Revell 1/48 B17G WIP

No, HL doesn't have an extensive selection of military colors in spray cans. That is a disappointment. That's a lot of the reason why I started switching to the Vallejo paints. I was already enjoying the use of Daler Rowney artist's acrylics and Tamiya acrylics as well, so it was an easy switch. I also started with a knock off no name chinese siphon type AB on canned air. Getting a Neo with a compact compressor as an early present made my world open up like crazy.

So take advantage of a sale at HL and grab an Iwata as soon as you can. They come around once in a while and that's when the best time to take advantage of the prices.

Lol for some dumb reason I seem to enjoy it, glutton for punishment I guess. I was bummed HL didn't have any decent spray paints for the underside.

It looks like you are at the "least" fun part of the B17 build. (masking) See doing the Ju88 was good practice! It's all downhill after masking. Can't wait to see how this turns out. Makes me want to go to HL and get a second Superfort...Even though it has some fit issues, IMHO, the best bang for your buck model. It will be a nice addition to your collection.

Toshi

Yes, much progress indeed, looks great!

Toshi

 

Thank you Sir!

Yes, much progress indeed, looks great!

Toshi

Making progress......

No joy in Mudville :( so I'll be using what I have in stock.

Me and the youngest are heading to the nearest hobby lobby and I'll go with what they have in stock since I have a gift card.

Shipwreck

 

 

JohnnyK

Notice the joint between the two fuselage halves. I did not fill the joint and it is really noticable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Johnny, your Chow Hound is a nice build. I would suggest that you deal with those seams before you call it finished. Seamless seams a rather basic to modeling! Haven't you started your on topic on your model; that is where this post should be!

 

JohnnyK

Notice the joint between the two fuselage halves. I did not fill the joint and it is really noticable.

 

 

 

Johnny, your Chow Hound is a nice build. I would suggest that you deal with those seams before you call it finished. Seamless seams are a rather basic to modeling! Haven't you started your own topic on your model; that is where this post should be!

I used Tamyia rattle can Light Ghost Gray on the bottom. I used Tamyia masking tape to mask the edge of the gray paint . 

Notice the joint between the two fuselage halves. I did not fill the joint and it is really noticable.

Will be following my friend!

Toshi

The blue tinge is probably from the film type. Notice how dark the blue of the upper sky is in the photo as well. Neutral Gray is just that, neutral in hue, with no hint of blue. The modern shade is lighter than the WWII version on the color. AMC Gray used on modern USAF transports like the C-17 is closer to the WWII color. And depending upon lighting and weather conditions, that color really can change in appearance to the Mk.I eyeball. Much like Haze Gray used on today's USN ships. 

So far I have liked Vallejo's Neutral Grey. It looks right and has that tinge of blue to it. 

Apparently Tamiya's NATO Green can work for the pit, I'm told. I have yet to try it for myself though.

stikpusher

WWII Neutral Gray 41 was a very medium toned color. 

 

Looks almost like blue gray

WWII Neutral Gray 41 was a very medium toned color. 

I'm thinking of using mostly interior green with a fair amount of aluminum but this may change, still slowly working on the clear parts. I'm thinking of using my rattle can of camo grey for the bottom, its what I used for the P40 and I thought it looked good.Thank you everyone for your guidance

IMHO, I would not worry about getting the perfect color for the cockpit. I use Taymia Cockpit Green with a litthe dry brushing with tan and black. Once the airplane is finished you really can't see much of the cockpit.

One problem with what we see today of WWII aircraft- they are seldom restored to the condition and appearance the had as exactly as built. While we may see Interior Green on today's B-17's,  that color was not used on many if not most. Why? It was not required then due to life span expectation. Corrosion control was not an issue due to short life span so the interior painting for that purpose was dropped in certain areas, particularly the waist and tail section. The nose, cockpit, and radio room interior areas where glare control was the concern, were painted. Erection and Maintenance manuals for the B-17 specified particular colors for those areas- primarily Bronze Green or Dull Dark Green. And as you can see in the link that I posted, there is also insulation cladding on sidewalls in certain areas, which is usually gonna be green or OD. But for groups like the CAF and Collins Foundation who intend to keep their Forts flying, corrosion control is an issue, hence the need for a protective coating on the interior. 

Regarding interior colors, I rely on Camouflage & Markings, Interior Colors of US Aircraft, 1941-45, Part II by Martin Waligorski. The only final word comes from observation of the particular airframe you are trying to model; but I believe Martin will give you some good ideas. One thing to remember is that most of the bombers had insolation on the cabin walls. We think it was some kind of drab green; but if you look at B-26 Flak Bait, still in her original state, the green mat has faded to a tan color. Bottom line, for modelers, the only thing that is exact is our imaginations!

If you scroll down, you will come to a section on the B-17.

http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2004/02/stuff_eng_interior_colours_us_part2.htm

I just Googled B-17 Chow Hound. Lotsa picts and history. This is a fun and educational part of model building. It puts a bit more meaning to the build. Check it out.

Max

Just looked around the web at B17 pics especially the interior, saw a lot of interior green of various shades including what looks to my like RAF interior and also what I'm guessing is aluminum.

I'll be watching this. Built the Mono boxing back in the mid 80's and its what got me started doing diorama's after seeing the booklet of Shep Paines build that came in the kit.

I don't know how accurately the USAF Museum's B-17G was restored. But there are seversl interior photos here. Looks like a Bronze Green cockpit and Interior Green after areas... and the radio compartment in Dull Dark Green.

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196270/boeing-b-17g-flying-fortress/

The interiors were pink! But green chromate might work as a substitute. Bomb bay should be aluminum. 

Thanks everyone, not sure what I'll teach anyone here though lol It'll be a slow build with the time I have to work on it, right now I've started masking off the clear parts and am going to need to do some research as to the interiour colors before I get to work on it.

That's a great kit to build. It goes together really easy. And yes, it is big, which makes it fun. The only issue is the seam between the two fuesalage sides. It is important to take the time to make sure that it is invisible because it is really obvious.

A fun kit and actually fairly good. I also did the "Chow Hound" version. You can get some time in this one. I found some pictures and history of it during the build several years ago. I'll see if I can find them. I'll keep an eye on the project, it was fun!

Max

You're gonna enjoy this kit. I built one many years ago, and another not quite as many years ago. Alas both did not survive to today. OOB, it builds up nice enough. But there is plenty of AM out there to really make this big baby a true beauty. Have fun.

BTW, the OD over Neutral Gray is a wise choice. NMF on such a big subject is a real challenge. Although operational wartime NMF B-17s were hardly pristine...