Hello everyone. I’m just starting to get back into modeling after maybe 10 years. I’d like to build models of the 6 aircraft of my guard unit. 5 of these aircraft are easy to find. The one that is eluding me is the RB-57 Canberra. Have you guys come across any kits of this plane or know where to look? Also do you know a good place that does custom decals? Thanks!
Airfix made a 1:72 scale RB-57E and Italiari did a 1:72nd scale B-57 that If I recall correctly could be built as an RB-57. Airfix recently did a few B-57s in 1:48th scale but I do not recall the RB-57 being an option!
Was it an RB-57A model with the bubble canopy rather than the tadem like the B-57Bs? If so, Airfix made some early Canberra models in 1/72 that can be modified into an A model. I think that they might have come out with some in 1/48 that might be usable as well. What unit/state were you in? Microscale has 1/48 decals for RB-57B’s with the 154th TRS of the Arkansas Air National Guard. Other states will have to be cobbled together from various of the sheets for air guard planes.
I think that I have a link for a conversion article on a RB-57A. I’ll find it and post it for you.
Good luck and welcome back to modeling!
Dave
Here are the posts that I mentioned for the RB-57A builds:
154th T.R.S.:
Those are B-57As (RB-57As) with the British style “Canberra” teardrop canopy. The early B-57s built under license by Martin are this version of the B-57. Airfix did do a 1/72nd kit of the early Canbera as well as a 1/48 scale version of that airplane. I do not recall if either of those kits have the clear nose piece that would be on an RB-57A. There is a Real RB57A sitting on display at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti MI that had been with the Air Force Reserve or National Guard unit in MI. I look forward to your build. I like the B-57 in black. I saw a B57 b start up while I was in SEA and thought it was on fire. The cartrige starter makes a ton of smoke.
We had A and C models. 152nd High Rollers Nevada ANG. Thanks for the info. You guys really know your stuff!
Most if not all of the pictures I have found displaying our Canberras (152nd High Rollers Nevada ANG) were the tandem seating C model, but I would built either the A or C model. I will look into these, thank you!
I’ll look into these thank you!
Hi Golds388
If you are building in 1/72 there is the High planes RB.57A but it’s not an easy kit to build but it is a good accurate representation of the RB.57A. The only other option is a bit of kit bashing using the Airfix B.57B and an Aeroclub nose. This is a link to a build I did using the Aeroclub nose it’s a British Canberra but the same method would apply to the RB.57A
If it’s 1/48 you have a few options, there are no kits, so again you can cross kit the Airfix kit the B.57B with the nose off the B,2 kit, you can do the same with the Classic Airframes kit’s. There was a resin nose made by Lone Star but as far as I know it is no longer around. If you’re looking for reference on the B.57 take a look at my site IPMS UK Canberra SIG.
Regards
John
I’ll certainly look into it. To be honest though, I have no experience with my own modification of model kits. I’m definitely open to the idea though. Thank you very much!
Back in the late 60s, early 70s there was a vacuum kit of the RB-57, but I haven’t seen one in some time.
Having just posted a USAF Museum picture under Aircraft Photography, I remembered that an RB-57D was there. There was at least one, maybe more, other models there also. Cool aircraft, really long wings! Also there’s a B-57 on a stick at the AFB in Topeka Ks.
As a kid in the '50s, A B-57 piloted by a local would occasionally buzz our little town causing me to freak out and build the model. Memories, need to build a new one I think!
Max
Correction: The Museum has two models, the RB-57D and B-57B (EB).
Definitely an interesting aircraft! Has a cool history too. They were the beginning of our units recon mission. We moved on to RF-101s and RF-4s. Even had camera on our C-130s for a bit. I am planning to build them all (including our old P-51s and F-86s) and displaying them in our shop.
Hmm;
Back in the day , Revell did the B-57 . I do not know more than it had the American style tandem cockpit . And it was a cool looking plane . T.B.
Hi TB
You’re right, the old Revell kit is a B.57B, but an odd scale, something like 1/80 scale? and not very good on detail, it was re released recently with a very smart decal option, if you build it weels up on a stand it looks quite good though.
John
Very nice photos of ANG RB.57A’s thanks for posting!
John
Thanks. They werew a gift from the squadron commander after I pulled him over for a D.U.I. on Littlerock.