History

The Boeing B-50 was an advanced version of the World War II B-29 Superfortress and filled the gap before the arrival of the B-36 and B-47. It was developed into the KC-97 tanker and Boeing Stratocruiser airliner.

The Boeing B-50 was a developed from the B-29. The major visual differences were the installation of more powerful engines and a taller tail but there was only twenty per cent commonality between the two bombers.

The B-50 was designed to carry atomic bombs and was intended to serve until the bigger B36 began entering service.

The first one flew on 25 June 1947 and they were phased out of service in the mid 1950s.

This model represents ‘Lucky Lady II’ of the 43rd Bombardment Group, USAF, which made the first non-stop flight around the world between 26 February and 2 March 1949.

Fujimi and Minicraft 1/144 kits with resized Experts Choice decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in June 2016.

Work Bench Notes

Data

MODEL: Boeing B-50A

ROLE: strategic bomber

TIME PERIOD: 1947-1965

ENGINES: four Pratt & Whitney R-4360-35 Wasp Major engines of 2,610kW each

WING SPAN: 43.05m

LENGTH: 30.18m

MAXIMUM TAKE OFF WEIGHT: 76,978kg

MAXIMUM SPEED: 620km/h

RANGE: 3,529km

CREW: 11

ARMAMENT: 12 12.7mm (0.5in) machine guns and up to 9,072kg of bombs

SCALE: 1/144

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