Hey all, Im working on a project to convert Revells 1:48 B-17F to an E model. From what I gather on the plane Im looking at making all I need are different props and a new nose cone. Does anyone know where I can find these? Ive tried searching and cant find what Im looking for.
Any adivce would be very greatly apreaciated!
Search the forums because I remember seeing a thread about just this subject…someone building an “E”.
Paragon made an E conversion set at one time, but the only place you’re gonna find it is on ebay (there’s one on there right now for $32.99)
Cool thanks! Do you know if the props are resin? I wonder how hard they are to get apart.
You can modify the kit’s props to the E standard. You will also need to replace the big cheek windows in the nose, to match the smaller ones. The cowls are slightly different has well. The Paragon set does have the cowls and prop blades. If you’re looking at doing an early version of the -E, you will have to replace the ball turret with a remote one (don’t forget the aiming windows), again the Paragon set has this.
I actually looked into the cheek window thing, and the picture I have of the plane shows the same thing as the F version. If you want to know which plane Im going I’ll pm you a pic of it. Im going to keep it seceret until I finish.
You can get a conversion kit from Bill Koster for doing C, D, and E model. Search the forum for his e-mail address to order. The Mono/ Rev B-17F is an early block number F so it doesn’t have a lot of the later nose window mods like the cheek windows.
OK now I’m curious, now I got to see the pic. I have yet to see a -E with large cheek windows, this will be interesting. Please do send me that pic
Here’s one for ya pilot
Cool, but now I have to go research if’n it came from the factory that way or if a field mod. But it’s definietly an -E, based on the serial number. Learn something new everyday!
Joe Baugher has it with the 97th BG, but that it crashed in Greenland in 1942. The record must be wrong, as this shows it to be well used after combat. It is now being used as a squadron hack as there is no top and ball turrets installed. The large window is a field mod by the 97th. It was also used by the 303rd as here:
For props you have several options, there is the E conversion from paragon with props, but the props are individual blades you have to put onto the kit spinners, not that big of a deal. Shaping the kit props is another option however I would do that as a last resort, lots of work and just a pain in the rear. I’m working on a B-17D model conversion right now, so I needed the skinny props as well. I got mine from the revell AC-47 kit, which comes with both the skinny props and the paddle props, you just have to get 2 sets worth.
For the nose cone, you again have the paragon conversion, and also 3 options from koster alone. He has the B-17C/D/E and late G conversion (this does not include the needed props, gotta buy seperate). Option 2 You can buy just the clear parts set from the C/D/E/G conversion. Option 3, koster also has a conversion set for F model nose cones, which does include an E model nose cone, plus a few for the F (2 of them are for forward firing ,50’s) and I think 2 for the G model. As well as bulged cheeks for F models.
As far as the E model engine cowls go, to the best of my knowledge they are not much differant from F model cowls, the differance being the were shortened a bit to allow for the paddle props on the F model to feather. If you go with the paragon kit you’ll get new cowls, converting the revell F kit cowls would be a lot of work considering the cowl flaps are molded on. Personally, I think nobody would notice if you didnt make that cowl change.
Thanks for the help guys, this thing is turing into a real project!
ww2phsycho: I’m in the middle of a B-17 D conversion from the Revell/Monogram 1:48 G kit. I purchased the Koster conversion and have gone through the process of chopping up the fuselage to shorten the nose section (which you’ll have to do for your F-to-E switch, I believe). You’ll also need to modify the cheek windows. The Koster kit has some nice clear parts for all of this - particularly the Plexiglas nose. You can see pictures of the kit and my progress here: http://b17hack.blogspot.com/ Hopefully, it will give you an idea of what you’ll receive with the Koster conversion kit. I think that you can make a nice E version with it. I too need to find a good source for new props. I also need to lay my hands on some extra cockpit seats and some other interior details for my D.
Hacker, the B-17F to E conversion does not need the 3/8" section of the nose removed like the D model conversion does. The fuselage was lengthened when the whale tail was changed to the stinger tail.
You can source props from the revell AC-47 gunship kit, it comes with the paddle props AND skinny props like a D model fort. This is what I did.
On side note hacker, your avatar looks like risky business goes to an airshow. Lol
You’re absolutely correct, B-17 Guy. I don’t know what I was thinking. The E had the extension to accommodate the top turret. It’s only nuts like me who’re doing earlier variants that need to hack out the cross-section.
Thanks for the tip on the props. I’ll look into acquiring an AC-47.
My avatar picture was taken at the Reading Airshow last year. I had just landed from a ride in “Yankee Lady”. Those are Rayban II’s. Just like Joel wore in Risky Business. “Time of your life, eh kid?”
Do you have any thoughts on where to get the right seats? I’ve noticed that the seats for the C’s and D’s are shorter, buckets. I’ll need four for the cockpit area and two for the bombardier/navigator compartment. See links to pictures below:
Pilot:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AJCscdcZKqMhUhyTFPepvnB9fE0Q72Dd6kgsluNPhUc?feat=directlink
Bombardier’s and navigators:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z-lxSGvSA_2TWIyNc9iS4nB9fE0Q72Dd6kgsluNPhUc?feat=directlink
-Peter
For the -D I’m doing, I modifed a kit supplied seat and then copied it. You will also need three in the radio room.