Is it worth it?

And yeah, $25 is an ok price for that kit as long as it is intact.

Post pics when you get it.

There were 2 releases of the visible kit, 1980 and 2010 or so. They are both the basic G model kit with the addition of a clear port fuselage half. However the newest release of this kit also contained all the extra bits from the old monogram pro-modeler kit, minus the PE fret. So you could add the cheyene tail on instead of the stinger tail.

With that crack in the clear half, there is no fixing that and seeing as how this kit is now out of production, you very well may not get one from revell. Future or any kind of glue will not make it disapear, only fix the actual crack. However, the kit if complete should have a non clear left fuselage half.

Don Stauffer

One solution that I have seen done a lot on those phantom kits- paint half the model, leave other side clear.  So, paint whichever side the crack is on (looks like port), including filling the crack if need be.  Then leave right (starboard) side clear.  I have seen several clear kits done this way and it looks great!

http://paulbudzik.com/tools-techniques/B-17%20Conversion/monogram_b-17_conversion.html

I remember hearing how you could use Future floor polish as glue for clear parts.  This stuff is about as thin as water (if not thinner) so I was wondering if this crack could be fixed by "working" it in to the crack until it disappears.

Okay I think I will pick it up when I get the chance. Thanks guys!

One solution that I have seen done a lot on those phantom kits- paint half the model, leave other side clear.  So, paint whichever side the crack is on (looks like port), including filling the crack if need be.  Then leave right (starboard) side clear.  I have seen several clear kits done this way and it looks great!

you could also contact Revell for a replacement fuselage half if it becomes a problem.  There customer service is great.

John

Well lets start with this point- there are only two 1/48 B-17 kits out there right now and this one is the better of the two. AJ covered the critique points pretty well. Even if you decide to just build it as a normal B-17G with no clear parts left visible, $25 is not a bad price for the kit today. There is plenty of AM stuff to make this kit really shine, or it builds up nice enough OOB with proper care and attention.

Hmm... I was looking to use the clear section as it's intended but with more of a traditional "cut-away" look to it rather than the whole thing being one continuous clear piece so yeah it shouldnt be a problem hiding it. Sounds like it really is just so-so though...

The base kit without the clear parts retails for a bit over $30 without the clear section. Only you can decide if it's worth it to you. The fit is not perfect so you will need to fill and sand along the top and bottom of the fuselage to get a good fit which will compromise some of the clear parts.While the interior is decent , it is basic and could use additional detailing, such as ammo belts. The bulkhead edges will also be prominent against the clear half. I'm finishing a non- clear one for a commission right now, it's not terrible, but it's not shake and bake, either.

Looking where the crack is, there is no real detail inside so if you plan on painting parts of the clear side and leaving other parts clear to show off the interior, I'd say go for it, plan on repairing the crack and painting it over to hide it.