Well, I finally got started on this kit. I will be using it as filler work in between my other kits so I will be moving slowing with it. I am using this kit as a building test bed to practice the kit and to find areas where it needs improvement, scratch work, corrections and whatnot.
I have an extra PE set for the cockpit, but other than that I am planning mostly OOB with most likely a painted scheme. Not sure I really want to use that much Alclad mostly.
Anyway, here goes the work.
I have a squadron walk around and tons of pics and info on these birds mostly so I can really, REALLY doll up my visible B-17G that sits in my stash and has almost every resin or PE available for it. It’s gonna be a huge undertaking, but this one is to learn on.
I used the IPMS info on paint and mixed my best quess of “bronze green” that I could muster until I was happy with the hue and tone. I used MM chromate green and added some MM gloss black until I got this color. It’s not field green, it’s not interior green, it’s not chromate green, it’s my best guess at bronze green. I am pretty happy with the color, it matches my photos in the walk around pretty well. I also used Mr Hobby Metalizer aluminum for the waist gunners area, it still needs to be polished, cleared and washed.
I have a lot, a LOT of detial painting to do so that will take some time. Here is where I stand thus far. Be patient, this one may take a while.
Good job on the interior Bk. I did this one when it first came out as “Little Miss Mischief”, half OD and NMF so this can be an option to keep the Alclad cost down. Had it for many years and finally sold it on Ebay 12 years ago for some good $. I’ve heard that the 1/72 Revell release is a smaller version so I just may grab one at the next show.
Revell’s 1/48 J Liberator is very nice too. I did that one all NMF as “The Dragon and his Tail”. That was one crazy colorful art work.
I just noticed in the photos that the colors are different. In fact with the exception of the two cockpit side panels, painted interior green, all the other colors are the same, but lighting must have made them look different. I still have to detail paint all the panels and switches and do the floors in wood and NMF. I just painted it all at once to keep the other colors that go over them uniform.
I’m quite motiviated to build this one.
PJ, I like the dual scheme idea. I’ll look into that.
I remembered during my build of the Monogram B-17G build, how you graciosly posted the your future works of your three B-17G’s. I’m excited to see this come together. Will you be using your PE and resin kits you purchased or are these aftermarket items in reserved for the two other Flying Fortresses? Any way sir an excellent start to a historical aircraft.
Good choice. This was based at the airfield the runway of which is just at the end of our village and is still used for glider flying. Will be looking forward to this.
Awesome! I’ve built two. The Memphis Belle out of the Revell kit and My Grandfather’s F modified out of the Monogram kit. The only bummer is that all that nice OOB detail will be lost once its closed up. Areas to watch out for fit wise are the engine nacelle seams and lower wing fuselage joint (at least for me), otherwise, you’ll love it. I look forward to your build. Joe
Update. I’ve been moving painfully slow through the interior, painting and detailing till I get it where I want it. There are certainly plenty of inaccuracies throughout but all that will be hidden when I close it up. When I do my visible version I will be attempting to correct much of that and it will take a great deal of time.
Yesterday I managed to get the primary portion of the cockpit assembled. I spent most of the day applying the PE, which really made the pit look good but those bits are CRAZY small and very difficult to work with. Not perfect but it looks decent to my eye. I won’t get much more done till next week as the Weekend Madness begins tomorrow and I’ll be absorbed by that till it’s over. Thanks for looking.
BK
This shot shows you how small many of the bits were on this instrument panel. They were quite difficult to work with.
That DOES make a difference! I’ve put off finishing a 1/35 scale kit with PE because of the tedium of working with the tiny little parts. I’m about to get back into it, but sure would like to know exactly what process/tools you used to manipulate all those tiny parts.
I’m using my magnifiying visor, suture pickups, wooden toothpicks with different sized ends, etc. Please share your technique. Thanks.
I use the same sorts of tools you are using. I used to use CA glue but switched over to white glue. It’s easier to apply and can be removed if you don’t like something. It dries clear so you can’t see where you’ve applied it once it dries. Crystal Klear canopy glue is what I use and I apply it with toothpicks. I use small tweezers on the parts and hope I am not shaky that day. Mostly it’s just taking the time to do it, which makes me nuts, but the results are usually worth the effort.
Nice to see this thread. I purchased the same kit last week with the intention of building it with the IAF 69 Squadron markings.
I note there’s quite a bit of aftermarket PE for this. If you (or anyone else reading this) were to recommend the top two or three, what would they be?
BrandonK, what are the other B-17’s do you have and will you be working on those back to back? Will you be using the resin kits for this build? I’m so excited for you, more than you can imagine. This brings back fond memories of my “Visible B-17G” with Eduard PE items. I recall how you posted your B–17 kits to show forum members what you have as far as future WIP. You’re the man BrandonK!
