need advice and tips for first time model

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.

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

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!

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

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

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.