I am planning to build "Eternal Guardian" from the Revell/Mono kit with the aid of the AM bits but am drawing a blank as regards the camo pattern - which it is said is the “Strategic Camoflage Scheme”. I have a side view in the new Osprey book and also the FS Nos. I am sure this question has been asked and answered before - but please suffer the elderly - can any one direct me to the “pattern” - e.g. a three view or similar. I have searched various books etc. but no luck. It is odd that out of all the info on the B52 (an incredible machine) there seems nothing on the livery! Thanks in advance - BW Take 2 and Yardbird etc???
“Officially” the D, G & H model BUFFs all had the same camouflage pattern. The D of course, had the black lower surfaces that extended about 80% of the way up the sides and the all black vertical fin. The real life patterns differed a fair amount, depending on where and when they were painted. The pictures that I have looked at in the last few minutes show the G & H to be pretty much identical, but a fair amount of deviation from the D, especially on the fuselage where it transitions from the top to the sides.
The book, “B-52G/H” by Dennis R Jenkins, Aerofax 1990, one of their Datagraph series has some good shots of both models. [alien]
miduppergunner:
I have posted the B-52 white belly camo scheme here: http://www.blairphoto.com/b-52paintscheme.jpg . It is for the old two tone green and very pale blue green over white camo, sometimes called the “SIOP” scheme. This is the official Air Force painting guide, inclucing the FS numbers.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for the information. I can use that diagram myself. None of my references show it that clearly. FS34079 is one of the standard greens used in all USAF SEA camouflage schemes. FS34159 is what Model Master paints calls, “SAC Bomber Green”. FS34201 is what MM calls, “SAC Bomber Tan”. Those are the three top and side colors SAC used throughout ARC LIGHT in Viet Nam on both the D and G models, as well as the H models that stayed in the US. I think SAC used those same colors all the way through until they started with the overall gray. [alien]
miduppergunner I too made a model of the Eternal Guardian used in the 1st Gulf War. This B-52 came from Loring AFB ME. It took bombing missions from Deigo Garcia, 4300th BW. The aircraft I made was a Monogram kit and conversion parts from OK models now long gone. I did some research on Gulf War 52’s and it appears that they were painted overall gunship gray with green patchs top and sides # 34086. After reading your note I went downstairs and dusted off my Eternal Guardian . What a mess, I guess it’s been awhile on the shelf. Where did you get the decals ? I might want to make this B-52 again. Good luck on your 52. The B-52’s are my 2nd favorite plane, B-17’s are #1 . Keep them flying!!! outdoorsman
Many thanks Outdoorsman (are you) - the decals came from Almark via Airwaves - now part of Hannants in the UK. Almark I think are no longer producing these decals!!! The AM kit came from Airwaves and Hannants may be producing them now. It was (on my part) one of those very rare occasions when I timed it just right with my purchase. A few weeks later they closed for business. The diagramme I have in the Osprey book shows (side view only) dark gunship grey with green patches with the underside a lighter grey. I am perplexed - how come it is so difficult to find a pattern?? We have a “D” in the Duxford museum. It is now indoors and “buried” by a number of other a/c. Curiously it seems much smaller than when it was in the open!
Many thanks Crewchief - wish I coud boast an a/c like that - I would live in it!!! (Provided it stayed on the ground).
actually you could live in a BUFF it has a toilet facility, bunks and a Galley
Thanks but no … I suggested this to she who must be obeyed as an alternative to the house we plan to retire to - I now have to type this with one hand. Any suggestions as to how I can now use an airbrush pending recovery???
can you duct tape it to your hand because if your fingers still work you can use an airbrush[:D]
miduppergunner After the reply yesterday about the B-52, I went through several boxes of parts and decals, and found B-52 Stratofortress which included the Eternal Guardian. It’s Microscale 72-0152 . Chances of finding another sheet is probably not too good. The Tactical camo scheme carried by B-52’s is fs 34086, top and sides, fs 34081 , bottom, top, and sides and fs 36118 bottom. And answer to your are you, yes I am an outdoorsman. I climb mountains , hike, camp , fish and some hunting too. And of course build too many models. Have a good day!! outdoorsman
Many thanks again - however i am still without the “pattern”. Any idea of the email address for SAC???
SAC… Strategic Air Command does not exist any more. If you can find it, there was a book put out by Dana Bell called “USAF Colors & Markings in the 1990s” that has that scheme. I don’t have time to scan and post it right now, but I will this evening. It has a three view diagram, including the bottom.