Say a prayer for me ! First time model builder but I’m bound and determined to build this model since I actually saw the last prototype flying over my head in 1953 (long distance flying and altitude testing). It left such a impression on me that I swore I would build this kit someday. Any help anyone can give me before I start this project would be appreciated.
Thanks so much !
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Now that’s exciting! I’d say get Tamiya Extra Thin glue, have a lot of patience (don’t rush), and keep your hands clean. Enjoy and post your progress!
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Best wishes on your project!
Unfortunately, the XB-35/YB-49 kits have almost no aftermarket to improve or correct them. There are no Eduard PE sets, resin tires, 3-D cockpit instruments, or even decals. The biggest problem with the kits is their cavernous intakes, represented by shallow depressions with a screen texture in the back. Frankly I am shocked that the aftermarket companies have overlooked these incredible looking models.
I wrote to one decal maker suggesting a comprehensive XB-35/YB-49 sheet with insignia, buzz numbers and stencils, but was politely told that they were not interested.
I think there is a canopy mask set out there. But other than an OOP resin conversion kit for the YRB-49 by Muroc Models, I have not turned up anything else.
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I think as a first time builder out of the box is best. Get 'er done!
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I wish you the very best with this project! Amazing subject, I fell in love with the Flying Wings while watching the 1953 movie The War of the Worlds. But so far, I’ve only managed to build CyberHobby’s 1/200 rendering of the XB-35.. Beautiful little kit, by the way. I’ve owned both 1/72 Italeri’s kits, but they are too large for me.
I’m excited about starting on this project! Will photograph my progress so you all can tell me what a mess I’m making ! Ha Ha. Believe me, I don’t think this model is large at all…not after actually seeing the REAL YB49 fly over my head. I thought it was from outer space. I plan on using the Metallic Silver " Rub n Buff" on it as that is what the real bomber looked to be while flying. Will take advise on getting the Tamiya thin glue. Thanks everyone!
Opened the box and “gulped” !..but I am a patient person! I’ll get it finished! (Women have smaller hands…might help with the tedious little parts!) Ordered Metallic Silver “Rub n Buff”, as the actual YB49 was very “silvery”. Will take progress photos. Thanks everyone!
Have fun, that’s the most important thing to remember. It’s a hobby.
And I agree, build it out of the box, enjoy the process. Too many people take use aftermarket supplies-photo-etch, resin, etc-but it’s really not necessary, to enjoy yourself. That is, aftermarket is not a requirement, it’s a preference.
I look forward to seeing your build!
Best regards,
Brad
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I presume you’re building the AMT/Ertl (Italeri re-boxing) kit? It’s the only one I know of.
I skipped this one (and the B-35 Flying Wing) when it was released in the 1990s. But recently, I acquired both, along with a B-2, to build a full set of flying wings.
Take your time on the paint work. I can’t claim that my paint job is 100% accurate, but I did base my work off photos I found online.
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Bought the Tamiya Extra Thin Glue…and all of the “tools” that I thought I might be needing. I’m on a roll ! 
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Is this a common practice…AMT/Ertl (Italeri re-boxing)? Was there a older kit at one time? I just noticed they were getting a little scarce, so thought I needed to buy this kit while they were still available. I’ve been looking at them for a few years now.
Yes, this is a typical practice. Companies cease to operate, other companies acquire those molds.
The AMT/Ertl release was in 1995, and appears to have been the first injection-molded kitting of this aircraft. Italeri acquired the molds to release the kit in 2008. And there is a 1/200 kit from a manufacturer that I’ve never heard of. Otherwise, there seem to be a lot of vacuformed kits of the YB-49.
https://www.scalemates.com/search.php?fkSECTION%5B%5D=Kits&q=Northrop+YB-49*
Be still my beating heart! There’s bigger ones! I see a 1:144. OK, let me get this one together then start the search for the larger one. Thank you so very much !
No, you’ve got the big one. 1/72 is one inch on the model equals 72 inches (6 feet) of the real thing. 1/144 is one inch to 144 (12 feet), so half the size. The 1/200 is smaller yet.
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Oh…I’m sorry ! Never made a model before ! LOL
The 1/200 kits (XB-35 and XB-49 are both kitted) are from CyberHobby, that was part of Dragon. Dragon is now out of the picture, but those CyberHobby kits were already hard to find before. Pity because those are very neat kits. Their XB-70 is superb too.
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Make certain you have a place to display it!
If it is in the open be prepared to dust it, that’s a big flat surface.
Have fun! I had the YB-35 model but just didn’t have space to show it off when done so I sold it on. Looking forward to seeing yours.