Calibre Wings CA72B5801 Convair B-58A Hustler 59-2458 “Cowtown Hustler” National Museum USAF Wright-Patterson AFB Ohio

Calibre Wings 1/72 Scale

CA72B5801 -  B-58A Hustler 59-2458 “Cowtown Hustler” National Museum USAF Wright-Patterson AFB Ohio

Limited Edition of only 1,500

UK Shipping Only Due to the Size and Weight of this model

In 1962, the Convair B-58 Hustler won the prestigious Bendix Trophy, showcasing its unmatched speed and performance. Piloted by Major Sidney J. Kubesch, Captain John Barrett, and Captain Gerard Williamson, the B-58 flew non-stop from Los Angeles to New York in just 2 hours and 1 minute, averaging over 1,214 mph. This record-breaking supersonic flight demonstrated the B-58's capabilities as the first operational bomber capable of sustained Mach 2 flight. The mission highlighted American airpower and strategic reach during the Cold War. The crew received the Bendix Trophy for their achievement, reinforcing the B-58's legacy in aviation history.

Calibre Wings' B-58 is the first diecast metal model of this aircraft to be produced in 1:72 scale. It features hinged canopies, magnetically attached landing gear and ordnance as well as an adjustable metal display stand. It arrives in a beautiful collectors's wooden box that can be used to store and protect the model when not on display.

The final product will be 100% tampo printed.

This model features magnetic adhesion points for interchangeable parts.
The model will be packaged in a collector's wooden box with foam cushioning and a certificate of limited production run.

Constructed as a B-58A-10-CF by Consolidated at Fort Worth, TX, USA circa 1960 and taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Air Force with s/n 59-2458. Transferred to 43rd Bombardment Wing (SAC), Carswell AFB, TX in August 1961 and operated with markings ” Cowtown Hustler” with deployments to Bunker Hill AFB, Indiana. Later, this aircraft was transferred to Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, in September 1964.

Transferred to 2750th Air Base Wing (Air Force Logistics Command), Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio on 1st December 1969 and made its final ferry flight to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. It was then stored at Wright Field until the new museum facility had been built. It was finally placed on display in August 1971.

On 5th March 1962, this aircraft set a transcontinental speed record by flying non-stop from Los Angeles to New York and back. Crew awarded Bendix and Mackay trophies.

The Convair B-58 Hustler, designed and produced by American aircraft manufacturer Convair, was the first operational bomber capable of Mach 2 flight.

The B-58 was developed during the 1950s for the United States Air Force (USAF) Strategic Air Command (SAC). To achieve the high speeds desired, Convair chose a delta wing design, a configuration also used by contemporary interceptors such as the Convair F-102. The bomber was powered by four General Electric J79 engines in underwing pods. It had no bomb bay; it carried a single nuclear weapon plus fuel in a combination bomb/fuel pod underneath the fuselage. Later, four external hardpoints were added, enabling it to carry up to five weapons.

The B-58 entered service in March 1960, and flew for a decade with two SAC bomb wings: the 43rd Bombardment Wing and the 305th Bombardment Wing. It was considered difficult to fly, imposing a high workload upon its three-man crews. Designed to replace the subsonic Boeing B-47 Stratojet strategic bomber, the B-58 became notorious for its sonic boom, which was audible to the public as it passed overhead in supersonic flight.

The B-58 was designed to fly at high altitudes and supersonic speeds to evade Soviet interceptors. Still, with the Soviet introduction of high-altitude surface-to-air missiles, the B-58 was compelled to adopt a low-level penetration role, severely limiting its range and strategic value. It was never used to deliver conventional bombs. The B-58 was substantially more expensive to operate than other bombers, such as the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, and required more frequent aerial refuelling. The B-58 also suffered from a high rate of accidental losses. These factors resulted in a relatively brief operational career of ten years. The B-58 was succeeded in its role by the smaller, swing-wing FB-111A.

The model will be packaged in a collector's wooden box with foam cushioning and a certificate of limited production run.

World’s first 1/72 B-58A Hustler die-cast metal model.

• Metal pitot probe

• Opening/close station hatch

• Detailed cockpit, navigation & DSO stations

• Detailed escape capsule ejection seats

• 85% die-cast metal

• Magnetic two-component pod & support stands

• 4 General Electric J79 engines

• Detailed engine intake & afterburner sections

• 4 engine intake covers

• 2 sets open/closed engine nozzles

• 2 magnetic bomb rail pylons

• 4 magnetic B61 bombs

• Super silver paint finish with differentiating metal tones

• Detailed tempo print stencils

• Magnetic “gear up” and landing gear interchangeable cartridges

• Rolling wheels with soft tyres

• Adjustable metal flight stand

• Limited edition serialised collector’s card

• Collector’s wooden box 30cm (w) x 45cm (l)  x 16cm (h)