Loon Models 1/48
B-57 Wing Tip Tanks

In my box of 1/48th scale B-57 accessory items, I now have four sets of wing tip tanks for the Canberra; those from the Classic Airframes B-57B kit, those produced by Lone Star Models, a set of resin tanks from Aeroclub, and now a set of tanks from Loon Models in Minnesota. So, who is correct and whose tanks can be discarded?

After studying photos and several sets of drawings, I think the kit tanks are too small, too long, and too narrow, the main reason both Lone Star Models and Loon Models have produced corrected resin replacements. The Aeroclub tanks seem to be a bit better than those in the Classic Airframes kit, but they are designed to fit the Aeroclub E.E. Canberra vacuform kits and are slightly different in details than the Martin tanks. The tanks done by Lone Star Models have the best detail (tip light, engraved panel lines, gas filler cap, and a reinforcement strip that runs the length of the tank), but I feel they are approximately ¼” too long.

The best of the bunch has to be those from Loon Models. To me, they are closer in profile and thickness than any of the above products, though they lack the panel lines and details that LSM includes. If you can live without these details, then I would highly recommend the Loon Models products. If you want the panel lines and other details Mike West of LSM provides and don’t mind doing a bit of reshaping (takes less than 10 mins each), then this is the way to go. It is really up to the modeler and what he is comfortable and willing to do. The Loon Models tanks are available through Roll Models in Golden Valley, MN. (www.rollmodels.com) at a cost of $10.00 per set plus P&H.