If you've ever stared at the box of a guillows b 29 superfortress and felt both a rush of excitement and a tiny bit of genuine dread, you're definitely not alone. It's one of those kits that sits on the hobby shop shelf looking like the absolute king of the world, beckoning to anyone who loves history or the smell of balsa wood and glue. But let's be real for a second: this isn't a "weekend project" for the casual builder. It's a marathon, a test of patience, and maybe even a test of your marriage if you decide to build it on the dining room table.
The Guillow's B-29 is part of their "Giant Scale" series, and they aren't kidding about the size. With a wingspan stretching nearly four feet, it's a massive undertaking that represents one of the most technologically advanced aircraft of World War II. For a lot of us, building this model is a rite of passage. It's the leap from simple gliders to something that feels like actual engineering.
What's Inside the Box?
When you first crack open a guillows b 29 superfortress kit, it can be a little overwhelming. You're greeted with stacks of balsa wood sheets, a massive set of plans that look like they belong in an architect's office, and a whole lot of plastic bits for the engines and turrets.
Back in the day, these kits were all "die-cut," which basically meant the wood was stamped with a metal die. If the die was getting dull, you'd spend half your time fighting to get the pieces out without splintering the wood. Thankfully, newer versions of the kit are laser-cut. This is a total game-changer. The pieces practically fall out of the sheets, and the precision is lightyears ahead of what our dads had to deal with.
Beyond the wood, you get the iconic clear plastic nose "greenhouse," the tail gunner's position, and those four big engine nacelles. You also get a pile of tissue paper for covering the frame, though many modern builders opt for more high-tech iron-on films. But if you're a purist, that tissue and dope smell is part of the nostalgia.
The Challenge of the Build
Building the fuselage of the guillows b 29 superfortress is like building a ship in a bottle, except the bottle is the size of a leg of lamb. You're working with a "stringer-and-frame" construction. You pin the main keel to the plans, add the half-circles (the formers), and then glue on those long, thin balsa sticks called stringers.
The trick here is keeping everything straight. Balsa wood is a natural material, and it has a mind of its own. If you apply too much tension on one side with your stringers, you can end up with a fuselage that's shaped like a banana. And trust me, a B-29 with a curved spine is not the look you're going for.
Taming the Four Engines
One of the coolest—and most tedious—parts of this build is the fact that it has four engines. In the modeling world, that means you have to do everything four times. You build four engine nacelles, you sand four cowls, and if you're going for a flying model, you deal with four sets of propellers.
It's easy to get "build fatigue" here. You finish the first two engines and they look great, but then you realize you're only halfway there. My advice? Don't rush it. Treat each nacelle like its own little mini-kit. When they're all mounted on that massive wing, the visual payoff is incredible.
That Massive Wingspan
Speaking of the wing, the guillows b 29 superfortress has a wingspan that requires some serious real estate. You'll need a dedicated building board—one that's flat and long enough to accommodate the span. Because the B-29 has a relatively high-aspect-ratio wing (it's long and skinny), it can be prone to warping.
Experienced builders often "shim" the trailing edge to build in a little bit of washout. That's just a fancy way of saying they twist the wing tips slightly so the plane doesn't stall and fall out of the sky the moment you try to fly it. Even if you're just building it to hang from the ceiling, a straight wing makes the whole thing look much more professional.
Covering: The Art of Tissue and Dope
Once you have the "skeleton" of the plane finished, you have to put skin on it. This is where the guillows b 29 superfortress starts to look like a real airplane. Traditional tissue covering is an art form. You apply the tissue in sections, shrink it with a light mist of water, and then seal it with "dope"—a type of lacquer.
The smell of dope is unmistakable. It's also incredibly potent, so for heaven's sake, open a window. The end result is a drum-tight, lightweight skin that looks remarkably like the real thing. However, be careful not to over-shrink the tissue, or you might actually crush the delicate balsa frame underneath. It's a delicate balance of tension and structure.
To Fly or Not to Fly?
This is the big question every guillows b 29 superfortress owner has to answer. The kit was originally designed as a rubber-powered flying model. Can you imagine? A four-foot balsa bomber powered by giant rubber bands!
While it's technically possible to fly it with rubber power, most people these days either build it as a static display model or convert it to electric RC. If you go the RC route, you're looking at a lot of extra work. You'll need four small brushless motors, speed controllers, servos for the tail and ailerons, and a way to house the battery.
If you just want a beautiful model for your office or man cave, static is the way to go. You can add more detail, like the interior cockpit or the bomb bay, without worrying about the weight. A fully detailed B-29 hanging from the ceiling is a conversation starter like no other.
Some Survival Tips for Builders
If you're about to start your own guillows b 29 superfortress adventure, here are a few things I've learned the hard way:
- Invest in a good hobby knife: You'll be making hundreds of cuts. A dull blade is your worst enemy; it'll crush the balsa rather than slicing it. Buy a bulk pack of #11 blades and change them often.
- Use the right glue: Thin CA (super glue) is great for quick joints, but white wood glue or aliphatic resin gives you more "working time" and creates a stronger bond for structural parts.
- Sand, then sand again: The secret to a great finish is the preparation. Use sanding blocks to make sure the formers and stringers are perfectly flush before you even think about applying the tissue.
- Don't skip the decals: The B-29 just doesn't look right without those "United States Air Force" markings and the iconic nose art. Take your time applying them so they don't silver or peel.
Final Thoughts
The guillows b 29 superfortress isn't just a box of wood; it's a piece of hobby history. It's a challenging, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately rewarding project that connects you to an era of aviation that changed the world.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a bold newcomer, taking on this kit is a statement. It says you appreciate the craft of building something with your own two hands. It's not about instant gratification; it's about the slow, steady progress of turning a pile of sticks into a legendary "Superfortress." When you finally step back and look at that finished silver bird, all those hours of sanding and gluing will feel totally worth it. Happy building!