need advice and tips for first time model

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

so I finally took the plunge. Anyone who knows about me and my posts knows that all I have ever modeled aircraft wise is modern era. My oldest model would be be my F4 ( timeline wise not build wise). I have never been interested in modeling WWII era stuff. But today iwhen at hobby lobby I said what the hell and bought this. Being my first WWII era model I need major advice and guidance. I really have no idea what the hell im doing detail and paint wise. Please lend me a hand with advice and tips. Also tips for colors I should use for interior painting. I really appreciate any help you guys can give to a WWII era modeling noob. Oh yeah as a first WWII era model, I figured go big or go home.

2

Okay so I started out by buying some master model turned brass Browning .50 cals to replace the OOB plastic ones. Figure thwy look way better and have less of a chance of breaking. Next was thinking of getring some Eduard wheels. Thats all visual stuff to go for. But I need tips on building and other visual details to do.

3

I guess where to start is a basic color for the interior. I use testors zinc chromate enamel (in the little bottles) I think the US WWII used this color for most of their aircraft and the Testors is fairly accurate right out of the bottle, and you can brush it or AB spray it.

4

That is a classic kit and one I think just about everyone has built at least one of. I know it was one of my firsts too. The great thing about the B-17 is that there is so much research material out there. There should be no lack of information as to colors, etc. I’d hit up the 'net and start reading and ogling pictures. Won’t be too long before you get a handle on it.

Chris

5

That’s correct, the interior should be green zinc chromate. The Testors model master color is just right. (I have been inside one of those babies and can verify the color is right.)

Good luck on your build, and post pix!

6

Thanks Jay and chuck. I wasnt sure what color green that was. I would have ended up just doing it in olive drab if you guys hadnt have mentioned anything. Are there any problem areas build wise with this kit, like on the wings or fuselage?

7

Here is one of the best color references out there.

www.ipmsstockholm.org/helpdesk.asp

Other advice: Do not count on restored aircraft for historical accuracy when used as a reference

for color.

As for WWII aircraft, while it is in the eye of the beholder, I don’t think any modern airplane is near as beautiful as a Spitfire, Mustang, or a Super Connie.

Good choice with the B-17. The kit has been around in one form or another for more years than I care to remember but, it’s an easy build with decently fitting parts. The only problem area I remember is a step between the upper and lower wing halves where the nacelles join the leading edge but, it’s easy to deal with. If you want to go crazy with detail, there are plenty of aftermarket sets for both interior and exterior. Just depends on how much money you want to spend. Eduard is a GREAT source of AM parts for your kit.

Good luck

Ray

8

You can go crazy with interior detail, then discover you can’t see a thing. But you can do it as a learning experience. Being a late model B-17 and having “modern” experience, you might just pull off the metal finish. I’ve never been able to do that myself. Putty is probably a must for the wing roots. Keep looking for better tips from better modelers than me. Good luck and post pictures for us please! Bob

9

Thanks for the info guys. One question…did any B-17’s have a natural metal finish? You know like just bare shiny metal? I know thats a tough finish to do but I would really like to give it a go.

10

Ok I suppose thats kinda a dumb question, the box depicts one. But its not a chrome like finish, its more of a matte or satin like silver. I want to know if any had a mirror chrome like finish.

11

URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/darthvaderfx02/media/Mobile%20Uploads/b-17-aluminum-overcast-closeup_zpsizw4znpe.jpeg.html][/URL]URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/darthvaderfx02/media/Mobile%20Uploads/B-17G_FlyFort_zpsk3aewl1i.jpeg.html][/URL] So I found these pics for reference. Would you guys call this a mirror finish or more of a high satin silver?

12

First, the entire interiors are not green zinc chromate. The forward crew compartments were dark dull green. Areas aft of the bomb bay could be either green zinc chromate or NMF. The exterior color just depends on the particular airframe you’re building. Late in the war the bombers were left NMF because we had gained air superiority and the need to camouflage them wasn’t there. It also got them I to service faster etc.

If you are going NMF a polished chrome look is not going to be correct for an aircraft in service. You only see that on meticulously mainted warbirds. You’d want to go with Aluminium or airframe aluminum.

That being said, it’s your model so do it your way. When I did mine I used interior green becuse it’s what I had.

13

Thanks dflu78. Like I said this is my first WWII era model compared to my tons of modern era builds. So I really have no idea what colors and finishes would be correct.