Magnesium Overcast: The Story of the Convair B-36(Specialty Press) [Paperback]

Dennis R. Jenkins (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1580071295 | ISBN-13: 978-1580071291 | Publication Date: July 15, 2008

The Convair B-36 Peacemaker was the ultimate statement of American air power at the beginning of the Cold War. An intriguing mix of proven World War II concepts and 1950s high-tech innovations, the aircraft would spark more controversy than any weapon system ever built until the ill-fated Star Wars system of the late 1980s.
Extensive research at various archives around the country have uncovered new and previously unpublished details about the B-36 and its derivatives. Among these are the first-ever photos of the never-flown second prototype YB-60 all-jet version, details about Convair s flying-boat version of the XC-99 cargo aircraft, and technical information of the stillborn Variable Discharge Turbine B-36C variant.
Includes extensive photographic coverage of the devastating 1952 Texas tornado that severally damaged and grounded a good portion of the B-36 fleet. A detailed serial number list covers each airplane and its final disposition, and a chapter covers the efforts to reclaim and scrap the aircraft as they were taken out of service.

Editorial Reviews

Review

If you have any interest whatsoever in the B-36, this is a book you cannot do without. Quite simply, this is the absolute best and most detailed coverage of the B-36 you will ever find. ---Internet Modeler, reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl, September 2008

This is THE B-36 book, worthy of a place on the shelves of both modellers and armchair historians. ---Hyperscale, reviewed by Rodger Kelly, January 2009

I'm certain enthusiasts everywhere will welcome these affordable reprints of landmark titles. If you missed any of them the first time around, you're in luck now. All three deserve spots in every aviation library. Strongly recommended. - --Model Aicraft Monthly, reviewed by David L. Veres, March 2009

This is THE B-36 book, worthy of a place on the shelves of both modellers and armchair historians. ---Hyperscale, reviewed by Rodger Kelly, January 2009

I'm certain enthusiasts everywhere will welcome these affordable reprints of landmark titles. If you missed any of them the first time around, you're in luck now. All three deserve spots in every aviation library. Strongly recommended. ---Model Aicraft Monthly, reviewed by David L. Veres, March 2009

About the Author

Dennis R. Jenkins is a consulting engineer in Cape Canaveral, Florida, working on various aerospace projects including 20 years on the Space Shuttle and several on the stillborn X-33 program. He is the author of more than 30 works on aerospace history.

Product Details

• Paperback: 230 pages
• Publisher: Specialty Pr Pub & Wholesalers (July 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580071295
• ISBN-13: 978-1580071291
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,687 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This One' s a Keeper!, December 7, 2001

By 

Jim Rotramel (Lexington Park, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magnesium Overcast: The Story of the Convair B-36 (Hardcover)

Already owning several books on the B-36, including Jacobsen's "Convair B-36", I almost passed on "Magnesium Overcast". I'm really glad I didn't. In addition to some very interesting historical background that I wasn't aware of, it has a lot of great photos and drawings I haven't seen in other publications. Some of them are a little small, but the paper quality is excellent so that isn't the problem it would be in with a lesser quality product. And the color section is just stunning, with quite a number of operational photos I haven't seen before. The weapon section defines the bomb bay modifications required to carry various weapons, when they were made, and to how many aircraft. It also covers various nuclear weapon tests and the B-36's participation in them. There is also extensive coverage on the defensive gun installations. The great thing is that it's highly readable and well organized, too. Highly recommended!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The "benchmark" B-36 book!!, January 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Magnesium Overcast: The Story of the Convair B-36 (Hardcover)

Finally! The B-36 book I've waited decades for. I liked the first-person accounts in Jacobsen's "Convair B-36" but was a little disappointed with the technical coverage. "Magnesium Overcast" tells the story of the aircraft with text and tremendous photo coverage. The photos of the 1952 tornado damage are especially interesting. I knew there had to be photos out there somewhere! This is a book I'll refer to many times. Thanks Mr. Jenkins!!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Complete History Of the B-36 Peackmaker, November 22, 2001

By 

Scott Sadler (Columbus, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magnesium Overcast: The Story of the Convair B-36 (Hardcover)

This is a great history of the Convair B-36 Peackmaker. By far the most complete book yet on this aircraft. The Book also covers the C-99, YB-60 and the NB-36H Nuclear Test aircraft. Many never seen pictures before. This book covers the scraping of these great aircraft in the late 1950's to the surviors and the accident of others. The Tornado accident at Carswell AFB is well covered in this book. This book is a must for any B-36 fan or the history of SAC.