/albums/img/1/9/9/450199-11681-69-720.jpg)
Correcting the size and shape issues of the tail gunner's escape hatch
![Album image #80 Album image #80](/albums/img/9/8/2/450982-11681-99-720.jpg)
Escape hatch, almost done
![Album image #81 Album image #81](/albums/img/9/8/3/450983-11681-70-720.jpg)
Window frame
![Album image #82 Album image #82](/albums/img/9/8/5/450985-11681-58-720.jpg)
![Album image #83 Album image #83](/albums/img/1/2/2/451122-11681-70-720.jpg)
Padding made from aluminum foil
![Album image #84 Album image #84](/albums/img/2/8/8/451288-11681-65-720.jpg)
Padding and window are in place
![Album image #85 Album image #85](/albums/img/7/7/4/457774-11681-58-720.jpg)
Oxygen panel
![Album image #86 Album image #86](/albums/img/6/8/6/459686-11681-27-720.jpg)
![Album image #87 Album image #87](/albums/img/5/7/5/468575-11681-69-720.jpg)
Roof section for the tail gunner
![Album image #88 Album image #88](/albums/img/4/9/3/470493-11681-62-720.jpg)
Armor plate for the tail gunner now of correct shape and size
![Album image #89 Album image #89](/albums/img/8/2/3/470823-11681-25-720.jpg)
Armor plate dressed in padding
![Album image #90 Album image #90](/albums/img/9/5/2/504952-11681-74-720.jpg)
Tail gunner's emplacement almost there
![Album image #91 Album image #91](/albums/img/0/0/2/517002-11681-10-720.jpg)
![Album image #92 Album image #92](/albums/img/0/8/1/633081-11681-30-720.jpg)
Making the padding
![Album image #93 Album image #93](/albums/img/0/8/2/633082-11681-67-720.jpg)
![Album image #94 Album image #94](/albums/img/0/8/3/633083-11681-99-720.jpg)
Eduard placards do not fit well, central console had to be enlarged 1 mm
![Album image #95 Album image #95](/albums/img/0/8/4/633084-11681-72-720.jpg)
Looks decent
![Album image #96 Album image #96](/albums/img/0/8/5/633085-11681-40-720.jpg)
![Album image #97 Album image #97](/albums/img/0/8/6/633086-11681-76-720.jpg)
![Album image #98 Album image #98](/albums/img/0/8/7/633087-11681-60-720.jpg)
Dorsal armor will not be added, as it obscures details. Crews removed it to save weight
![Album image #99 Album image #99](/albums/img/0/8/8/633088-11681-10-720.jpg)
![Album image #100 Album image #100](/albums/img/6/4/5/779645-11681-13-720.jpg)
Starting to improve the main gear doors
![Album image #101 Album image #101](/albums/img/7/2/5/779725-11681-26-720.jpg)
One down, three to go
![Album image #102 Album image #102](/albums/img/8/5/7/779857-11681-14-720.jpg)
![Album image #103 Album image #103](/albums/img/6/0/5/935605-11681-97-720.jpg)
Replacing the feet of the navigator's table
![Album image #104 Album image #104](/albums/img/6/0/6/935606-11681-77-720.jpg)
Looks decent enough
![Album image #105 Album image #105](/albums/img/0/6/8/940068-11681-55-720.jpg)
The navigator's table and the radio rack are now two distinct parts. Had to correct minor size issues
![Album image #106 Album image #106](/albums/img/0/6/9/940069-11681-87-720.jpg)
Test fit. "Portable" oxygen unit rack in place. The radio rack has four levels. To be continued
![Album image #107 Album image #107](/albums/img/2/7/7/940277-11681-44-720.jpg)
Emergency hydraulic hand pump for the co-pilot
![Album image #108 Album image #108](/albums/img/8/8/3/940883-11681-41-720.jpg)
Navigator's station and the shelves for the radio rack...
![Album image #109 Album image #109](/albums/img/8/8/4/940884-11681-27-720.jpg)
...should look like this when together, side view
![Album image #110 Album image #110](/albums/img/6/5/4/980654-11681-63-720.jpg)
![Album image #111 Album image #111](/albums/img/7/9/4/1201794-11681-10-720.jpg)
Navigator's table, ready for assembly
![Album image #112 Album image #112](/albums/img/7/9/5/1201795-11681-85-720.jpg)
Eduard brassin wheels painted with Vallejo Tire Black look as if they were made out of actual rubber
![Album image #113 Album image #113](/albums/img/6/1/1/1204611-11681-48-720.jpg)
![Album image #114 Album image #114](/albums/img/6/1/2/1204612-11681-92-720.jpg)
![Album image #115 Album image #115](/albums/img/4/7/4/1220474-11681-92-720.jpg)
Emergency hydraulic hand pump
![Album image #116 Album image #116](/albums/img/7/3/2/1222732-11681-38-720.jpg)
Radio rack got its second shelf
![Album image #117 Album image #117](/albums/img/1/0/8/1223108-11681-79-720.jpg)
Navigator's table/radio rack assembly done. Not much will be visible, but it is there
Коментари
17 24 April 2017, 08:26
![](/profiles/img/17224-211-s.jpg)
Looking good! I'll be watching . Nice detail mods! That plane is monster size! I have the kit in my stash.
24 April 2017, 13:06
![](/profiles/img/11681-s.jpg)
Due to the size (65 cm length, 90 cm wingspan and 19 cm height) and the raised panel lines mean that the 1/48th Monogram B-29 kits tend to be "stash queens". This one is going to be built however, so let's see how it looks when it is complete, in its aluminum foil finish!
25 April 2017, 05:05
![](/profiles/img/17224-211-s.jpg)
Hey Florin, if you would, please list any mod kits you use. It would be appreciated. Also do you intend to use anything like prop blur for the propellers?
25 April 2017, 12:37
![](/profiles/img/14298-181-s.png)
Florin. I am wondering about the resin engines. 👍
have you looked at the Aires resin engines. ?
google.com.au/url?sa..ust=1493211687255056
25 April 2017, 13:02
![](/profiles/img/14298-181-s.png)
I am really impressed with the plastic sheet work your doing, and generally. Just so interesting what you have tackled.👍
Good luck with it all and I salute you. 🙂
25 April 2017, 13:04
![](/profiles/img/11681-s.jpg)
@Thomas Mayer: Many thanks! They look good but are rather fragile, and will need careful handling.
@ Gerald Willing:😉
@Timothy Heimer: Aftermarket parts used: Eduard Zoom PE for the cockpit, 1 P&W R-2800 engine from Eduard's Royal Class Hellcat (and 3 homemade copies), 12 M2 .50 MG barrels from Master and some decals (marking to be decided). Maybe the cuffless propellers if accurate for the chosen version. Paints are from the Vallejo Air range and the aluminum foil is a regular, household one.
@Kerry Cox: Thank you for the kind words! To my knowledge there is no Wright R-3350-23 Cyclone in 1:48th. Closest to it was a Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp for a Hellcat that I had, copied it 3 more times and proceeded to make it look like a Cyclone. Maybe not 100% accurate but so much better than what was supplied in the kit!
26 April 2017, 09:34
![](/profiles/img/14298-181-s.png)
Florin, I am grateful for your information and I admire your resourcefulness in duplicating the engines in your own way.
Skills like that are a rare.👍
I will be looking forward to 'progress updates' as it looks a real challenge.🙂
26 April 2017, 10:55
![](/profiles/img/17224-211-s.jpg)
Thank you Florin! I will be watching, keep up the good work! We love it.
26 April 2017, 12:47
![](/profiles/img/13136-468-s.jpg)
Great work, Florin! The wheelwell bays look fantastic. I have wanted to try folling a aircraft as well, but will definately start with something smaller!
26 April 2017, 13:25
![](/profiles/img/14298-181-s.png)
Why am I not surprised.? OMG. ! My expectations didn't go this far. AMAZING in every way. I love your dedication Florin. For sure. 🙂 🙂 🙂
12 September 2017, 18:23
![](/profiles/img/11681-s.jpg)
Thank you so very much! There is a downside to this - progress is slow: doing the research takes a lot of time, then finding the right materials and then finally building it.
17 September 2017, 05:04
![](/profiles/img/12992-331-s.jpg)
Great to see the progress is there....the pace is irrelevant.....The details look very good Florin!
2 November 2017, 08:14
![](/profiles/img/11681-s.jpg)
Thank you! Having fun and hoping there is something that others might find useful.
13 November 2017, 14:32
![](/profiles/img/11681-s.jpg)
Can't wait to add the aluminum skin, but there is so much to do!
22 November 2017, 11:08
![](/profiles/img/18995-113-s.jpg)
Florin, I too will add my praise for your work to date. will be watching for sure. 👍
27 November 2017, 20:48
![](/profiles/img/17224-211-s.jpg)
I have been watching this since the beginning and I am blown away by the detailing mods you have been doing! WOW! Keep it up Florin it is so amazing the work you're doing!
25 April 2018, 16:50
![](/profiles/img/14298-181-s.png)
This is a 'creative' project I have enjoyed for quite a while. Your attention to detail and ability to use what is 'at hand' is inspiring.👍
Now for an other snack and beer. 🙂
Well done. 👍 🙂
25 April 2018, 19:40
![](/profiles/img/19145-520-s.png)
The gunner's spot is amazing. Didn't realize how off it was. Not a lot of room to think back there for the gunner.
20 August 2018, 15:56
![](/profiles/img/18995-113-s.jpg)
Every part you touch recreates a much more complete and accurate representation of the B-29.
30 September 2018, 00:13
![](/profiles/img/14298-181-s.png)
How about this build. !
Just some stunning results are starting to appear. Most impressive.
5 October 2018, 20:43
![](/profiles/img/11681-s.jpg)
The kit is a very good base for detailing, but there are times I wish it were 1/32nd scale. Once closed not much will be visible...
17 July 2019, 13:36
![](/profiles/img/11681-s.jpg)
Thank you, Gentlemen! Hopefully it will be done by the end of this year
20 February 2021, 09:21
![](/profiles/img/20999-892-s.jpg)
Your work is astonishing! You have taken what is not much more that a plastic shell and given it life! I have this kit but with the limited imagination I have it will never amount to what you are producing here. Thank you for showing me how with a scalpel and a razor saw one can build believable structures.
16 April 2022, 02:30
![](/profiles/img/15497-946-s.jpg)
Am I correct that you do not use any aftermarket sets?
Incredible scratch work - scares me away from this kit - lol
16 April 2022, 07:22
![](/profiles/img/11681-s.jpg)
@Nathan Dempsey and Clifford Keesler Thank you Gentlemen!
@John Wilkes Never compare yourself to others in a negative way, you are Unique. All you have to do is be willing to try and not fear failure. Fail? Not a problem, do it again and again until satisfied with the results.
@Thomas Bischoff, Actually using the maximum of aftermarket parts avalable to me. The gun barrels are from Master, pre-painted PE for the Cockpit from Eduard, wheels are Eduard Brassin, propeller blades are from Squadron, decals from Kits world. Have to admit that what you see here is insanity, more than 90% of the stuff built won't be visible in the end. If you have the room for it, do not be intimidated, go ahead and build it!
30 April 2022, 12:55
![](/profiles/img/18995-113-s.jpg)
Well done on this beauty, so far. Now awaiting whatever crafty, clever construction you will embark on now 👍
1 May 2022, 06:00
![](/profiles/img/13695-917-s.jpg)
Beautiful job on the gear. I really need to build my B-24 or B-36 one of these days. I have built the B-29. I really like the old Monogram 1/48 bomber kits.
4 May 2022, 20:06
![](/profiles/img/20999-892-s.jpg)
@Florin Moldovan I spent the summer at the lake building a few shake the box kits. I love the immediate gratification of cracking open a box on Thursday and hanging it by Sunday. I have four cars to build and a cool P12E biplane. that will take me through the Winter. I am stalled on a three masted tall ship. It is the big project that is staring me in the eye.
Many thanks for the encouragement, I have a huge stash of older kits and they are one by one being built with more frequency as I no longer have a day job. Retirement has given me more hours in a day to enjoy those kits I bought so long ago.
6 November 2022, 00:47