Buff Master’s new Current 1/72 HSABs for Monogram’s B-52
By Dave Flitton
Here I am again with another B-52 product review straight from the maker. The Heavy Stores Adapter Beam (HSAB) was developed to get more bang for every flight over hostile territory that our venerable and decreasing strength of B-52s are required to fly. Buff Master Design (previously Golden Dragon) has updated and corrected his rather crude offering of the past. This time it is the correct length and the resin is easier to work with. The resin is grey, the details are fine and the rivets seem to be in the right place. It does need to have sway braces, but since sway braces are difficult to mold in resin you will have to provide your own at this time. I think True Details makes some that may be appropriate.
The assembly instructions are rather simplistic and don’t provide the detail for those that have no references. I have provided a picture that helped me place the small parts together and answered a few questions in cutting the resin. The shackles are molded complete on the stub, but half of the shackles are already on the beam so follow the instructions and cut the shackles from the stub at the molded line between the connectors. Unfortunately, not all the shackles on the beam are in the correct, precise position, some judicious sanding and trimming will make it acceptable or, you can cut the shackle-half off the beam and use the completely molded shackle as provided, your choice.
For those wanting to build the Monogram B-52 H with loads of bombs and wanted a bit of better detail on the business end, this would be a great start. Thanks to Buff Master Design and Great Models for the review sample.