My 1/72 Academy B17 Memphis Belle

Looks good so far.  If its not too late, the bomb bay and the waist section would be aluminum not green.

Those Academy forts are nice kits.

Hi Bronto,

No, not too late. Once it's closed up, No one will be able to tell. I am not too worried about the interior.

I try to be as close as possible now but, a long time ago, I had some people who really cut me down or nit picked for the builds I posted ....it took all the enjoyment out of the hobby for me. I mean, I know that is not your intention. I'm just building for my enjoyment and hope others like it too. I used to research until it became a chore for me anymore. If anything, a resin kit or two for the outside where it's more noticible but, I'm not taking them to be judged by IPMS. I'm trying to be more of a OOB guy.

I do appreciate the comments though.

The exterior is where I usually get more specific. I have to get my airbrushing skills up to par for this 1/72 build. Here is a Tamiya Wildcat, I still have to finish and it's right along side this build.

Good work so far! If you get a chance, look up the air force museums website and check out the photos of her restoration. It's great inspiration.

Academy screwed up as Memphis Belle was an early F model so it does not have a round astrodome in the nose.

Yeah sure, but it's a clean model otherwise. If the addition of an astrodome is a big deal, I'll eat my barbeque cold. Like the OP said, he's in it for fun and its darn close in every other way. Even has the right props.

Update so far.

Ready for airbrushing but realized I don't have the colors I need. Tamiya's Olive Drab is a bit too dark for me (which I do have, but no white to lighten it up) I just ordered a huge paint resupply and should be here early next week.

As for the kit itself: Really nice fit so far. Had just small gaps that I remedied with some putty and sanding around the top turret.

I do realize that it is not correct and thanks for pointing it out. I just don't have it in me to start sanding and refitting right now. I just need to get a few kits under my belt again, to get me going. Then I can start worrying about any kits short comings.

Progress & thanks for looking / comments:

Looks good!  It's always a pleasure to see a B-17

Academy produced a lot of nice Fortresses, from the B through the G models.  They all build up impressively.  

Taps88

Hi Bronto,

No, not too late. Once it's closed up, No one will be able to tell. I am not too worried about the interior.

I try to be as close as possible now but, a long time ago, I had some people who really cut me down or nit picked for the builds I posted ....it took all the enjoyment out of the hobby for me. I mean, I know that is not your intention. I'm just building for my enjoyment and hope others like it too. I used to research until it became a chore for me anymore. If anything, a resin kit or two for the outside where it's more noticible but, I'm not taking them to be judged by IPMS. I'm trying to be more of a OOB guy.

I do appreciate the comments though.

Your build is looking really great. I fully understand your feelings regarding having others nit pick ones work. I too am mostly a OOB builder.I build for my enjoyment,and if anyone else likes what I have built than that's good as well. If the hobby isn't providing fun for us all,I don't see the point in continuing.

Lookin' good, Taps!! Do what makes ya happy!!

I had the privilege of boarding that aircraft. It was a stopover in saint Louis .went to mud island, I believe it's at wright Patterson now for a full restoration

Looking sweet taps...