1:144 B-29 Superfortress

The Superfortress over the Pacific

A four engine bomber with a pressurized cabin and remotely controlled turrets was a machine from another world for its time. From the islands taken in the Pacific it reached the Japanese archipelago, and it was these flights that changed the close of the war. The set brings the markings of two specific machines: a bomber of a unit that operated within a wing committed against Japanese targets, and a reconnaissance version whose crews flew over a target before everybody else, to bring back the photographs a raid was planned from.

What the sheet covers

• Markings for two machines, a bomber and a reconnaissance one
• Nose names for both forms
• Fuselage numbers and unit markings
• Scale 1:144, that is for small kits of four engine bombers

Decals on polished metal

The Superfortress was largely left unpainted and flew in bare metal, which for a decal means the hardest possible base. A glossy surface is ideal for carrying a decal, but every imperfection shows on it. It therefore pays to cover the polished metal layer with a thin gloss varnish and to let it cure properly, otherwise a decal softener will attack the metal shade.

The large nose names follow the curvature and involve more work than a fuselage number. Lay the decal on wet, move it into place with a brush and only then soak the water off from one edge, so that it does not twist. Apply the softener after that, in small doses and without touching, until the surface has dried. Finally give the whole machine a top coat according to whether it should be glossy or dulled by service, which hides the finished sheet under one uniform layer.