OK. For just over a year now… ok maybe it’s been two now, I have been looking for and collecting 1/48 scale kits for all US WWII airplanes. These are planes that were either used, or created during the period of 1941 - 1945. Essentially if it is listed on the American Warbirds of WWII website I’m interested in building it at 1/48 scale. Hence the unattainable goal. Jack Welch would be proud. [:)]
So far I have built or acquired around 30, and I have identified another 29 available or coming soon. According to the aformentioned website that means I’ve only got 129 to go! [:O]
I saw a site for 1/72 scale models. Is there 1/48 I can compare my collected 411 with? <—very colorful excel file btw. [:D]
I know it might be impossible to find certain planes at this scale (i.e. B-36), but you never know. RM is re-releasing the B-29 at this scale. I have built it already at this scale since I came across the 1977 version. Other bombers like the B-26 Marauder and others formerly only available at the 1/72 scale are starting to appear at 1/48.
Again, I’ve got a pretty comprehensive list so far. Anyone willing to contribute to this list, let me know. I should have it posted soon.
I’ve picked up a few 1/48 mostly axis so no help I build the 1/72 b26 as a kid in fact I found it the other day and want to spruce it up. Make it “airworthy” again, never used the decals the first time so I still have them!!
I too have have been on a half-hearted quest similar to yours, Quag. Although I’m now leaning more towards types actually used in combat, I still would like to see a few of the more obscure types produced.
BTW, the B-26 Marauder has been available in 48th for longer than the B-29. There’s the Monogram kit from the 70’s (which is it until the Tamiya kit comes out [;)]) (That’s one of my trademark hopeful jests! So no "Is there REALLY a Tamiya B-26 coming out? posts, please! [:p] ) and then there’s the OLD AMT B-26 from way-back. Not exactly a stellar kit by today’s standards…
The only significant US mediums which have, until fairly recently (read - last ten years or so), not been available in 48th are the A-20 and A-26. There’s the Baltimore and Maryland, but they weren’t used by the US. Not in combat, anyway.
As heavies go, it’d be nice if someone came out with a B-18, B-32 and a PB4Y in 48th. (riiiiiiiiiight!) Also, trainers have been sadly neglected but, given the subject matter and the nature of marketing, that’s quite understandable. Not acceptable, but understandable! [:p]
Oh well, we can only hope!
Fade to Black…
blackwolfscd,
Actually, I just acquired the B-26 (Revell of Germany kit) last week. I think either Roll Models or Squadron had it in stock.
Roll Models, Internet Hobbies, and Squadron both have the A-26 Invader (Revell-Monogram) @ 1/48in stock. I think its new.
As for the A-20 Havoc, I think there are still some old AMT-ERTL kits out there. I got mine from Squadron last Spring, and I think they still have some left.
The A-28/29 Hudson and B24 Liberator are out there too.
Ahh yes the B10s and B18s. The B10s were the first bombers to see action (outside of Dolittle’s B25s and a few B17s), and the B18s almost all got wiped out at Pearl… thus why no one knows much about them.
The heavies are the tough ones (i.e., B32 Dominator). I’m finding odd scales too for some of them, like 1/53 scale for the Lockheed Model 10-A Electra (a.k.a. C-35/ C-36/ C-37) made by Williams Bros. Oh well… maybe if I place it in the diorama at a distance (like in the back) no one will notice. [:D] [:-^]
I’ve found a good number of them though. Lemme know if you’re looking for a specific one. I might be able to find it.
Imagine the B36 Peacemaker, DC-5, Globemaster, Constellation, and Clipper all at 1/48! [:O]