Revell Convair B-58 Hustler 1:48 – build review

Feature Article with Tim Haynes
Kit ref: 04337

Subject of this build: Convair B-58 Prototype

I have built Revell’s B-58 Hustler previously in a wheels up, and in flight configuration. The kit was originally produced, and released by Monogram who made some very accurate models (particularly overall shape) that have stood up well to the test of time. This kit even has Monogram stamps moulded inside the lower wing halves. For this project I have the Revell boxing and a range of aftermarket parts with which to enhance it. This kit is also known for several challenges, that have to be dealt with to get an acceptable finish, but I shall cover my approach to those at the appropriate times.

The Plan:

My aim is to attempt to recreate the point of rotation during take off for the maiden flight of the first prototype. This event occurred on 11th November 1956 from the Convair Fort Worth facilities at Carswell AFB, Texas. The aircraft at that time officially designated YB/RB-58 was serial number 55-0660, there was no under fuselage pod fitted. These images taken from the Internet show both the colour scheme and final configuration I am trying to achieve.

As this kit is of a certain era it has raised panel lines, which I have no intention whatsoever of re-scribing. I have several reasons for this, one being I don’t want to put that amount of time in for something that in all honesty is not that obvious (at least on this kit). I did not re-scribe the previous one I did, and that actually made it far easier to mask the different panel demarcations for the Natural Metal Finish (NMF) see photo. As on that kit this will require quite a lot of seam work as the fit is not the best, and I will re-scribe lost detail as necessary. I will gently sand back the initial panel lines all over to make them a little more understated.

Extras and References:

I plan to use the following aftermarket items:

• SBS Model’s B-58 Resin Seamless Intakes SBS48072
• Aires B-58 Resin Exhausts AIRE4345
• Scale Aircraft Conversions Metal undercarriage SAC48035
• Master Model’s Turned Pitot tube MR 48-079
• New Ware Masks NWAM0517
• IPMS – USA Decals D4803
• Mike Grant Decals B-58 Hustler MG48002 (left overs from previous build)
• Armory Resin Wheels with weighted tyres ARAW48354 (still on backorder from Hannants at time of build start).

I used the following references for information and pictures as well as the obligatory Internet searches:

• Legends of Warfare Aviation, B-58 Hustler (Convair’s Cold War Mach 2 Bomber) by David Doyle
• Convair B-58 Hustler by Bill Holder (A Schiffer Military History Book)
• B-58 Hustler Combat Units by Peter E Davies (Combat Aircraft No130)
• The B-58 Blunder (How the U.S. Abandoned it Best Strategic Bomber) by Colonel George Holt Jr. U.S. Air Force Retired.

The build…