What is the best way to make bullet holes and jagged flak damage to a B-17? I want to show a badly damaged B-17 in a diorama honoring Franz Stigler and Charlie Browns encounter in 1943.I just bought the book “A Higher Call” which I highly recommend for all to read. Charlie Browns B-17F was badly shot up and was saved and escorted home by German Ace Franz Stigler. A true story that truely inspires.
I have a couple of ideas that would help. You’ll want to thin the plastic out in the area you want to damage, using a motor tool like a Dremel to speed up things, then punch out a jagged hole with your hobby knife if you’re making flak damage. For bullet holes, you can do the same thing in thinning the plastic, just make sure you’re bullet holes aren’t in a straight line, like Hollywood’s. Due to ballistics, and other movements, they don’t hit more than six or so in one area, and they’re pretty random. There’s a painting of that encounter on the web, and you can use that for reference if there aren’t any pictures of Ole Pub. Also, practice on some scrap plastic/kits until you get the hang of it before shooting up your B-17, that way you’ll kinda know what to expect.
Glenn
I’ve heard that heating up a sharp tool or needle will do the job for bullet holes - once heated you can penetrate the plastic with the heated pointy end
Blackbelt2, I am on a slow build of the same project. I have completed the 1/72 Airfix 109 plus a resin office. The B-17F is a 1/72 Academy kit. The 17 is not on my current schedule; but I have the same questions!
Hi Shipwreck! You must have bought the book “A Higher Call” also.The damage on the B-17 is unreal and will be a project unto itself. The book is great and I can hardly put it down. Good Luck and maybe we can exchange pictures when we are done?
Thanks for all of your ideas everyone. I will give it a shot.
I use the heated tool method myself…you can use different size tools for different caliber bullet holes, etc. Remember also that sheet metal often looks like it is jagged and flapping in the breeze when shot up, while fabric surfaces(control surfaces) would simply have a puncture and rips showing. For metal, you might consider using some other materials to help you, such as the metal foil commonly found on wine bottles. If you need to show severely ripped fabric surfaces, you can use tissue soaked in white glue–as it dries, you can position it any way you need to.
I just watched the reunion footage. what a compelling story. John
If I had read this thread earlier (yesterday) I could have shown you a mistake I made. I am now breaking off antennas, pitot tubes etc etc.from my aircraft kits as they usually get broke any way. I took a T pin and heated the end up to stick it in the top of my P 47 I’m doing for the antenna. Anyhow, I missed the first time and it almost went through the plastic on the side of the fuselage, but it left a nice mark in it. I’m thinking now that it would (might) look like a bullet hole. I’d show you, but I already have putty in the hole.
I got these T pins in the craft section at Wal mart. I use these pins plus straight pins and the straight pins with the little balls on the end for lots of things. I guess maybe I have somewhat of a heavy handed style when doing my builds.
Anyhow, I hope any or all of my little tricks w/ the pins helps.
I agree, I recently watched this program as well. There was another somewhat similar story involving a P 47 and a German Ace on You Tube. I’ll see if I can find it. Found it my first try.