Buffing up on the Buff. A look at 3 1/72 B-52 kits from AMT/Italeri, Revell and Modelcollect
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- Following the release of the brand new modelcollect B-52G in 1/72 scale, I compare it to two tusty old kits of the same aircraft from different era's.
It's a long video, so here are some timelines you can jump to so you dont have to suffer the full one hour of my voice... rambling on and on and on.. EDIT.. Since making this film I have noticed a couple of issues with the Modelcollect kit when built. The engines and external tanks hang parallel with the ground whereas they should point upwards. it does appear that the U/C legs are too short as pointed out here because the gear doors are nearly touching the ground when built.
2:58 Fuselage
8:40 Wings
18:55 Tailplanes
23:10 Fin
24:24 Pylons
28:30 Undercarriage
35:53 Interior detail
42:50 Painting guide and decals
52:10 Summary
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I was a crew chief on both the D and the H models at Dyess AFB, TX. It is by far, my favorite aircraft. My last D model (56-0689) is now sitting at RAF Duxford, UK. Despite what the folks from Carswell AFB, TX say. she was assigned to Dyess prior to departure from the US. The B52D used J-57-19W and J-57-29WA (both water injected). The B52H currently uses TF-33 turbofan engines. The landing gear on the wings are called tip protection gear.
My wife tells me the middel part of the video was as enjoyable as the start and end. Lesson to self; don't start to watch a long video on a cold night in a warm room on a full stomach at the end of hard day. But seriously thanks for the comparison as this was very instructive.
Brian Kirwan full stomach, hard day, warm room, wife. Oh dear, why on earth are you watching my bloody videos?? You should be watching a good movie!!
Just now getting around to watching this. Nice review. I wish I still had my old monogram kit.
I had to laugh when you mentioned the seats reminded you of two guys cruising around town in their Ford Granada. I used to do just that and never realized we were just replicating the B-52 kit I was building at the time. The AMT kit was 94' and the Granada was about 77', good times.
Great informative video .i made the Monogram kit almost 35 yrs ago . SAC version . Took almost a year to complete especially painting it .
Thanks for video I was so undersided which kit to buy glad I watched it so bought the same revell kit .
Glad it was helpful!
Benchmark video on how to compare different kits of the same aircraft. Wish other online reviewers would watch and learn. Thanks for taking the time to do this. I have a number of AMT and Revell B-52 kits, but have held off on the Modelcollect so far....)
Just an FYI, the Air Force went to the two tone camouflage patterns in the 90s. Prior to that, it was three tone. For a while in the 80s, the three tone was wraparound; before that the underside was painted white. Back during the Vietnam era, a lot of the undersides were painted black. During that time, you would also see the silver top and white underside paint scheme as well. Currently, the paint scheme is a single tone dark gray. (Or at least it was the last time I saw one.)
It IS actually 3 tone, but the 36118 Gunship Grey and the 36081 are VERY close, the 118 is used on the bottom of the wings according to the T.O. that explains the camouflage.
Good review. I'm a B52 nut, along with any other USAAF/USAF aircraft. Grew up on Airfix, love Monogram 1/48 scale A/C and always looking for the best from the hobby. I have 3 Monogram B52's done a B52F converted from the 'D' using AMT B52G engines. I have 2 AMT B52's finished a G and H. On the workbench is 4 AMT B52's 2 x G's and 3 x H's models. Oh and 2 x Italeri ones in the store room. If I was to say I was looking forward to the Modelcollect kit is an understatement. But my reservations were well founded, and now proven correct.. Unless the Chinese manufacturers can't get a vise to the USA then they will be building moulds by guess work. There are untold numbers of B52's on display in the USA that can be accessed for people like model companies. There is a B52G in Darwin Australia that you sit under the bomb bay and watch movies on the TV at the end with the doors open to see all. If cost is an issue in making these kits why bother. On the other hand if you wan't to go into the Aircraft field at least do you homework right. Yeah you have heard the complaints and redone the nose and tail as a aftermarket purchase for the B52G. You should supply it free if the buyer had the B52G already. Moving on; Modelcollect, stop production of the B52 G stop production of the B52H and fix all the simple problems as pointed out in this review. (he his spot with them), go to the USA and re do all your measurements re visit you photos which are obviously wrong. Take new more up to date photos of all angles. Your mould makers need to be on the same sheet of music with your Auto CAD drawing team. They need to be on the same sheet as the research team. You currently have three teams that don't talk to each other. Take the new Date and make ones of the current models and make the moulds correct. Your costs will be rewarded with a better model. Sales and criticism will change. If reviews like this one keep coming up no one will buy either kit. All we want is an accurate kit in that scale. The moulding processes now are well and truly advance so there is no excuses. I have Canceled my orders for the G and the H and will look at the AMT kit to revamp with the help of a 3D printer, and a Resin printer. Thanks for the review Nigel. Regards
Bill from Australia
B 52 A through G models had four 50mm guns and the H model used a Vulcan cannon until the change to electronics in the tail section.
The D-F versions carried .50 caliber Browning M3 air-cooled machine guns in the tail turret. Not '50 millimeter' cannons!
Thanks. Helped me decide which kit to build.
I've been looking for a Buffy kit. Thanks for the comparison Nigel
Nigel, the seats you mention, in the B-52G and H they used a variant of Weber (WAC) seat similar to ones used in the F-100 or F-102, with some modifications making it suitable for crew operation rather than single pilot. The parachute backpack style fit into the seat is a standard B18 chute used even on an F-5 and F-104 aircraft.
Id go for the classic Monogram kit...with the X-15
Great review Nigel, I am very impressed. I use to work on these big planes years ago. Going to search for a Modelcollect kit soon.
Thank you for sharing. Your brother in modeling, JIM.
Today I went to the atomic museum and I saw one of the b52s there
Nice video, thanks for the comparison
I know everything is cost driven, but today, any model manufacturer just needs to do their research, and when deciding to do a subject, just get it right the first time! There should be no need for correction kits and the like. The basic components/shape for a given subject (fuselage (to include nose and tail section), wings, canopies, etc) should be accurate! I think most modelers would be happy if the basic items were dead on accurate, knowing most of the other stuff could be handled by the aftermarket crowd, if necessary. In other words, Modelcollect knew, or should have known, the issues or problems with past kits, fixed those and then should have gone on to produce the definitive B-52 in 1/72 and not do what they did, just add another iteration with its own flaws and problems! Just sayin'. Disappointing.
I loaded bombs on the B52 from 1970-1974.
Went to Thailand in 1971-1972.great bird.Think it was a H and G model.
That's me in the thumb nail loading 500 lb bombs.
Hi Nigel,
This is one of my favorite modern Bomber subjects. Since my childhood I've been liking B52 bombers. Ones I like most are earlier A to E models. F was kinda hybrid between E and G. Never liked G and H models. Why maybe because I like big planes and short tails on G and H just doesn't do much for me. I went through this review and really liked how detailed it is and how you compared differences between original 1968 Monogram B-52D kit with newer AMT B-52G and Modelcollect's B-52H kits. I am surprised how wrong AMT's aft fuselage is! Now 6mm thickness gap difference is alot when main structure of all B-52s is same when it comes to exterior and interior difference with nose cones, tails, tail cones and engines are different between variants.
I was going to buy later G and H kits but have decided not to as you have very nicely covered these difference between these kits.
Very informative. It looks like the Monogram/Revell kit is still a viable alternative.
Sure is!! If you keep looking at the MC kit you'll keep finding errors.
Nigel’s Modelling Bench
So Nigel, in your humble and professional opinion, I should not buy the Modelcollect Buff if I already possess the AMT one????
@@michaelgarapic6276 I am no professional, but I guess I'm pretty humble?? In all honesty I wouldn't buy this kit, perhaps wait for the H? But I will say this.. every time I look at this review I see more stuff i missed which is in error. A kit bash of all three would be good, but you wouldnt use much of the MC kit?
Nigel’s Modelling Bench
Thanks Nigel!!!!
Before this video I was waiting on the Modelcollect B-52D (I am a fan of the early B-52s). However looks like I need to start watch online for the old Revellogram kit. Also would probably need to buy annual pass for my local museum since they have RB-52B on the display.
Hi Alex. If you take a look over on ARC.com you'll get a better idea of whats going on there. Modelcollect are listening to people on there and may retool for the D version, though I personally think that's unlikely. Most of the errors here have carried over to the H version, but they have now promised a correction set for the G with new nose, tail end and wing strakes. It's available on their website, but you have to pay for it!!
Thanks for the info. Still would be on lookout for cheap Revellogram. My problem with the B-52 is not only I like the plane but we have 2 in the area on the public display. The B model and H model. So anything like "wrong wing roots", "wrong pylons" or worse "wrong nose shape" would bother me really bad.
nice vid.glad you took the time to do it.just what i wanted to see..i comparison of the 3 makers of the 1/72 b-52 ..ive always loved the b-52..i have two built,a revell/monogram d and a amt h..got an amt g and another monogram d in me stash,dont think ill go for the modelcollect kit it doesnt seem that much better than the other two...was hoping for a really great kit
I was hoping for a better kit too mate.
In 1:72nd scale, panel lines, raised or recessed, seem academic to me. If raised (e.g., at 3:52), I gently would remove them. Some would like to impart the stressed skin effect on the airframe's exterior, and this would be a good time to effect that. In a visit to the USAF Museum in Vandalia, Ohio several years past, I had the opportunity to see up close this unusual characteristic; I am seriously myopic, and I had asked permission to inspect closely key details. (I only wish that I had the use of a good camera and a tripod.)
The resolution with them lies in the finish; that is, which paint scheme one selects: 1) natural metal: bare metal foil would offer the brightest sheen; differentiating the orientation of the final polishing in its application would distinguish a panel from its adjoining ones. If the model also has the anti-flash white, a fine number 6 draughtsman's pencil aught to offer a subtle indication; given the relative newness of such an aircraft, one should not require much more.
2) a white dorsal surface and light grey along the sides and the ventral area: as with the previous, highlights with the pencil should suffice.
3) the Southeast Asian camouflage scheme: the dorsal surface with the three natural earth colours might require black paint or ink; scribing beforehand may be necessary to facilitate this. As for the black, offsetting contiguous panels with matte and semigloss finishes, or at most, hints of extremely dark greys, ought to serve here; subtle weathering could prove adequate further to enhance these distinctions.
Hi Nigel i'm fairly new back into the hobby and have enjoyed your videos so much and learnt alot from you too ... i've mainly being doing armour but i would love to give a B52 a bash .. any recommendations for a beginner modeller and taking into account the monogram kit is so hard to find now especially in australia at a reasonable price
Hi Steve. The GWH kit in 1/144 is very nice.
Thank you .. will look for one
Thanks for the review, Have you seen modelcollect's B-52H kit?
yes, it's an improvement but still has major shape issues.
Looking at photos it doesn't appear the tail section of the D an G are the same profile. IMO where the Italeri kit goes wrong is the width at the forward edge of the horizontal stab. The G appears to narrow significantly more from this point backward than the D.
Mark McQueen I thought this but then when you really look into it you’ll see they’re probably the same. I think the extension and lighting makes the tail look slimmer.
@@NigelsModellingBench I agree. Could be the extension does have that effect as the sides look a bit more parallel.
Hi, I was thinking to build a 52H model one but kinda wonder should I go for Revell one and buy conversion set from Buff master design or just go straight to Model Collect for latter H standard one? Please give me advices, thanks!
Hi Larry. The Buff master stuff is hard to get now and was never brilliant anyhow.
Those differences in fuselage tail width between the H and the D models can be explained. The D housed a live tail gunner in the rear of the aircraft and it had to be wide enough to at least comfortably accommodate his shoulders. The H and the G had tail guns operated remotely from up front hence they were built narrower in the tails.
The tail was the same size on Gs and Hs as the A thru F.
Rodney,
Seeing as this thread suggests that quite detailed technical information is being dealt with here, your very general reply doesn’t provide enough information to support your position. Please try again.
The earlier B-52Ds have taller tailplanes.
I think you mean Fin?
Hybrid of all 3?
I know what you mean Paulo. The modelcollect kit, at £69.95 makes a great kit bash option as it is cheaper than buying all the resin sets.
Nigel’s Mustang and Models I had pre-ordered it last November, along with their B-2, but as time went by, I saw that it wasn't going to be the ultimate Buff I was expecting... As I also have the amt one,(2 in fact) I though, maybe... Like you said, there are wonderful details some parts, and on some... It looks like it was put together by different departments!
And what about The Italeri BUFF? I have three. Just hope I didn't buyunworthy kits...
@@Emergency785 The Italeri is the old AMT kit. Not at all unworthy!!
So, is the model collect kit the better kit thne?
Good question... good enough to make me produce another video on this subject.