1/700 Convair B-58 Hustler - (x2) 3D Printed - White Hot Cold War SAC!

Description

NO RESERVE. We're offering here two beautifully detailed Convair B-58 Hustler models that have just come out of the 3D printer including a new model with the combination nuclear weapon/fuel tank slung under its belly! In an era of fantastic aircraft, the B-58 Hustler was one of the most visually striking warplanes ever to fly. She was a work of art - but sadly was nearly obsolete from the start. Although an engineering marvel, the Hustler suffered from an appalling accident rate, high maintenance costs and an obsolete mission profile. It would remain in service for only a decade, a dead-end in strategic bomber development. The Hustler was the direct successor to the B-47 Stratojet in the medium bomber role but by the time it entered service the distinction between the medium and heavy bomber had significantly narrowed. First entering service in 1960, it was designed to be launched from US bases and, supported by a ring of KC-135 tankers, would penetrate Soviet airspace at high speed and altitude, evading Soviet interceptors and delivering aits nuclear payload to a variety of different targets. In all, the Air Force acquired 116 B-58s at a unit cost similar to the B-52 Stratofortress. Perhaps the B-58s most lasting contribution came in popular culture where its futuristic, dangerous appearance made to attractive
to artists and directors. Most famously, a group of B-58s (redubbed 'Vindicators') evaded Soviet defenses and dropped their nuclear payloads after they were mistakenly ordered to attack Moscow in the 1964 film Fail-Safe , forcing the US president order the destruction of New York.
The B-58 was offered previously as a resin model by WEM but has been out of production for decades. We believe that the 3D printed model offered here compares very favorably with the WEM model and, in fact, likely surpasses it by a good margin. Plus the set offered here actually includes 2 different models - (x1) with the huge underbelly weapon/fuel tank and (x1) without the underbelly pod. We've posted high resolution photos so you can judge for yourself. While photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, check out the large, well proportioned model including the streamlined fuselage with detailed fighter-style canopy, delta wings with underwing pylon-mounted engine pods, the single tail and especially the nuclear weapon/fuel tank under the belly of the new model.
The surfaces of the model are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers) but the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that ca to be easily removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent added to it.
These outstanding B-58 models should be a welcome addition to any wargamer's or 1/700 modeler's collection, particularly those interested in Cold War bomber operations. Please take a look at the other 1/700 scale aircraft models that we have on auction as well. We're always happy to combine shipping for multiple purchases to save whenever possible. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions whatsoever.