Building the Revell 1/48 Scale SR-71 Blackbird Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft

In this video we construct, paint, and detail this latest release and very large 1/48 scale plastic model of the iconic SR-71 Blackbird strategic reconnaissance, high speed, high altitude spy plane -- Revell model kit #04967. At the point that the model was about 70% complete and the video at 40%, I lost my doggie, Mooch, due to a freak accident and very cruel twist of fate. I nearly shelved this project permanently, but 3 weeks later I decided to push on in his honor. However, the original zest I had was understandably lacking and the overall final result suffered.
Max_Afterburner Channel glasses and mugs available at: my-store-c6adc...
Your Custom Graphics artwork needs can be met with Phil Ciborowski. Contact him at: [e-mail]
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Images:
Video and photo images are Public Domain from U.S. Military and other governmental agencies unless otherwise noted.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Pratt & Whitney J58 Engine image (lower) is provided by Greg Goebel is CC by SA 2.0
Skunk cartoon from Vecteezy.com
Attribution: www.vecteezy.c...
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Movie Clips:
“Winning Your Wings“(1942) by Warner Bros. featuring Jimmy Stewart is a U.S. Army Air Forces government recruitment film and is Public Domain Mark 1.0
“Look to Lockheed for Leadership” (Circa 1940) is Public Domain from the U.S. National Archives
“The Woman in Green” (1945) is Public Domain due to lack of existing copyright
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Music:
“The Coldest Shoulder” by the 126ers is Creative Commons 0 (CC0)
“New Horizons” by Futuremono is Creative Commons 0 (CC0)
“Maestro Tlakaelel” by Jesse Gallagher is Creative Commons 0 (CC0)
“Lament Of The Ancients” by Asher Fulero is Creative Commons 0 (CC0)
“Angelic Forest” by Douglas Maxwell/Media Right Productions is Creative Commons 0 (CC0)
“Gamela” by E’s Jammy Jams is Creative Commons 0 (CC0)
“Space Chatter” by Douglas Maxwell/Media Right Productions is Creative Commons 0 (CC0)
“Cantus Firmus Monks” by Douglas Maxwell/Media Right Productions is Creative Commons 0 (CC0)
“Voices” by Patrick Patrikios is Creative Commons 0 (CC0)
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Audio Clips:
“Winning Your Wings“(1942) by Warner Bros. featuring Jimmy Stewart is a U.S. Army Air Forces government recruitment film and is Public Domain Mark 1.0
Department of Defense (DoD)/United States Air Force “Aim High” Recruitment commercial is Public Domain

[@The_White_House]

the modelers motto " it will be covered up but at least we will now it's there" because where just quirky like that

[@MaxAfterburner]

For sure...😉

[@gcm747]

Love the combination of model making, commentary, music, and images and facts about the real thing. Nobody else does it like this. Awesome stuff!

[@luisnerf]

Max really puts a lot of effort on his videos that's for sure

[@stevie65able]

Agreed. No one else does this level of background info that Tom puts into his videos.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi gcm747, it was all a LOT of work, glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Luis, maybe too much...🤔

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, Stephen 😉

[@mycammedia]

I like the videos, the content, the variety of model types, the format and how they are put together. I especially like the added part about your late beloved pets - been there too and we will always miss them - they give so much to us.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi mycammedia, thanks, and I'm so glad you like the presentation style. Pets are fantastic! My doggies were my greatest treasure in life and they made everything richer. 💔

[@cerethpainting6606]

I truly believe our 4 legged best friends will be waiting for us on the other side. Absolutely stunning as usual!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Cereth Painting, thanks, but not my best work for sure -- having to try and recover after the gloss coat caused me to end up somewhere other than where I thought I would end up. I hope somehow I see all my doggies again. Thanks for the comments 🙂

[@RReese08]

Thanks for the great video, Max. And Godspeed to your best friend Mooch. I had the privilege to be acquainted with Bill Park, who was a civilian test pilot for Lockheed back in the day. Among other things, he flew the SR-71 and its variants, and it's a miracle that his career lasted as long as it did, considering the nature of his work. Bill didn't talk much about what he did, but the joke among those who knew him was: "He always did his best work at night." Keep up the good work, and you have my most sincere thoughts over your loss.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi R Reese, thanks, and also thanks for sharing your story of Bill Park.

[@eustaceomalley6071]

I'm sorry you lost another close member of your family. I'm hoping you're doing well, and I hope that you can look as far forward as you can while remembering the best of Mooch. This will, by far, be one of the coolest planes I've ever witnessed in flight. I remember as a boy, about 8 years old, watching this take off from the nearby AFB at dusk.... I will never forget the cones of fire as it took off and went nearly straight up in the sky and out of view, but not out of earshot. I turned to my Dad and asked, "Did it go into space Dad?"

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Eustace, thanks, and also thanks for sharing your story. The SR-71 was well ahead of its time and surely seems "spacelike". 😃

[@zorax15]

Of all the videos I've seen of people painting this plane this paint job is the most impressive. I'm building this kit myself at the moment and your paint job inspired me to do the exact same with my kit.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi zorax15, good luck and all the best on your Blackbird build. I'm glad the video helped 😊

[@jocax188723]

I spent two months of my intro to aero engineering course writing a paper on the mechanics and function of the J58, and frankly it still baffles me. Ben Rich and his team were goddamn geniuses.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi jocax188723, I don't know how anyone works on jet engines. When I visited the engine shop in my F-16 days, I was always glad I didn't work on those things. It looked like a rat's nest inside a maze within a bowl of noodles to me!

[@Forensource]

I crap built this model in about 1970. In 1983, I would end up stationed at Beale regarding the SR 71. It was the only model I built. I illegally sat in the cockpit during a weekend night shift.

[@MaxAfterburner]

You should have taken it up for a spin 😉

[@Wolflord1950]

I'm sorry about Mooch

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you, Aaron.

[@natertot3953]

First view of my favorite scale model channel!

[@MaxAfterburner]

You're Number #1 on the runway, Natertot! 😎

[@TheMack]

Lovely build! I currently have this on my workbench, having so far only cut out the upper and lower fuselage. I plan to build it like yours, gears up, on the stand. Thanks for a very instructional and fun video, love the B-roll clips! 😀

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi TheMack, glad it may help provide some ideas and also give you some tips of where the pitfalls are located. 😁

[@TheMack]

@@MaxAfterburner Much appreciated! I'm building it as a gift for my big brother. He absolutely worships that plane! 😀

[@ScaleHangar182]

Sorry for your loss.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you, Dawid.

[@7stringbassist]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching that!! My condolences on Mooch.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Mark, thank you very much for your kind wishes for Mooch. Glad you liked the Blackbird 🙂

[@crimestoppers1877]

Just joined from the Lehto channel.

[@brettneedham3713]

I just bought the 1/72 Firefox , can’t wait to build this girl

[@denniseichert2323]

Your understanding of both color and application really combine to bring out the best this kit has to offer. From my viewpoint the project looks fantastic - I'm sure it looks even better from your perspective. Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of pup (mooch). We have a small dog we both love very much and I despair to think of how I would feel should he pass on. All the best Sir, and congratulations on a very successful. By the way, the SR-71 appears an improvement on Revell's very poor Hornet range in 32 scale!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Dennis, thanks for the kind comments and sorry for the late response 🙂

[@denniseichert2323]

@@MaxAfterburner It's quite okay Sir - you're thoughts and feelings come before a you tube channel. All the very best.

[@andresteffen5237]

This is art, love it

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi andresteffen5237, glad you enjoyed this model tapestry! 🙂

[@ememeable]

I like your style 😍

[@MaxAfterburner]

HI ememeable, glad you're enjoying it 😎

[@philippermejo7442]

Did you thin out the paints when you were brush painting the cockpit parts or just straight out the bottle?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Philip, for my hand brushing I use undiluted paint out of the bottle. 🙂

[@TheRealHawkeye]

Sorry about your dog.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, TheRealHaweye.

[@CAPNMAC82]

That's a pretty build of a deceptively complicated kit.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi CAPNMAC82, it sure had its share of needed nudging to get it "flying straight". 😏

[@MetalMatt2510]

Thanks for the video Maybe a model I will do in the future. Just doing a Tamiya F16c ANG at the moment I'm new to airbrushing just wondering how to get right consistency of the paint for my air brush, have loads of tamiya paints, not having much success with airbrushing at the moment

[@----.__]

RIP Mooch

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks

[@AvengerII]

@ the start of the video. Please tell me he named one of his bombers "Harvey"! (Stewart was in the USAF reserve after he returned home after WW2. He flew a couple of different bomber types and even got a ride in a B-58 at one point, I think!) That would start my day on a laughing note! They had to name one of the F-117s or B-2s "Harvey," didn't they? : )

[@richardhammel7003]

Superior build & video Max!! Where did you find the music in the beginning & end.. May your pet R.I.P

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Richard, I got the intro/outro music off the audio library at YT. Thanks for Mooch.

[@richardhammel7003]

@@MaxAfterburner Do you know what it's called I'd like to play more of that tune.. It's pretty cool

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Richard, all the music I use are listed in my video descriptions. The track you're asking about is "The Coldest Shoulder" by The 126ers. Here's a link to that piece: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYuag4R_fqtsfdE

[@spalkin]

I'm here to see someone accomplish what I could never bring myself to do. Build a Revell kit. Big ups, man. That whole thing would be in a landfill after I saw the matching.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi spalkin, it started out good, then... 🙄

[@mcarland]

Just to clarify, Testors made a 1/48 SR71 in the late 80s. One of my favourite kits.

[@Zig68]

Le number one de l aviation rapide en taille reduite,impeccable$.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Salut Lyazid, un avion incroyable

[@madmilk762]

I know its similar to the T-38 you've already built, but I'd like to see you paint an F-5C Skoshi Tiger

[@fdwsr71]

So far this is my second Revell kit the first one the 1/32 P51D and the fitment is pretty poor. Will stick with Tamiya kits

[@DavidRLentz]

A wonderful build! I wish I could tell you in the fulness my appreciation for you in presenting to us your efforts in preparing this model. Also, my condolences to you and your family for Mooch. I had found my cat, Landmine, October 2008--his birthday was just a fortnight past!--so he would have been age 14. I had called him that nickname because he constantly was underfoot--and I with size 14 feet, a very long stride, and poor vision, I inadvertently would step on him.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi David, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for your thoughts on Mooch and I'm sorry for your own personal loss of Landmine.

[@bryanjacla1068]

So, what's the next build?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Bryan, I don't really know anymore considering all that has happened recently. Let's see how #30 does here...

[@Лёха-ж9к6е]

Грунтовкой не красили перед покраской в черный матовый???👀

[@nichofmann1800]

All my deepest sympathy for Mooch

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Nic, thanks.

[@michaeldexter2544]

I don't think that Facehugger is going to find the Cylon Centurian to be a very good host!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Michael, it's the next Imperious Leader of the Alien hives 😉

[@chops1sc]

Awesome video! It's a shame that a kit that costs as much as this has such poor fit. Tamiya has spoiled us, LOL!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi chops1sc, definitely not Tamiya grade 🤣

[@1JackTorS]

Outstanding job! One of my favorite aircraft. You really have a remarkable talent. I feel for you for Mooch too bro. I lost my Boxer in March of this year to a tumor on his heart. He was 11, which is sorta old for the breed. That dog meant more to me than you could possibly imagine, so I understand what you must be going through. What happened to him?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi 1JackTorS, thanks for the generously kind comments. Sorry to hear of your loss. I lost Mooch to a one in a million freak accident which I still can't believe happened. It has slammed my spirit down, hard into the ground.

[@VonDrinkoften]

Such an iconic aircraft, and you've done a phenomenal job on the construction and painting of it. Congrats mate! 👍 I had the much older Italeri kit in 1/48 scale, and it was Huuuuuuge! But, it was a dog of a kit with gaps as big as your Grand Canyon in the US. Even so, as a teenager I must have dry fit the 8 piece fuselage together several hundred times before I reluctantly sold it off online. I was excited when I heard Revell were doing a re-tooled version, but must admit being a little disappointed on seeing and hearing that the fit is not the best, although admittedly, it is lightyears ahead of the old Italeri kit. But the instruction discrepancies of the parts call-outs is a real shocker and really should not have occured if proper proofing/testing had been done prior to going to print. Still, overall and after watching your build go together I am VERY tempted to pick one up for myself. 😉 For your next/later build, would you consider doing the newly tooled Airfix Avro Vulcan bomber ? Even though it's 1/72 scale, it too is a pretty massive kit and of similar vintage to the SR-71 although understandable if your not interested in it, being a British aircraft. Failing that, I highly reccomend The Revell 1/48 Lockheed Ventura (either US or RAF versions) A fantastic kit and the fit is superb. If interested you can view my build here: www.scalemates.com/profiles/mate.php?id=65866&p=albums&album=82797&i=25#25

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi James C, thanks for the compliments. Actually, I give myself a grade of "C" on my efforts on this one. It all depends on your tolerance to make corrections for this kit if you pick one up, I guess. We'll have to see as to the future of this channel for upcoming builds. I'm struggling and the channel is struggling...🤔

[@REA-zd3or]

Manufacturer: The seams of the model are to restore the real machine

[@robw3027]

Great video max.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Rob W, thanks much! 😊

[@foreverplastickits138]

*A huge kit for this huge piece of aviation engineering, "Skunk Works" are really THE legendary creation workshop of all times! Awesome build, the 2 jet engines are really beautiful! 😍😍👏👏*

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Forever Plastic kits, thanks, and glad you stopped by again! 😄

[@buckmerdoc8860]

Another stunner!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Buck, thanks for the kind sentiment 😊

[@garyyoung4074]

New? I've had a 1/48 Blackbird for like 30 yrs. Mine has pilot figures too. Monogram??? Loved thier models...wish they were still in business.

[@MaxAfterburner]

This is a newly tooled kit by Revell.

[@PowerfulSlicer]

Great job dude

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Powerful Slicer, thanks much for the comment 😊

[@adminunknown1387]

11:45 how come you painted the rubber aluminium?

[@stevie65able]

SR-71 tyres were infused with powdered aluminium.There is a notation about it at around the 11:42 mark. The addition of aluminium to the rubber gave a much higher flash point to the tyre, helping it withstand the high heat caused by friction with the ground upon landing at extreme speeds. If I recall correctly, the tyres on the XB-70 Valkyrie were similar, but the aluminium was only in the sidewalls.

[@MaxAfterburner]

I was going to include pictures of the main gear tires from SR-71A #61-7951 in the video, but I ran out of steam...

[@adminunknown1387]

@@MaxAfterburner everyday is a learning day

[@bastiandijkstra6832]

Watched this one again, very inspirational. I am re-building my Italeri 1/48 SR-71, and very nice to see how you’ve done the weathering. How much time did you let dry the putty before removing the excess?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi bastiandijkstra6832, happy to hear that this video might help out on your own SR-71 Blackbird re-build. You can choose to start sculpting the putty while it's still slightly wet. Or, you can wait a few hours up to 24 if you want to sand it down and avoid the risk of pulling some of the wet putty out of the seam line/gap. 🙌

[@cactuswest]

I am sorry for your loss Max.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Cactuswest, thank you.

[@vicentwarriors]

Hai realizzato un opera d'arte aeronautica...grande lavoro Max afterburner

[@MaxAfterburner]

Mille Grazie, Vincent Warriors!

[@mikefm4]

The fact that you had a McFarlane big chap just makes me love you all the more

[@MaxAfterburner]

"I admire its purity. A survivor... unclouded by conscience, remorse, or delusions of morality." 😉

[@nickr-ls8ny]

Hi..I have been following the SR71 build and can't work out how you get crisp red lines around the window frames...masked off inside then stopped but still can't figure how you did that!..any advice appreciated. Thanks...N

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Nick R, I left a sliver of space so that the paint can form the outline around the window edges. If you have a fine tip brush and a steady hand, it might be better to go that route.

[@drewm4914]

I have always wanted to see this kit built. Thanks, Max!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Drew M, I hope it was entertaining. 😄

[@davidsakal449]

RIP Mooch!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you, David.

[@bastiandijkstra6832]

Excellent!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Many thanks, Bastian 🙂

[@AviationGuy1622]

Sorry abt your dog man.. in love with your hasegawa f22 and the paint you do on your models is the best❤️

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi AviationGuy1622, the F-22 I did way back when certainly continues to be a steadily watched video. Thanks for Mooch.

[@dannymontoya9469]

Why the playing of bacon frying while you paint..... Just kidding. Great build my friend.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, Danny, glad you liked it. 😃

[@jernejfunkl8300]

Another nice Blackbird model. It's a shame that there are no pilots in the cockpit. I don't know why the company doesn't foresee that the plane can also be made as a flying model. I built mine in 1/72 scale from Italeri. But I converted the pilots from Airfix's Tornado. It looks completely different if the cockpit is occupied. I feel sorry for your lovely dog :(

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Jernej, thanks for Mooch. That's a good idea using other pilot figures. That may come in handy as a plan for any builders who see your comment.

[@AvengerII]

One thing USAF tried to do, which would have been VERY controversial had they succeeded, was get most of the surviving Blackbirds scrapped. I think all these years later what they were trying to do was recycle the titanium in those planes for new projects or existing production programs. Titanium's very expensive to import and those airframes would have been a very convenient source of the metal.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi AvengerII, it sure is hard to obtain a lot of titanium. I'm sure you know the story on how the U.S. procured that material surreptitiously from the Soviet Union without them catching on! 😉

[@danielcgomez]

great job!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hey Daniel, thanks! 😃

[@themajesticmagnificent386]

I really enjoyed that video and love your build.Thank you and all the best from Blighty🇬🇧🇺🇸👍

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hello The majestic magnificent , so glad you were pleasantly entertained! 😊

[@tgmccoy1556]

My late wife was at a family gathering in Marysville, Ca an SR-71 rumbled overhead and she said: "What a Blackbird.!" She had no idea that was what it was called.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi TG McCoy, a nice and humorous memory to have. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@ciesinsk]

Invisible painted wheels. I guess that is were obsession and pragmatism separate 😂

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi ciesinsk, 🥳🤣

[@erikson22407]

Impressed. Didn't know how you were going to add the weathering on a black model like that...the multiple layers to achieve that was a cool technique I had not considered. Thanks for sharing!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Karl, when I started the model the white oil wash was going to augment the airbrushing. I had to rely on it much more than originally planned to try and recover the contrasts I lost during the gloss coat process. I suspect not everyone will like it.

[@stevie65able]

@@MaxAfterburner Funnily enough when you look 👀 at photos of the real aircraft, your weathering is very close to how they appear. No doubt some “experts” will correct you in time to come.🤣

[@xzeke666x]

this one is something im gonna get in the near future to build and paint i have a tip for you when it comes to replace the putty that u use if you want to. if you buy one tamiya extra thin cement clue and then take sprues that you have and cut/snip them into smaller pieces and add them into the tamiya, you will get something that many of us that build and paint warhammer minis call sprue clue and it is perfect for filling gaps and such. and one small jar of that lasts you a really long time as long as you keep the lid screwed on and the brush that is in the cap is nice aswell when you are going to apply it. thoe i will also say that i dont know if you can make it with resin sprues seanse i havent tries it or heard anyone made it with that. just wanted to mention that seanse resin models are becoming a bit more common, atleast among the tabletop minis and i dont have a good grasp about how it is among these.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, xzeke666x , I may have to try that out sometime 🫡

[@chriskitoo1]

Great video but I don’t understand why you assembled and painted the undercarriage given that you then glued the undercarriage doors shut.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Chris, I've mentioned in some previous videos that I do this to add to my own personal entertainment. I like to have secrets hidden within my model builds. Also, it can provide practice building intricate parts, painting them, and also I hate to "waste" parts leaving them on the sprue and forgotten in some box. Finally, it can come down to keeping the model stable if the center of gravity becomes a critical issue as far as weight and balance.

[@lordofdunvegan6924]

The seams that require all the putty work are the same as in the old monogram kits. Disappointing that this new kit by Revell repeats these errors requiring so much tedious work to cover over poor design issues.

[@MaxAfterburner]

A surprise for sure, Lord of Dunvegan.

[@alcosound]

A nicely produced video. I was a little mystified why you decided to build the landing gear, cockpit etc if you didn't plan on displaying these in the final set-up?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Nick, I've mentioned in past videos that I do this to add to my own personal "amusement" that there are secrets hidden within my builds. Also, it provides practice building more intricate parts, painting them, and also I hate to "waste" parts leaving them on the sprue and forgotten in some box.

[@TheGetintoit]

Great entertaining and useful Video especially for me as I an undertaking this model. Thanks. ps I will be it watching again.😁

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi TheGetintoit, so glad you enjoyed it and that it may also help you out. 😃

[@CPurdiePlays]

I'm always in awe at just how much detail you put into your models. Well done.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Christopher, lots of detail, but not great detailing 😛

[@Poopster4U]

I got to speak to a fellow veteran about this bird and he told me these were a nightmare to maintain, he even pointed on my desktop pic of them parked the fuel leaking onto the flight line in the picture!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Poopster4U, my recollection from years ago was that they leaked fuel on the ground with the knowledge that once the SR-71 was airborne the extreme heating of the fuselage would cause it to expand and seal the tanks 😲

[@janrabie1890]

Just a question please. I bought a Revell SR71 kit. I am new to this and don't have the airbrush equipment. Would it be good enough to buy a can of matt black spray paint? Or would that provide an inferior finish?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi janrabie1890, if you can afford an airbrush and a compressor and know that model building is something you're going to pursue, then I would recommend that equipment. However, if you want to try the hobby out before committing more money, you can still get some decent results with canned spray paints made specifically for model building. Don't use spray paints that you might get from a hardware store as the mixtures tend to be much heavier, and always use these paints in a well ventilated area (preferably outdoors if you don't have any way to vent the excess spray and fumes from indoors). Please feel free to ask me any questions at any time and I'll try to answer them the best I can. I hope you have a lot of fun and enjoyment on your SR-71 model build! 🥳

[@janrabie1890]

@@MaxAfterburner Thank you very much for your detailed reply.

[@AvengerII]

@25:29 -- I was curious about the dimensions of this engine because it looks so big! Actually, it's close in size to the GE F110 turbofan! They're different technologies and optimized in different ways but sizewise they're not different dimensionally. The P&W J58 is 15 ft (180 in) long and 50 in diameter. The GE F110 (-129 that powers the Block 40 and Block 50 F-16C) is 181.9 in long and 46.5 in diameter. Where there is significant difference in physical traits is weight. The J58 being 3 decades older is significantly heavier; it's a 6,000 lb engine! The GE F110-129 is just under 4,000 lbs dry. With the exception of acceleration, the J58 would still outdo the GE F110. The J58 is designed to run at supersonic speeds for much longer (still ingests air at slowed to SUBSONIC speeds like any jet engine) and in afterburner for hours. (90 minutes would be the max, and I imagine it operated LESS than that because of range and need to refuel which also means the Blackbird has to slow down to refuel!) For a 1950s design, it had to have superior cooling! Most fighter jet engines as I understand can't run in afterburner for very long; 20 minutes or less depending on fuel state and what production engine they're powered by. I had read somewhere some engines couldn't function more than 5 minutes in afterburner before they ran into serious mechanical stress (heat issues)!

[@EduWushu]

Love how details in such a flat color as black end up highlighted. Do you put varnish before applying the oil wash? Or straight on top of the paint? What type of paint is it, acrylic, enamel? Doesnt the wash mess up the paintwork when you go over with the cloth? Thanks!! Love your videos!

[@EduWushu]

Ok going again through the video now I see you used tamiya colors and then applied a gloss coat before decals and weathering :D

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi EduWushu, no worries. I would say, however, that oil paints do not react with the acrylic paint as long as the type of thinner used such as lighter fluid is mixed in the oil paint. So, a gloss coat would not be necessary.

[@Лёха-ж9к6е]

Проект и реализация 👀👍🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@modeltankguy]

awesome job on the bird sorry for your loss i knw the feeling...keep them videos coming

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi model tank guy, thanks for the comments! 😊

[@davidcole333]

You did a fine job building it, but that kit looks like a dog. It's a shame Tamiya didn't do it.

[@markfergerson2145]

The dog comment was a little off considering Mooch but I have to agree it looks like a typical Revell kit from the Bad Old Days. Still it was a great build of my favorite plane ever.

[@ujona]

Sorry about your pet loss but your modeling skills are excellent.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Jonathan, thank you. I lost Mooch and then Sophie shortly afterwards. It's been rough. Glad you liked this SR-71, though.

[@natertot3953]

THANK YOU

[@j-frame]

I hope that Revell will release a "Big Tail" SR-71 in this scale.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi jframe9715 , I imagine if sales are good enough for this SR-71 version, they may pursue an aftermarket add-on. Hmm 🤔

[@ShortFinal]

Sweet! great to see a new video out

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Short Final, hope you enjoyed it! 😉

[@janrabie1890]

What kind of putty do you use, please?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi janrabie1890, please see image inset in upper left corner at 12:43. 🙂

[@tatie05]

New friend here watching from philippines

[@MaxAfterburner]

Welcome aboard, Tatie! 😃

[@ostolbober4084]

damn i am 14 years old and i am starting making models and damn this is amazing

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, ostolbober 😃. I hope you have lots of fun!

[@William.Driscoll]

Nice sophistication. Thank you for sharing this.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks for watching, William. 😃

[@johnpaulbacon8320]

Great job on the model and the video - very sorry about your dog :)

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi John Paul, thanks for the comments 🙂

[@sseltrek1a2b]

want one of these, but $140?...yikes...

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Steve, some hobby sites offer this particular kit at less of a cost. I've seen just under $100 while the alternate Blackbird kit with no display engines can be around $75. If that's better... 😉

[@lefishe8303]

What putty were you using for the gaps and what solvent were you using to remove the excess? Thanks

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi le fishe, this is covered in the video. It's Perfect Plastic Putty which is a water soluble based material. You can use plain water as your solvent. 😉

[@lefishe8303]

@@MaxAfterburner Thanks, i must have missed it in the video, great looking model btw!

[@tatie05]

Watching here friend happy new year

[@MaxAfterburner]

Happy New Year, Tatie! 😉

[@carycosgrove8898]

Great build man, sorry about your pup

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi carycosgrove8898, glad you enjoyed the blackbird video. Thanks for Mooch...

[@juanchelini5937]

great work, but i dont know about the oils...

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Juan. 🙂

[@tatie05]

Sending love and support

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you, Tatie 🙂

[@cerethpainting6606]

One of my favorite planes when I was growing up.

[@homegardenvegetables]

Thank you for posting this video. I absolutely love this plane and my wife got me this kit for Christmas so i will make it to give to one of my children. Can i ask what white paint and ratio you added added to the lighter fluid for the wash as i want to replicate this.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi homegardenvegetables, you're welcome and I'm happy that it might help. For the main wash, I just used a generic white oil paint that you could even pick up at a WalMart. The lighter fluid evaporates over time so you just need to keep the mix "wet" enough by eye, so there is no set ratio for me. You can always add more paint to an area or clean up more on the model as it comes along. Have fun with your SR-71 build! 😊

[@homegardenvegetables]

​@@MaxAfterburnerthank you. I will send some photos when done. I'm really enjoying the process it's almost meditative

[@MaxAfterburner]

Wonderful!

[@Archangel3083]

Phenomenal job but why bother with the wheels if they’re not being displayed?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Henry, I'm just getting some enjoyment by building "secrets" into my model builds.

[@Archangel3083]

@@MaxAfterburner I just ordered one. I’ve built several of the 1:48 Testors kits over the years but it’s been a long time. I still wish they would supply extra parts for a YF12 or A12 build. In going to fabricate my own into an A12 with D21 drone

[@OstrichLongneck]

Excellent work. The extra detail you added with the streaking created a realistic finish! Amazing build and awesome, informative video! - Trevor

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Ostrich Longneck/Trevor, awesome, thank you! 🙂

[@danfreeman9079]

Blackboard paint is the best match for color and texture.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi danfreeman9079, seems like it would be for sure 😎

[@danfreeman9079]

@MaxAfterburner After working for years in the SR-71 program as a Code 42 Metals Technology Section Chief, part of the Fabrication Branch of the 9th Maintenance Squadron, 9th SRW. I know the various stages the the RCS coatings (Paint) go through in their appearance. Some say the SR-71's appear to look blue, but that is really just a result of the refraction properties of light. Other factors have been described as Red/Blue Phase shift, which is depending on if the aircraft is flying away or towards the viewer. Under microscopical examination of the freshly painted Blackbird, you can see faceted black oxide crystals embedded within the paint. The texture is somewhat like velvet. As the paint wears down after use (The high temperature of flight, fuel and oil saturation, walking on it, and handling during maintenance), it becomes smoother and somewhat greyer in appearance. I have provided samples of SR-71 Titanium to professional model builders that have various conditions of the original paint on them so the builders can make an exact match. This is done for modeling competition purposes.

[@martinthwaites2432]

First, sorry about Mooch, RIP. Your build is excellent, and I love the mix of facts, humour and skill. Long may you continue buddy.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Martin, thanks. For what I lack in model building skills, I try to make up with somewhat of a lighthearted video. 🙂

[@ArktikosAdventures]

Fantastic job! Building one now myself. Just an FYI, the shock strut pistons are not really red. Those are locking/support collars for aircraft on long term display. The struts are depleted of hydraulic fluid and nitrogen for safety and environmental reasons and therefore need those supports to help keep the landing gear strut extension within its nominal weight-on-wheels (or off-wheels depending on the display configuration) X-dimension. Keep doing these awesome builds. Look forward to some more. Cheers!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Arktikos, actually the red was my poor attempt to create tarnish on the chrome strut. I didn't bother to fix it up since it was going to be covered up inside the bay. Glad you enjoyed the video 😃

[@robertgriffin662]

Let's see, I got one word: BEAUTIFUL!! I had testors 1/48 SR-71 years ago and loved it. Had there TR-1 Dragon Lady as well, I thank it was 1/48, can't remember.

[@MaxAfterburner]

All very large!

[@juliangriffiths7298]

I really enjoyed the video. What a wonderful subject the SR-71 is. Thank you! Great commentary too. I don't think I'd have bothered doing the undercarriage though, if to be displayed retracted! You are a perfectionist!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Julian, it sure created a lot of extra work to include those parts internally and all that on top of the fit issues with the model. When I first started out, I thought I'd be done in mid-June.