#29 - GinjaNinja's Academy 1/72 USAAF B-29A "Bockscar"

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Tue Jun 19, 2018 9:56 pm

Hello there,

Once again I am a bit late to the party but started this a week or so ago but just haven't found the time to get the pictures uploaded.
So here we go as the title suggests I am going to attempt to build a B-29 in 1/72 scale in the livery of the infamous Bockscar. This is the plane that dropped the Plutonium implosion device "Fat Man" on Nagasaki on 9th August 1945. There is loads of info on the plane and mission over at wikipedia if anyone is interested https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_Man.

Anyways here are the obligatory box and sprue shots...

by 1975GinjaNinja, on Flickr

Its full of plastic as you would expect

by 1975GinjaNinja, on Flickr

by 1975GinjaNinja, on Flickr

Some nice Cartograf decals.

by 1975GinjaNinja, on Flickr

More close ups of the sprues, there appears to be some nice detail on these from my inexperienced eye

by 1975GinjaNinja, on Flickr

by 1975GinjaNinja, on Flickr

Anyways I will post more later...

(Promise)

Nige

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Tue Jun 19, 2018 10:03 pm

Ok Bit more of the admin stuff with some quick pictures of the instructions for completeness..

by 1975GinjaNinja, on Flickr

by 1975GinjaNinja, on Flickr

Next post I promise to get onto what I have actually managed to build, I have done some actual modelling on this honest.

Nige

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Tue Jun 19, 2018 10:25 pm

So as with most planes I start with the cockpit. Lots of nice detail on this especially for 1/72 scale.
Got the main cockpit and the rear sub-assemblies together and primed in Ultimate black primer. Tricky to get a decent pic of these but here are a couple:

by 1975GinjaNinja, on Flickr

by 1975GinjaNinja, on Flickr

Next I laid down a base colour of Tamiya XF-71 – cockpit green.

by 1975GinjaNinja, on Flickr

and then I think I have spent far too long detailing up these pieces but there is something about detailing and weathering cockpits that I really find relaxing, think it could actually be one of the favourite parts of making a model for me.

by 1975GinjaNinja, on Flickr

by 1975GinjaNinja, on Flickr

There you go some actual bits of plastic glued and painted - doesn't happen that often on my bench so thank you for putting this SIG together and giving me some extra motivation to build stuff again.

Cheers for looking

Nige

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Wed Jun 20, 2018 12:43 am

For 1/72 it's looking damn good

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Jun 20, 2018 6:21 am

Better late than never

Thanks for finding the time and joining us, plenty of time to finish off
I welcome you to the sig and wish you good luck with your build

Scott

alextheblue · Post by **alextheblue** » Wed Jun 20, 2018 9:16 am

Great looking cockpit!

Got to agree, there is something almost zen like when it comes to detail painting.

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Wed Jun 20, 2018 12:49 pm

That's a nice looking kit

and you're not hanging about, good to have you along with us

Post by **Tomcat64** » Thu Jun 21, 2018 9:18 am

Blimey you're cracking on with that aren't you! Lovely work on the cockpit already.

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 12:45 pm

Hold on I don't want people getting the wrong idea of the speed that I build kits. This has taken me a couple of weeks in total so far, I just got a bit lazy in uploading the photos and posting.
For heavens sake don't say I am speedy at building models. I still haven't finished one this year yet... Oh other than my pre Christmas buddy build with Paul that I finally finished around March time - better late than never

Although with all that said I am thoroughly enjoying this build and have pretty much finished the interior now so will try to get a pic up later when home from work.

Thanks again for taking the time to look,

Nige

Les0012 · Post by **Les0012** » Tue Jun 26, 2018 9:19 pm

I'm late getting to this one, glad I managed to catch up with you as you are doing a fine job, looking good

Les

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 11:36 pm

Many thanks for kind comments.

I'm now progressing at my usual relaxed pace.
It's taken some time but just about got the interior all finished as can be seen in the piccies...

Also started the wings and tail. Couldn't resist dry fitting it all together. Oh it's a big one that's for sure. And hoodoo see that all the interior is now totally hidden;)

Also got the fat man bomb in its first couple of layers of base paint. Hate yellow especially as I did a black primer. Just got to be patient and build up those layers nice and thinly.

Well that's it for now. Hope to get it closed up, gaps filled and sanded this weekend. Also need to order some paint for it. I am planning on trying the ammo xtreme metals for the first time on this project.

Anyways thanks for taking the time to look.

Cheers

Nige.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Fri Jun 29, 2018 1:09 am

Some excellent work
Great pic for the live show

InvalidUsername · Post by **InvalidUsername** » Sun Jul 01, 2018 3:04 am

Awesome work on that interior!

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sun Jul 01, 2018 5:01 pm

Some lovely work going on here

alextheblue · Post by **alextheblue** » Sun Jul 01, 2018 7:28 pm

That is a spectacular interior anxious you're winning the war against the dreaded yellow paint as well!

Post by **Tomcat64** » Mon Jul 02, 2018 10:22 am

Beautiful work mate - absolutely stunning interior

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 11:21 pm

Right finally time for an update.

I have been busy beavering away with this and have now got all the little bits painted, well the propellers and motors. Masked of the wheels ready for a bit of silver shiny paint in the middle and applied another couple of coats of yellow to the FatMan.

Primed the wings in Ultimate black and applied a few coats of AK Xtreme Metal Polished Aluminium. First time using this stuff and I must say it sprays beautifully.

Also painted up the engine cowlings but this time put a base layer of the AK Xtreme Metal black base before the polished Al. Does seem to make a difference in the finish.

Also got the fuselage all closed up and canopy masked etc.

Anyways thanks for looking. Next I think is to get the fuselage sprayed in polished asluminium as well. Then i am planning to mask off some panels and spray a few more different shades of aluminium,

Ta

Nige

Les0012 · Post by **Les0012** » Mon Jul 09, 2018 10:43 am

Man she is looking a bit stunning, great work

Les

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 12:57 am

Time for a small update, not done a huge amount. As shown previously I sprayed the wings in Ak xtreme metal polished alminium but have noticed that the finish is streaked. Not sure if it's down.to my poor technique or the fact I didn't use the ak black base? Probably the former. Anyways here a pic to show what I mean...

Hopefully you can see what I mean and have some suggestions.

Anyways I added a bit of white aluminum to the engine cowling as a test to highlighting various panels. Think iquiet like it and will pick out some more panels with different shades.

Once again thanks for looking and all the kind comments so far.

Cheers

Nige

Post by **Tomcat64** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 8:36 am

Very nice work Nige,

Ref the streaking in the metallic paint I've had that previously when I've not stirred it up enough before using it so the density of the metallic particles isn't consistent - not sure if that would be the case for you but may be worth an extra stir?

Danthegoat · Post by **Danthegoat** » Fri Jul 13, 2018 2:53 pm

That interior is mind blowing Nige. Love what you have done. You clearly love doing those interiors

Like the Aluminium finish too very shiny. Those Engines look great too with the different shades of aluminium.

Doing a cracking job mate. Look forward to the next post.

demarcation · Post by **demarcation** » Sat Jul 14, 2018 7:39 am

Nice work so far!!

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Wed Jul 25, 2018 10:30 pm

So it's been a while since my last update.
Spent a lot of time adding different shades of aluminium to the wings to try and break.things up a bit.

Hope it shows upon those pictures but I've masked off random panels and added thediffetent shades.

Might show up a bit better these...

Also tonight managed to get the fuselage base painted. Used the xtreme metal black base and waited about 24 hours...

Before applying the polished aluminium, in total one full bottle used on this!

Also painted up the Bomb bay doors etc so a few more fiddly bits snd highlights on the fuselage and that will be the bulk done?

Well thanks for looking again folks

Ta

Nige

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Thu Jul 26, 2018 1:26 am

wow lots of hrs in the shading work. Looks it as well

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Thu Jul 26, 2018 2:48 pm

digger303 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 26, 2018 1:26 am wow lots of hrs in the shading work. Looks it as well

Not too many really - quiet enjoying this as its my first metal finish model. Always been scared of them in the past but these xtreme metal paints are very nice to spray just got to be careful handing them after.

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Thu Jul 26, 2018 11:18 pm

1975GinjaNinja wrote: ↑Thu Jul 26, 2018 2:48 pm
digger303 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 26, 2018 1:26 am wow lots of hrs in the shading work. Looks it as well

Not too many really - quiet enjoying this as its my first metal finish model. Always been scared of them in the past but these xtreme metal paints are very nice to spray just got to be careful handing them after.

Finger prints ? Can they be cleaned up ?

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Fri Jul 27, 2018 10:03 am

Basically need to let the paint cure for a good 24 hours before attempting handling and especially masking as the paint is quiet fragile. My biggest problem is getting a good smooth even coverage. Not sure if it's because of the shine on the paint but it does show up the different passes with the airbrush. Made the fuselage quiet tricky. Also think this is concluded just by the sheer size of the model.

DBMiller · Post by **DBMiller** » Mon Jul 30, 2018 12:42 am

Oh, it is looking sweet! Very nice work on the interior!

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Mon Jul 30, 2018 12:50 pm

1975GinjaNinja wrote: ↑Fri Jul 27, 2018 10:03 am Basically need to let the paint cure for a good 24 hours before attempting handling and especially masking as the paint is quiet fragile. My biggest problem is getting a good smooth even coverage. Not sure if it's because of the shine on the paint but it does show up the different passes with the airbrush. Made the fuselage quiet tricky. Also think this is concluded just by the sheer size of the model.

good excuse for getting a bigger airbrush to maintain that wet edge

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Aug 01, 2018 8:10 pm

Last month of the sig

viewtopic.php?f=660&t=25285

Box this sucker up and post at least four pics in a final reveal thread
viewforum.php?f=662

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Sun Aug 05, 2018 12:00 am

Twokidsnosleep wrote: ↑Wed Aug 01, 2018 8:10 pm Last month of the sig

viewtopic.php?f=660&t=25285

Box this sucker up and post at least four pics in a final reveal thread
viewforum.php?f=662

Well I'm trying. Need to get this buttoned up or as close to as I can this week before going away on my holidays.

So where am I at. Wings now glued on and props fitted. Undercarriage built or the majority anyway, wheel bay and bomb bay doors clear coated. So here are a couple of pictures. Need more x-22 to get it sealed but my local shop hadn't had any in for the last week or so....

Cheers for looking, any comments always welcome.

Nige.

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 12:26 am

Well.a little more progress tonight. The beast now has its landing gear. This by far has been the most annoying part of the build. The instructions are not that clear and it's very very fiddly. Anyways done now, all that awaits are the doors.

Plus all that lead shot I added to the engines has stopped it being a tail sitter, I was a bit worried the landing gear wouldn't hold the extra weight but so far so good...

Cheers again, Im getting there slowly.

Nige

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 12:27 am

Nice Nige, keep up the battle

TommyKillander · Post by **TommyKillander** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 10:37 am

Wow!

The interior and the NMF looks amazing!

Keep up the good work, mate!

Tommy

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 11:45 am

really does look like a big silver bird and I can pick out the different panel colors

Stokesy44 · Post by **Stokesy44** » Sat Aug 18, 2018 9:09 am

Awesome paint job on that NMF - what a beauty.

DBMiller · Post by **DBMiller** » Mon Aug 27, 2018 2:26 pm

Great build and paint job! That looks to be a pretty good kit, too. (Another one for the list I guess.)

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Wed Aug 29, 2018 1:09 pm

Well I had hoped to be posting in the reveal thread by now as it was looking like this...

but the proverbial hit the fan as I unmasked the cockpit the other night...

I think the solva set found a way into the cockpit and caused a bit of a problem

So I got a sharp blade and started to carefully remove the clear parts:

One plus is that I got to have a look inside the cockpit again!

Unfortunately upon reattaching the canopy after polishing it all up on the inside with Ultimate sanders and buffers there was still a bit of a nasty gap etc left.

So I did a bit of masking filling and sanding before respraying...

Its not perfect but starting to get there. Fingers crossed I get this beast finished and work out where to put it.

Cheers for looking,

Nige

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Wed Aug 29, 2018 4:22 pm

Well recovered

she's looking good

Post by **Tomcat64** » Thu Aug 30, 2018 9:57 am

Beautiful work and great save on the cockpit glasshouse.

The bare metal finish is absolutely stunning

1975GinjaNinja · Post by **1975GinjaNinja** » Thu Aug 30, 2018 1:14 pm

Kevthemodeller wrote: ↑Wed Aug 29, 2018 4:22 pm Well recovered she's looking good

Tomcat64 wrote: ↑Thu Aug 30, 2018 9:57 am Beautiful work and great save on the cockpit glasshouse.

The bare metal finish is absolutely stunning

Many thanks for the kind words, really appreciate that. After a fight last night I actually managed to get the ez line antenna to stick! So all I need to do now is get some nice piccies of it all as I am calling it done!!!!!

Cheers

Nige