B-52G - upgrades, updates, pylons, racks, adapters
solving the mystery of the "mess" the USAF did to us

I would like to help you (and myself too ;-) building this "beast", here is the chart of pylons, adapters and racks and how they are going together:

Plane typePylonAdapterRack
    
ALCMALCM  
ALCMAGM-28I-BEAM2 x MER
"777" / non-ALCMstubHSAB 
And now a small explanation:

ALCM planes with ALCM pylons
- 7 planes only, they were part of operation "Secret Squirrel", the only CALCM attack using AGM-86C missiles with conventional warhead.
- maximum loadout of ALCMs under the wings is 12. Drawing only - each wing ALCM pylon + 6 x AGM-86C
ALCM planes with AGM-28 pylons + I-BEAM + 2 x MER-1-6/6A
- those are the "long" pylons, with I-BEAM adapter and two attached MER-1-6/6A racks.
- maximum loadout is 24. Photo 1 - each wing AGM-28 pylon + I-BEAM + 2 x MER (12 x M117 late or M117R or Mk.82LDGP or Mk.82SE or CBU-52/58 (SUU-30H/B container) or CBU-87 (SUU-65/B Tactical Munitions Dispenser container)
"777" and non-ALCM planes with "stub" pylons + HSAB
- those are the "short" pylons, with HSAB adapter. The HSAB is used for heavier weapons.
- maximum loadout is 18. Photo 1 - each wing "stub" pylon + HSAB (9 x M117 late or M117R or Mk.82LDGP or Mk.82SE or CBU-52/58 (SUU-30H/B container) or CBU-87 (SUU-65/B Tactical Munitions Dispenser container))

Number of positions for bombs:
MER - 6
HSAB - 9

During their life all B-52Gs had various types of updates and upgrades.
I will try to describe various updates/upgrades and "lumps and bumps" they carried during the time.

Scale 1:200

Kits from Italeri/DML and Dragon:

Kits from Dragon/DML - G (9902/DS-2 Photo and 2001 Photo and Italeri - G (851 Photo)
Kits from Dragon - H (2002 Photo) and Italeri - H (852 Photo) (I will explain later why H version)

VAR 1 - In case you want plane with ALCM missiles loadout:

- bad luck, not possible for just OOB. You need to scratchbuild "wing root extensions". Take ALCM pylons with AGM-86C from DML kit 9902/DS-2 or H version from Italeri (852).

VAR 2 - In case you want plane with classic loadout with AGM-28 pylons + I-BEAM adapters:

- bad luck, not possible for just OOB. You need to scratchbuild "wing root extensions". Take AGM-28 pylons and I-BEAM adapters from DML kit 9902/DS-2 or from version H from Dragon (2002). MERs and dumb bombs you have to scratchbuild.

VAR 3 - In case you want plane with classic loadout with "stub" pylons + HSAB:

- use kit from DML 9902/DS-2, which has not "wing root extensions". "Stub" pylons are in the kit + scratchbuild HSAB.

There is a bigger problem with decals. The only decals for Gulf war are from Dragon 9902/DS-2 kit and it includes only the "wing root extensions" planes. You CAN NOT build the planes from 9902/DS-2 kit, as the kit lacks the "wing root extensions"

Decals from the 9902/DS-2 kit:

58-0170 "Special Delivery II" - Mono camouflage - AGM-28 pylons
57-6498 "Ace in the hole" - Mono camouflage - AGM-28 pylons
57-6516 "Ultimate Warrior" - SAC camouflage - AGM-28 pylons
58-0231 "High Roller" - SAC camouflage - AGM-28 pylons

Scale 1:144

Kits from Revell, Minicraft, Academy and Great Wall Hobby:

Kits from Revell - G (4797 Photo) and H - (04052 Photo) (I will explain later why H version)
Kit from Academy Minicraft (ex Crown) - H (MCR14641 Photo) (I will explain later why H version)
Kit from Great Wall Hobby - non-ALCM G (L1009 Photo)
Kit from Academy - H (12622 Photo (I will explain later why H version)

VAR 1 - In case you want plane with CALCM missiles loadout:

- use Revell G (4797), which has "wing root extensions" + sets from Golden Dragon Productions GDPR44002 + GDPR44014 + GDPR44015. You need to rob the kit Revell H (04052) to get ALCM pylons with AGM-86C missiles.

VAR 2 - In case you want plane with classic loadout with AGM-28 pylons + I-BEAM adapters:

- use Revell G (4797), which has "wing root extensions" + sets from Golden Dragon Productions GDPR44002 + GDPR44014 + GDPR44015. The kit has AGM-28 pylons with I-BEAM adapters in the box, but missing the MERs and "dumb" bombs. Or use Retrowings 44109 set. Or use Minicraft B-52D kit 14734.

VAR 3 - In case you want plane with classic loadout with "stub" pylons + HSAB:

- use Revell H (04052), which doesn´t have "wing root extensions" + sets from Golden Dragon Productions GDPR44002 + GDPR44014 + GDPR44015 to convert the H to G version. "stub" pylons + HSAB are in Revell kit 4797 or from Retrowings 44109 set.
- use Revell H (04052), which doesn´t have "wing root extensions" + sets from Contrails Models CM44-B52G engines and CM44-B52TG tail turret. "stub" pylons + HSAB are in Revell kit 4797 or from Retrowings 44109 set.
- use Minicraft H (MCR14641), which doesn´t have "wing root extensions" + sets from Golden Dragon Productions GDPR44002 + GDPR44014 + GDPR44015 to convert the H to G version + metal gear legs from SAC (14414). "stub" pylons + HSAB are in Revell kit 4797 or from Retrowings 44109 set.
- use Great Wall Hobby G (L1009), which doesn´t have "wing root extensions"
- use the Academy H (12622), which doesn´t have "wing root extensions" + you need to swap the H engines for G engines + recheck all the antennas and "lumps and bumps" and use parts from other kits. Kit includes "stub" pylons + HSABs and M117 bombs.

Decals from the Great Wall Hobby (L1009) kit:

VAR1 - 58-0183 "Valkyrie" - SAC camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles - unable to build from the kit, kit is missing "wing root extensions"
VAR2 - 58-0195 "Eternal Guardian" - Mono camo - "stub" pylons + HSAB - wrong camo in instructions (SAC instead of Mono)
VAR3 - 57-6473 "Hard T´get" - Mono camo - "stub" pylons + HSAB - possible to build OOB

Decals for Revell/Minicraft/Academy/Great Wall Hobby from other manufacturers:

VAR 1

Golden Dragon Productions GDPD44006 - 57-6475 "Miami Clipper II" - Mono camo - ALCM pylons - "Secret Squirrel" mission
Golden Dragon Productions GDPD44006 - 58-0238 "Miss Fit II" - SAC camo - ALCM pylons - "Secret Squirrel" mission
Sanger - 58-0185 "El Lobo II" - SIOP camo - ALCM pylons - "Secret Squirrel" mission

VAR 2

Sanger - 58-0173 "Let´s Make A Deal" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Sanger - 57-6515 "Mohawk Warrior" - Mono camo - AGM-28 pylons
Sanger - 58-0164 "SAC Time" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Sanger - 57-6492 "Old Crow Express" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Sanger - 58-0182 "What´s Up Doc ?" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons

Armament:

Mk.82 bombs - Tomytec USAF Weapon Set 3 - 12 pieces in a set. You need 2 sets. Or Tomytec USAF Weapon Set 4 - 2 pieces in a set. You need 12 sets. Or Pit Road Weapon set 1 - 6 pieces in a set. You need 4 sets. Or Platz AW-1 set - 12 pieces in a set. You need 2 sets.
Mk.82SE bombs - from OzMods - 6 pieces in a set or North Star Models - 6 pieces in a set. You need 4 sets. Or Tomytec USAF Weapon Set 3 - 8 pieces in a set. You need 3 sets. Or Platz AW-1 set - 10 pieces in a set. You need 3 sets.
M117 bombs - Tomytec USAF Weapon Set 3/Pit Road Weapon set 1 - 6 pieces in a set. You need 4 sets. Or Platz AW-2 set - 4 pieces in a set. You need 6 sets.
CBU-87 - Tomytec USAF Weapon Set 4 - 10 pieces in a set. You need 3 sets.
MER-10/A - Tomytec USAF Weapon Set 2 or 3 or 4 - 2 pieces in a set. You need 2 sets.

Scale 1:72

Kits from Italeri/AMT/Ertl

Kits from AMT - version G (8625 - Photo) and G (8633 - Photo)
Kits from Italeri - version G (1269 - Photo, G (1378 - Photo) and G (1451 - Photo)

Review in german: HERE
Review in english: HERE
Review in english: HERE ("H" version - a lot of parts is same, more pics of sprues)
Built "H" for inspiration: HERE

Kit has recessed lines. Some sources say that the fuselage is too "boxy", that is better to take Monogram "D", rescribe and use Cutting Edge conversion sets (if you can find them, as they were released for just a moment and went OOP).
Sources say that the engine pods are underscaled, they are included in the Buff Master Design set no. BMDR72001.

How to make a Gulf war Buff using kit´s and aftermarket´s decals: (VAR means variants decribed below)

Kit decals:

AMT 8625

58-0177 "Pettie 3rd" - SAC camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles - buildable from kit - VAR 1

Italeri 1269

58-0183 "Valkyrie" - SAC camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles - buildable from kit - VAR 1
58-0185 "El Lobo II" - SIOP camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles - buildable from kit - VAR 1
59-2582 "Grim Reaper" - Mono camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles - buildable from kit - VAR 1

Italeri 1378

57-6473 "Hard T´get" - Mono camo - "stub" pylons - VAR 3 (NOTE: You can NOT build this plane from the kit, as the plane has no "wing root extensions", so it should have not been in the kit !!)
57-6515 "Mohawk Warrior" - Mono camo - AGM-28 pylons - VAR 2
58-0173 "Let´s Make A Deal" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons - VAR 2

Build options with kits from AMT/Italeri

VAR 1 - In case you want plane with CALCM missiles loadout:

- no problem, everything is in the box
+ you have to add 31 vortex generators (on each wing) to upper side of the wing leading edge just between fuselage and inner engines pod PICTURE

VAR 2 - In case you want conventional loadout with AGM-28 pylons + I-BEAM adapters:

a) bad luck, not possible for just OOB
b) try to get "D" kit from Monogram, which has AGM-28 pylons + I-BEAM adapters (also has M117 bombs)
c) try to get kit from AMT 8633 "G early" (no EVS bulges ??), which has AGM-28 pylons + scratchbuild I-BEAM adapter
d) try to get kit from Italeri 1451 "G early", which has AGM-28 pylons + scratchbuild I-BEAM adapter
e) try to scratchbuild AGM-28 pylons + I-BEAM adapters by yourself
+ you have to add 31 vortex generators (on each wing) to upper side of the wing leading edge just between fuselage and inner engines pod PICTURE

VAR 3 - In case you want conventional loadout with "stub" pylons + HSAB adapters, you have three choices:

1:
a) get the Italeri 1262/1442 "H" kit and get the parts no. 53 and 54 (front fuselage halves), which has no "wing root extensions" - they were added for ALCM-capable B-52G planes only - use all other parts from the G kit OR get the Italeri 1451 "G early" kit which has no "wing root extensions"
b) get engines for "G" version (Cutting Edge, DB resins, or the ones now available from Buff Master Design in set no. BMDR72001, the engines in "G" kit are underscaled)
c) get Buff Master Design set BMDR72010 which has two HSABs
d) get new decals
e) try to scratchbuild WPA + "stub" pylons + HSAB adapters by yourself or use Click2Detail set (resin printed for Revell/Monogram kit, so the wing profile is probably different, but could be altered)

2:
a) get Buff Master Design set BMDR72013 which has resin top front fuselage without "wing root extensions" and graft it to kit parts no. 53 and 54 PICTURE
b) get engines for "G" version (Cutting Edge, DB resins, or the ones now available from Buff Master Design in set no. BMDR72001, the engines in "G" kit are underscaled)
c) get Buff Master Design set BMDR72010 which has two HSABs
d) try to scratchbuild "stub" pylons + HSAB adapters by yourself or use Click2Detail set (resin printed for Revell/Monogram kit, so the wing profile is probably different, but could be altered)
e) get new decals

3:
a) start with "G" kit, but you will have to cut out and rebuild the place where you remove those "wing root extensions". Not so easy task and who knows how the wing-to-fuselage joint will be strong
b) get engines for "G" version (Cutting Edge, DB resins, or the ones now available from Buff Master Design in set no. BMDR72001, the engines in "G" kit are underscaled)
c) get Buff Master Design set BMDR72010 which has two HSABs
d) try to scratchbuild "stub" pylons + HSAB adapters by yourself or use Click2Detail set (resin printed for Revell/Monogram kit, so the wing profile is probably different, but could be altered)
e) get new decals

Tips and tweaks:

- instructions says you have don´t have to use the tail extension - not true, it is part of "Phase VI" update and was retrofitted to all B-52Gs who served in Gulf war
- typical "wrinkled" surface is missing on the fuselage parts
- "NACA" intakes on left and right side of the fuselage are only shown by raised panel lines - sand down and scratchbuild new
- missing aircondition exit on the left side of the fuselage just behind the pilot´s window
- Pitot tubes (lower) and AOAs (upper) on both sides of the fuselage are too thick - remove them and rebuild from scratch
- "bulge" with AN/ALQ-172(V)1 antenna has "too pointed" tip, must be more rounded
- gear bays are missing some cables
- outrigger doors too thick - scratchbuild new or sand them down to 50%
- squared antenna on the side of the vertical tail looks too thick to me, sand it down a bit
- EVS pods do not fit well, use some CA glue to fill the gaps
- big problem is with the "wingbox" for fuselage-to-wing joint - if you will build it from the kit, the wing will look like in inflight position. It is necessary to cut and "tweak" that box, see this pic: Picture The result is, when you glue it all together, the outrigger gear legs should touch the ground
- missing or not-to-scale antennas all over the fuselage - remove them and scratchbuild new
- missing stiffener just above the "bulge" with AN/ALQ-172(V)1 antenna, in the kit it is shown by raised line only - use thin plastic strip to correct it.

So, notes from the build of Italeri kit:

I started with the tail section - glued the halves together + added the parts which Italeri marked as "unused" - the fit is not so good.
It is necessary to putty the joint, remove all the panel lines (which are mostly fictious) and rescribe it (panel lines + antenna covers).
There is a step on the fuselage - made by two-part mould of the fuselage (read above). Necessary to remove it and sanded off completely. It is marked here with the red line. Picture
Remove the marked part of the stiffener plate above the AN/ALQ-172(V)1 antenna. Picture
Small NACA intake is awful, rebuild it, same as the aircondition exit. Pitot tubes are a joke, rebuild it completely froms scratch. Picture
Two bigger NACA intakes are also awful, rebuild it, same as the other aircondition exit. Picture
Red line indicates the two-part joint on the fuselage, sanded flat. Picture
Stiffener plates for the emergency ejection seat covers are also awful, rebuild it. Picture

List of detail sets for AMT/Ertl/Italeri kits:

Eduard - XS010 Canopy mask
Engines and Things - 72140 P&W J-57 (JT-3) jet engine
Super Bug - BMDR72001 B-52G Update, BMDR72004 B-52 Wing Box
Airwaves - SC72037 B-52G Under Wing Tanks, SC72040 B-52G Late EVS Nose
True Details - TD45018 B-52G Wheels, TD72012 B-52G Wheels, TD82112 B-52G Fast Wheels Mask (for TD72012)
Buff Master Design - BMDR72010 HSAB - 2 Wing Mounts and 2 HSAB pylons with 18 Ejector Racks, BMDR72001 B-52G Update (Late) - Full Engine nacelles (16 Pieces), New Nose Cone, Corrected Rear Section, Corrected Fuselage vents Lumps and Bumps, BMDR72027 Ejection Seat Set, BMDR72013 non-ALCM wingroot conversion
Black Magic - CEBM72012 B-52G Wheel Hub Masks (for True Details TD72012/45018)
Scale Aircraft Conversions - 72003 metal landing gear
Armory - 72316 wheels, weighted
New Ware - NWAM179 BASIC kabuki masks aircraft canopy, wheels, NWAM180 ADVANCED kabuki masks aircraft canopy including window seals, wheels, NWAM181 EXPERT kabuki masks aircraft canopy including window seals and inner sides of windows, wheels
Blackdog - A72015 wing flaps, A72016 opened engine, A72017 BIG set (wing flaps and opened engine), A72018 bomb bay, A72019 radar, A72020 BIG set (bomb bay and radar).

Kits from Modelcollect

Version G (UA72202) - Photo

The kit is completely engraved. The parts are split nearly similar like in Italeri kits. The kit UA72202 has one big problem. The boxart shows plane with "wing root extensions" and ALCM pylons for AGM-86C missiles, BUT the kit contains only the ALCM pylons and AGM-86C missiles, but the front fuselage parts are missing the "wing root extensions" !!! The decals in the kit are for 57-6492 "Old Crow Express", which you can not build from the kit as the real plane had "wing root extensions" and AGM-28 pylons (both missing from the kit)
The kit contains tail section from "D" version.
UPDATE
Modelcollect released update set which contains new nose section, tail section and "wing root extensions". You can even build the 57-6492 "Old Crow Express" from the kit, more info in next section.

Build options with kits from Modelcollect

VAR 1 - In case you want plane with CALCM missiles loadout:

a) possible, if you have the kit + update set
b) you need new decals

VAR 2 - In case you want conventional loadout with AGM-28 pylons + I-BEAM adapters:

a) possible, if you have the kit + update set
b) the kit does not have AGM-28 pylons + I-BEAM adapters

VAR 3 - In case you want conventional loadout with "stub" pylons + HSAB adapters:

a) possible, if you have the kit + update set (you will not use the "wing root extensions" from update set)
b) the kit does not contain "stub" pylons + Buff Master Design 72032 HSAB
c) the kit does not contain decals for a plane with "stub" pylons

List of detail sets for Modelcollect kit:

Eduard - SS646 ZOOM set, 72677 landing flaps, 72680 engines, 73646 interior, CX531 canopy mask, 72682 bomb bay, 72683 undercarriage, 72144 BIG PE set - Part I, 72145 BIG PE set - Part II
Scale Aircraft Conversions - 72164 metal landing gear
Buff Master Design - 72032 HSAB

Weapons:

You can get MER-1-6/6A multi-racks from various kits or from set from Hasegawa (X72-1) or Eduard (672119, but you need two sets)
You can get bombs again from kits or from various Hasegawa weapon sets. Eduard makes resin M117 late bombs (672058), M117R bombs (672059), CBU-87 cluster bombs (672127), Mk.82LDGP bomb (672087), Mk.82SE from North Star Models (NS72082) or Kora Models (DSM72001).
You need 4 sets from each to make complete external loadout.
CBU-52/58 (SUU-30H/B container) is produced by Spectre Resin (SR72-W-002), you need 6 sets for complete external loadout.

Aftermarket decals for AMT/Italeri/Modelcollect:

VAR 1

Cutting Edge 72208 - 58-0183 "Valkyrie" - SAC camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles
Golden Dragon 72006 - 57-6475 "Miami Clipper II" - Mono camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles
Golden Dragon 72006 - 58-0238 "Miss Fit II" - SAC camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles
Warbird Decals 72021 - 59-2582 "Grim Reaper" - Mono camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles
Warbird Decals 72039 - 58-0177 "Pettie 3rd" - SAC camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles
Caracal Decals 72097 - 58-0177 "Pettie 3rd" - SAC camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles
Caracal Decals 72097 - 57-6475 "Miami Clipper II" - Mono camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles
Sanger - 58-0185 "El Lobo II" - SIOP camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles

VAR 2

Cutting Edge 72212 - 57-6492 "Old Crow Express" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Cutting Edge 72213 - 58-0164 "SAC Time" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Warbird Decals 72021 - 58-0164 "SAC Time" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Warbird Decals 72021 - 58-0168 "Treasure Hunter" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Warbird Decals 72021 - 58-0182 "What´s Up Doc ?" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Warbird Decals 72021 - 57-6492 "Old Crow Express" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Warbird Decals 72039 - 57-6509 "Nine O Nine II" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Wolfpak Decals 72013 - 58-0173 "Let´s make a deal" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Wolfpak Decals 72092 - 58-0175 "Viper" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Sanger - 58-0173 "Let´s Make A Deal" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Sanger - 57-6515 "Mohawk Warrior" - Mono camo - AGM-28 pylons
Sanger - 58-0164 "SAC Time" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Sanger - 57-6492 "Old Crow Express" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Sanger - 58-0182 "What´s Up Doc ?" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Caracal Decals 72077 - 58-0164 "SAC Time" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Caracal Decals 72077 - 58-0182 "What´s Up Doc ?" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Caracal Decals 72077 - 58-0217 "Liberator" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Caracal Decals 72077 - 58-0249 "Urban Renewal" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Caracal Decals 72097 - 58-0168 "Treasure Hunter" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons

VAR 3

Almark Decals S-18 - 58-0195 "Eternal Guardian" - Mono camo - "stub" pylons
Italeri 1378 - 57-6473 "Hard T´get" - Mono camo - "stub" pylons
Caracal Decals 72097 - 58-0241 "Pterodactyl Courier" - SAC camo - "stub" pylons
Caracal Decals 72097 - 58-0195 "Eternal Guardian" - Mono camo - "stub" pylons

Scale 1:48

Sanger company makes multimedia kit (vacuform fuselage + white metal parts). I have no idea of which pylons are included, but as Sanger offers decals for various machines, I guess they have ALCM, AGM-28 and even "stub" pylons in their offer. They also offer decals in various scales (on demand).

VAR 1

Sanger - 58-0185 "El Lobo II" - SIOP camo - ALCM pylons + AGM-86C CALCM missiles

VAR 2

Sanger - 58-0173 "Let´s Make A Deal" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Sanger - 57-6515 "Mohawk Warrior" - Mono camo - AGM-28 pylons
Sanger - 58-0164 "SAC Time" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylonsy
Sanger - 57-6492 "Old Crow Express" - SAC camo - AGM-28 pylons
Sanger - 58-0182 "What´s Up Doc ?" - SAC camo - AGM-28pylons

Weapons:

Regarding the loadout, you need MER-1-6/6A from Eduard (648227 - pity, you need two sets, as each set includes 3 x MER)
For the bombs - CBU-87 from Eduard (648274), Mk.82LDGP again from Eduard (648093), Mk.82SE again from Eduard (648137). You need 4 sets for complete loadout.
CBU-52/58 from L`Arsenal (ac48-76) or Eduard (648454), you need 6 sets for complete loadout.