Finally: A B-36

[Epap]

I can't say how long I've been looking for a decent metal replica of the B-36----but it's been a long time. So,imagine my delight when I saw a 1:200th scale B-36 made by Western Models up for bids on eBay a few weeks ago. I was all over the model in a last second bidding contest. And I won. Here are two pictures of this hefty model, which has a wingspan of about 14 inches:

[Epap]

And a side view:

[MichaelB]

Beautiful!
Isn't Western back to producing and selling models? ...perhaps under a different name?

[Epap]

Thanks, Mike. I believe that the company, which was launched in 1973, ran into difficulties but has since continued to produce mostly airliner models. I'm not certain who is currently in charge, however.

[grwebster]

Very unusual model. I seem to recall John Alcott making some in 1/200 out of aluminum. He sold them to his circle of collector friends and at toy shows in England. 20 years ago or so. I thought he then allowed Western to sell them but the one you got, Ed, is different that Alcotts. His didn't have a wing/fuselage seam.
John also modified Dinky castings to make Connie C-121s etc.

[Epap]

It is a most unusual model, GR. However, I have to make a number of mods on this one. One of its observation ports is missing---I've replaced it---and the various air scoops need to be painted black as does the forward portion of the radar dome. Also, they didn't bother to indicate the two bomb bays and there are other smaller changes/additions in store. So much to do----so little time. Sigh!

[scottw]

That is a beautiful piece. Would LOVE to have one. B-36's are not given the exposure they deserve, in my opinion.

[MichaelB]

B-36s have about one example in each collecting area.
Yonezawa (IIRC) made a fabulous tin B-36.
MPC has a tiny plastic one.
..we already know about the modern Western die cast B-36.
The rare Mercury issue fits the "classic" die cast bill.
Nothing from PP or similar!
The Revell B-36 plastic model kit is a classic.

What's missing are "modern" issues, like from AeroClassics and similar, or in a series like the Postage Stamp line.
There is an article on the "new" B-36 at Pima, which they took from us here in Texas...

It's such a unique airplane, that it always gets attention. On the other hand, it is such a LARGE airplane the makers seem to avoid it.

[Tomtom]

Don't forget Monograms LARGE 1/72 model kit,a beauty.
Western seems to be back,I see the Electra,and Constellation for sale,box is different than the other older models,so there is hope that others will follow.

[MichaelB]

10-4 on the Mono B-36 - a stunning kit! But I didn't see it as a collectible or toy for this discussion. It dates from the mid '70s and never had the "collectors" cache that the much smaller Revell version did - which dates from 1954 and is one of the original Revell releases!
In that regard the two other B-36 plastic model kits, one from Comet and the other from Aurora, are very collectible - primarily because of their wonderful box-art!
Again, except for occasionally mentioning a classic "plastic model kit", I feel they are mostly off-topic for this forum. I love 'em and have an extensive collection, but we discuss them over at scalemodelingnostalgia or box-art, both yahoogroups.
Join me there!
Michael