Just wondering if there are any differences between the older Monogram 1/48 B-29 and the current Revell offering. Is Revell using the same molds as the Monogram kit or is it something new? Which kit, if they are different, is the best buy? Are there any alternatives?
Thanks,
RODC
It’s a rebox of the old Monogram kit. The decals may be different, but the plastic is the same. There are no alternatives in 1/48, but Minicraft/Academy offers one in 1/72.
Regards, Rick
They are the same kit. Originally released by Monogram, but now sold under the Revell banner since the acquisition of Monogram by Revell. This is the only B-29 kit in 1/48 scale.
OK…thanks guys…easy answer. I may opt for Revell’s kit just because I’m afraid of plastic warping due to age with the Monogram one.
Thanks for the info…
RODC
The latest release of the B-29 from Monogram (RMX) 85-5711 has the Hamilton Standard propellors and a new radome/radar equipment on a seperate spruem, decals are new. The rest of the kit is the same as the old Monogram B-29
It’s available at: http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcart/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=RMX5711
The newer release is also supposed to come with an alternate set of propellers. One set cuffed and one set uncuffed. That was one of the gripes about the original Monogram release was that the original issue had later production props not used widely on WWII B-29s.
RODC,
Just dropping my two cents here, but I recently bought the Revell B-29. I hope you weren’t thinking of building one of the atomic bombers, no decals. The good news is that Fat Man and Little Boy are both still on new release of the kit. I haven’t been able to find Enola Gay or Bock’s Car decals though, even aftermarket. Oh well, plenty of other subjects out there! Happy Building!
Just picked up the kit at my LHS…holy crap…what a monster…can’t wait to get it assembled…
RODC
Enola Gay was in block letters. Even though no one has made the decals, I believe the name and number 82 can easily be made with rub on letters and numbers.
Superscale did the Enola Gay markings, they were also included in some boxings of the Monogram kit. I think the atomic bombs have always been included, or at least they seem to be in all 3 of the kits I have, one of which is 5600 from 1977 and has the Shep Paine leaflet. Markings in that one are for Thumper, so it must not be the first issue which for some reason I am almost certain had Bock’s Car and Enola Gay markings.
Anoither nice set of decals for the kit is Superscale 48-45, Joltin Josie, Battlin Bettie, and Thunderbird. These all have great nose art.
Here is the Superscale sheet, which does not include the stars and bars etc, just what you see here. No. 48-569. The Enola Gay lettering is almost plain block, but not quite.
