Cobrahistorian Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Hey all, I'm in the midst of putting together a display based around a uniform that I've just acquired for my collection. 2LT Morris D. Rosenthal was the bombardier on B-29A 42-24687 "Tokyo Local" from the 882nd Bomb Squadron, 500th Bomb Group, coded Z Square 26. "Tokyo Local" and crew were on their fifth mission on 13 December 1944, hitting the Mitsubishi plant at Nagoya. They took a number of flak hits and the #1 and #3 engines were badly damaged and on fire. She turned for home and were escorted by a fellow B-29 from the 881st BS, but the engine fires got considerably worse about 78 miles off the coast of Japan and they lost altitude rapidly. Crew from their escort saw Tokyo Local's crew tossing everything they could overboard to lighten the ship, but they kept descending. Pieces were observed falling off of the #1 engine just before they impacted the water. The airplane stayed afloat for no more than 1-2 minutes before becoming completely submerged. None of the 11 crew got out. I've managed to get a number of photos of the airplane and her crew and have completely restored LT Rosenthal's uniform to as it appeared when he wore it last, with the addition of a Purple Heart and Air Medal, both of which were earned on that final mission. I've got the Monogram B-29 kit and will be building it as Tokyo Local, but the kit I've got comes with Curtiss props and I need Hamilton Standard props. I'd also like to include complete R3350 engines in it. I'll be getting metal landing gear as well. Who makes the correct props and engines for it and where can I get them? Thanks guys! Jon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jmathews Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 (edited) Hey all,I'm in the midst of putting together a display based around a uniform that I've just acquired for my collection. 2LT Morris D. Rosenthal was the bombardier on B-29A 42-24687 "Tokyo Local" from the 882nd Bomb Squadron, 500th Bomb Group, coded Z Square 26. "Tokyo Local" and crew were on their fifth mission on 13 December 1944, hitting the Mitsubishi plant at Nagoya. They took a number of flak hits and the #1 and #3 engines were badly damaged and on fire. She turned for home and were escorted by a fellow B-29 from the 881st BS, but the engine fires got considerably worse about 78 miles off the coast of Japan and they lost altitude rapidly. Crew from their escort saw Tokyo Local's crew tossing everything they could overboard to lighten the ship, but they kept descending. Pieces were observed falling off of the #1 engine just before they impacted the water. The airplane stayed afloat for no more than 1-2 minutes before becoming completely submerged. None of the 11 crew got out. I've managed to get a number of photos of the airplane and her crew and have completely restored LT Rosenthal's uniform to as it appeared when he wore it last, with the addition of a Purple Heart and Air Medal, both of which were earned on that final mission. I've got the Monogram B-29 kit and will be building it as Tokyo Local, but the kit I've got comes with Curtiss props and I need Hamilton Standard props. I'd also like to include complete R3350 engines in it. I'll be getting metal landing gear as well. Who makes the correct props and engines for it and where can I get them? Thanks guys! Jon Hi Jon! For the props, I THINK what you're looking for is Aeroclub ABP063.. you might check Hannants. There may be others, but those are the only ones I spot. Edited October 13, 2009 by jmathews Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobrahistorian Posted October 13, 2009 Author Share Posted October 13, 2009 Thanks Jack! I should have been more specific. I'm looking for 48th scale. Is there anything available out there for the -29 other than wheels and canopies? Jon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jmathews Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Thanks Jack! I should have been more specific. I'm looking for 48th scale. Is there anything available out there for the -29 other than wheels and canopies? Jon My bad.. I should have read slower too. I don't know of anything. I Think the rollers you're looking for are in stock at Sprue. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobrahistorian Posted October 13, 2009 Author Share Posted October 13, 2009 Yep, SB has the metal landing gear and TD resin wheels. I'll end up snagging both of those. If anyone here has the current issue of the kit and isnt using the Hamilton cuffless props and would be willing to part with them, please drop me a PM! Thanks! Jon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cornfedrat Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Lemme go look, I just bought one of these and pulled the plastic but haven't popped the top yet... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
caudleryan Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 If you have the newer release, it should have both types of props in the box. RYAN. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobrahistorian Posted October 14, 2009 Author Share Posted October 14, 2009 I specifically bought the 1989 version because it comes with 500th Bomb Group markings, although not 882nd BS decals. Unfortunately, it only has the Curtiss cuffed props. Cornfed, got your PM. From what I know, both types of props were used simultaneously (Enola Gay had Curtiss props, Tokyo Local had Hamiltons) not sure what dash number engines or if it even mattered. It pretty much comes down to what specific airplane you're going to model. Jon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
terryt Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 (edited) Engine and Things make the Pratt & Whitney R-3350 that was used in the B-29. Roll models still has some in stock. Don't ponder too long about purchasing one or the four engine kit. The owner of Engine and Things passed away a few months back and what ever the vendors have in stock is probably the last. Link: http://www.rollmodels.net/search/newsrch.php If you are planning to build a Silver Plate aircraft you might consider getting another B-29 kit with the Hamilton Standard props. It comes with both prop types a thimble radar dome and some new antennas. That way you can build both one with the Hamilton Standard and the Silver Plate with the Curtis props. Most of the other after market stuff for the B-29 are OOP. Paragon did the Hamilton Standard props and Cutting Edge did engine cowlings and a Silver Plate conversion. Edited October 14, 2009 by terryt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fbtasheesteve Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Paragon Designs did the flaps, but is OOP now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cornfedrat Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Seems to me that almost NO B-29's other than Silverplate 509th aircraft came with the Curtiss Electric props...I guess when Tibbets went to hand select aircraft from the Omaha line he specified Curtiss propellers to reduce landing rollout...and supposedly he figured the cuffs would help engine cooling. I can't find many pics of Korean War era aircraft, but I would think that after the B-50s and KB-29s were introduced they would have started putting CE props on all 29 based aircraft? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobrahistorian Posted October 14, 2009 Author Share Posted October 14, 2009 Just ordered the 3350 set from Roll Models. There's a set of CE cowlings up on ebay right now, but an opening bid of $165 seems a bit insane to me. Trying to find more about Rosenthal and the rest of the crew. I've got some great shots so far. Here's the crew prior to their fifth mission: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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