During the Korean War, the B-29 was really the only option for strategic bombing. However, after just a short time, it was found that there were no more strategic targets and they were often used in direct support of UN troops. The same was done in Vietnam during those long periods when it was forbidden to bomb targets in North Vietnam. Initially the B-29 was able to hold its own against those few North Korean planes that were sent against it. The arrival of the Mig-15 changed that quite a bit. The Migs heavy armament was able to do quite a bit of damage to a B-29. Even with fighter escort, the B-29 had to do as did the RAF in WWII and switch over to night bombing. This effectively took care of the Mig problem but had slightly deleterious effects on the accuracy of bombing. Though not used as extensively in the rest of the war as they were in the first six months, the B-29 continued to provide excellent service when there was need to put lots of bombs on a target. Though its replacement, the B-50 was available during the Korean war, none of them were used in action. With the end of the war the B-29 was either sent to the cutter's torch or converted to other types such as KB-29 tankers.

Those with sharp eyes and a keen mind will immediately note that the banner on the box heralds the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII and will also realize that the plane on the box art is a Korean War bird. Apparently it is a Japanese thing......

Anyway, after doing the Minicraft 1/144 B-29 a while back, many folks were kind enough to tell me that there was a much better kit around. This is it. In all respects it is a superior kit. It also costs more than twice as much and can be very difficult to find. Among some of the real benefits of this kit are bomb bay full of bombs, an actual cockpit interior, decently molded guns and clear parts, a proper tail gun position and actual engine exhausts, something that was lacking in the Minicraft rebox of the old Crown kit.

Like the Crown kit, the detailing is engraved panel lines but the rest of the detailing is superior in terms of accuracy and locale. This kit does not offer the option of 'blade-less' spinners and the prop hubs themselves will need a bit of work as they are molded square instead of round as they should be. Not sure why this glitch appeared, but it did. Fujimi also neglected the four gun upper forward turret, though it is shown on the box art. The kit's wheel wells are also not boxed in so you may well want to add this feature with some plastic card. Landing gear is properly scale and so may be a bit fragile. I'm especially concerned that it may not be able to handle all the nose weight that will be needed to prevent tail sitting.

Instructions are typical of Fujimi and much like Hasegawa's. Paints are given as Gunze. There are two marking options, neither one of them WWII. First is the box art plane with the black underside. This is 'Heavenly Laden' of the 98th BG in 1951. This is shown with a red 'US Air Force' on the side of the nose. Not sure if that was the case with B-29s or not. Perhaps a reader will know.  The other is 'Snuggle Bunny', also with the 98th BG in 1951. This plane is overall bare metal with a buzz number on the aft fuselage. The decals look good, but are thick and have ivory vice white markings. Finding replacement insignia shouldn't be a problem if one so wants to do so.

While it would have been nice to have known about this kit before doing the Minicraft version, I wouldn't overlook this one showing up as a feature article in the near future. If you want a 1/144 B-29 and can find this one; buy it!Review kit courtesy of

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by a site that has well over 175,000 visitors a month, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

Back to the Main Page

Back to the Previews Index Page