posted 04-19-2015 06:58 PM               

I can't seem to find a definitive replica, all the ones from Russia vary in design. The hardest thing to replicate is the front antennae mounts which come through the outer hemi. Most replicas have the front mount attached to the outer hemi which is easier to build but still wrong.

It's my goal for the next one to have this look although mine might be as simple as a deep grove/panel line.

posted 05-16-2015 10:25 PM               

I'm pretty happy with this one, in my opinion it's better than the one's I've built before because it has a few more details, the main one is the part line in the rear hemi which is where the real one would have it's part line. Some models have a raised bead where this is but I'm not sure that would be accurate, just like the raised pads under the front mounts. Those aren't accurate but most replicas use them because doing them flush will require a lot more work. Maybe the next one...

posted 05-18-2015 04:20 PM               

Here's a pic of the final sitting outside the shop. What you can see in the background is significant. There's a 1/50th Full Stack that is a really nice model and is available for really fair price. It has lots of 3d printed parts and is mounted on a stand that allows multiple orientations.

There's an "assembly line" of five of these in production. If I had the space I'd get one for myself. We discussed doing opening payload doors and that will probably be available down the line. His place is loaded with huge models, it's fantastic! I've been really impressed how good each one has become like the XB-70, YB-49, and B-2, and that's just half of what's being built.

posted 06-10-2016 11:25 PM               

This replica is the first to have a detail it's always needed but was hard to replicate. It's where the rear hemi is split. We also used 3D printed steel parts for the front mount which gave it a very subtle bronze tint that makes it look vintage.