What would make a fitting base for a B-17?

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hey gang,

For those who don’t know, I’m building the visble B-17. I’m doing it more like a 3D cut-away, rather than a realistic B-17 with just a clear side. Basically, what that means is, a fancy paintjob, but no squadron markings or national insignia. I know it sounds kind of boring and/or lazy, but I really like the way it looks, like this.

Anyway, since she should be completed this weekend, I started thinking about a display base of some sort. At first, I was thinking of maybe doing a WWII era English landing field. But I think that lends itself to more of a historic representation, rather than the technical look I’ve gone for.

So, I’m open to suggestions. Feel free to throw out some ideas or sketches or pictures or whatever pops into your mind. I may end up doing no base at all, so all suggestions are welcome.

-Fred

2

Since it’s a cutaway piece, more scientific in nature, I’d say scaffolding, or look at some of the museums to see interesting ways they display aircraft. Or perhaps even the aerodynamic looking pedestals they sit on when they do the little not very detailed desktop models for higher up officers, and the like. Usually you see them more in movies and whatnot. I’d make it fit though, scientific or display grandois in nature. Of course I’m an oddball so…

3

Gigatron,

I’d suggest covering a wooden (plywood?) base with an air navigation chart showing the UK

and Northern Europe. That way, you’d have the who, what, and where covered lacking

only the “why” and “when”. You could even draw the routes to some of the targets the B-17

hit.

Ray

4

nice oak base with jacks holding up the aircraft

5

If you have any underside detail, wheel wheels or bomb bay you want to show off, use a mirror.

6

That is a spectacular idea Ray. Gives me some idea’s for future projects. GRIN

7

You could get some old pictures of the factory cranking them out and try to do some of the rigging around the plane from there.

8

all good ideas, gang - keep 'em coming [8D]

Ray, when I was detailing the navigator’s table, I was looking for air nav charts to scale down and print out. Any idea where I might be able to find some decent, hi-res scans of the real deal?

-Fred

9

Fred,

You might try here. http://wareseeker.com/free-air-navigation-charts/

Failing that, almost any “pilot shop” at a general aviation airport…

Ray