Lonestar Models 1/48
EB-57E Conversion

Eagerly awaited by many modelers, Mike West of Lone Star Models has just released an extensive 1/48th scale Martin EB-57E Canberra resin conversion kit that includes all of the parts to convert the Classic Airframes B-57B kit to these colorful ECM aircraft flown by the USAF’s Defense Systems Evaluation squadrons. Mike used information from a number of sources to create this kit, but his main resource was the walkaround found here. Warpaint No.45 “Martin B-57 Canberra” by Ken Darling is another very good source for photos, color profiles, and information on these aircraft

Included in the conversion kit are new engine fronts that include not only the enlarged air scoops (needed to operate the larger constant speed Sunstrand generators mounted in the engine nacelles), but this replacement part also corrects a problem with the air intakes provided in the CA kit. Ahead of the fan blades should be four prominent structural supports that are not included in the kit, so Mike went the extra mile to fix this problem by including new engine fronts as well. Too use these parts, the forward part of the CA kit nacelles will have to be removed (clearly indicated on the instruction sheet on where to cut and what to remove).

The conversion kit also includes all of the sensors, antenna mounts and antennas, lower fuselage ECM buldges, etc. necessary to build an EB-57E. A new tail cone is included which has the rearward looking warning radar molded to it.

One of the other distinctive features of these aircraft are the underwing chaff dispensers. Mike has included a pair of these and all of their features which are engineered to fit directed to the cut-outs in the kit’s pylons.

Finally, for those of you who want to do more surgery, Mike has produced a set of fuselage dive brakes and their wells. After the dive brakes have been removed from the fuselage and their edges cleaned-up, the air brake wells align to the opening and you simple glue them in place. Mike also includes the base of the actuation rod, but the modeler will have to supply a small piece of rod or tubing between this base and the door, simple enough to do.

All of the parts in both sets are very well done, smooth finish, no air bubbles, and the parts are engineered to make their addition as simple as possible. Mike West is to be congratulated for producing an extensive, very well done EB-57E resin conversion kit with a lot of parts for a reasonable price ($25 + $4 P&H). The set of dive brakes and their interior wells are available for $12 + $4 P&H. Each of these kits can be ordered directly from Lone Star Models at lsmodels@pdq.net. Also, check-out Mike’s web page for all of his products at www.lonestarmodels.com.

Again, one of the best resources to use in doing this conversion is the walkaround here.