1/72 B-17G: FINISHED!

I've been working more on the interior compartments of my Fortress. It's coming along nicely but with any kit there's been some minor issues. Part #4- there are two of these - are tricky and have to be placed in exactly the right position before you glue them in.  I wish I had known this before I glued them on  Oh well. If you're like me and you're building this kit AND you didn't think to test fit the bomb bay into the fuselage with both part #4's un-glued on the bomb bay assembly, you'll have to sand the sides of both part 4's and the inside groove of the fuselage that I've marked off in the photo below. What a hassle. 

The cockpit went together with no issues, but of course I didn't think to sand down the instrument panel before I applied the decal, so I had to really lay on the setting solution to get the decal to sit right. 

The Bombardier and Navigator's compartment went together with no issues. I used the "simulated wood" technique that was written about in an older issue of FSM to create plywood. If only I could find a small enough map decal for the Navigator's table! 

 

All three compartments are now joined together, and I've done lots of test fitting inside of the fuselage....let's just say I'll be making good use of my sanding tools and then my clamps when it comes time to seal this bad boy up! 

haha it's always good to have balance in the househould- that's part of the reason we got another cat last year in fact! Although with 5 pets, do I live in a household or a zoo exhibit? 

 

It's been busy on my end with all the lake-effect snow we've been getting. When it snows, I'm at work plowing sidewalks and spreading salt so that means lots of time away from my workbench. Today I got lucky, we didn't get more than an inch of snow last night AND it's a holiday! So I've spent most of this first day of 2018 completing the cockpit of my B-17. It all went together pretty easy, and I really dig the tiny decals for the seats. 

Looking good! 

He's an awesome dog, just wish he wouldn't eat things!  We have a Husky as well, and he's not very lovable, more like not at all.  So the Golden balances things out, lol. 

I seen my first two B-17's just this year.  I got to walk through the one and took a bunch of picutres so I would have plenty of reference when I got to build the Revell kit I have. 

Keyda - thanks! I've heard Goldens are notorious omnivores, glad to hear he doesn't go after your models!  

I spent a bit more time down in the workshop tonight with my fortress. I've completed half of the radio operator's compartment. I used a technique I read about in an older issue of FSM (I can't remember which issue in particular) to simulate the wood grain on the R/O's table. It's amazing what a file, tan enamel, artist's oils and a stiff brush will do! I painted the radios black and dry brushed them with aluminium. I know I'm probably wasting my time with all of these interior details- I won't be able to see them when this thing is sealed up anyways. But hey, it's good practice! I dug through an old box of photos for reference, as well. I'm sure I speak for a lot of us when I say that I'll never forget the first time I walked throught a Flying Fortress. All of those old photos I took at those airshows when I was twelve paid off! 

On an unrelated topic-  while I was down in my workshop tonight, our new pup ate a winning scratch-off ticket my fiancee got at a Christmas party today.....that pup now owes her four dollars.

 

 

 

rocker286

Keyda - You're right, a 1/48 scale Fortress would take up WAYYY more space! Good call on that fish tank shelf- I bet a big B-17 would fit just fine on the bottom of it. I like what you did with the Marauder, Mitchell and Hercules on the wall. Seeing as how my new puppy LOVES to chew on anything within her reach, I might have to start hanging some of mine!

Keyda81

Pfft, that's not big!  Try the Revell 1/48 kit!  Lol.  J/K.  I know what you mean about running out of room.  I recently had the same issue.  Now I don't have a display case for my models, my living room doubles as a scale aircraft museum, lol.  Once I got to around 30 models I started to run out of room, sort of.  I didn't want it to start looking cluttered.  Maybe it already does, I don't think so though.  I recently brought home a shelf my Dad made around 30 years ago.  He originally made it for a 55 gallon fish tank, but converted into a shelving unit.

So this has bought me more space.  I had to move some things in the house around to accomadate it, which was fine by me, and hubby will eventually get used to it, lol.  I'm hoping the 1/48 B-17G kit I have to build eventually will fit on the bottom portion of that stand.  I may be pushing my luck though. 

 

 

How did you mount the kits on the wall like that. I like it!!

Keyda - You're right, a 1/48 scale Fortress would take up WAYYY more space! Good call on that fish tank shelf- I bet a big B-17 would fit just fine on the bottom of it. I like what you did with the Marauder, Mitchell and Hercules on the wall. Seeing as how my new puppy LOVES to chew on anything within her reach, I might have to start hanging some of mine!

Fotofrank- Yep there are some awesome decal/paint schemes for this kit! Honestly I'm torn between building it as "Little Miss Mischief" or "False Courage" which has a BTO radar unit in place of the ball turret. I am leaning heavily towards the former however!

The new puppy I mentioned spent all day (and all of tonight) at the vets getting spayed/recovering. I took the day off from work to take her in with my fiancee, and when I came home I decided to hit the workshop. I managed to get the first step in this build completed: the bomb rack! Everything went together very smoothly. I'm hoping to do a bit more work once I get my little buddy back from the vet's office tomorrow. 

 

Keyda81

Pfft, that's not big!  Try the Revell 1/48 kit!  Lol.  J/K.  I know what you mean about running out of room.  I recently had the same issue.  Now I don't have a display case for my models, my living room doubles as a scale aircraft museum, lol.  Once I got to around 30 models I started to run out of room, sort of.  I didn't want it to start looking cluttered.  Maybe it already does, I don't think so though.  I recently brought home a shelf my Dad made around 30 years ago.  He originally made it for a 55 gallon fish tank, but converted into a shelving unit.

So this has bought me more space.  I had to move some things in the house around to accomadate it, which was fine by me, and hubby will eventually get used to it, lol.  I'm hoping the 1/48 B-17G kit I have to build eventually will fit on the bottom portion of that stand.  I may be pushing my luck though. 

 

Keyda81, you are very accurate with your comment on the Revell 1/48 B-17G Flying Fortress.  I’m currently am building one as a WIP.  I must say the hand built stand by your father is very impressive but if I may add a comment about the stand, I don’t think the bottom of the stand can accommodate the monster Revell 1/48 B-17G.  It definately in my humble opinion needs to be hung on your wall as I will need to do.  Good luck in your future builds!

Your friend, Toshi

Well, Rocker, I have the same kit in my stash along with some other B-17 kits. I'm going to go to school on your build so when I get around to my kit build I'll know the ins and outs of building this airplane. I think there are three different ways to finish this kit. Any ideas yet?

Pfft, that's not big!  Try the Revell 1/48 kit!  Lol.  J/K.  I know what you mean about running out of room.  I recently had the same issue.  Now I don't have a display case for my models, my living room doubles as a scale aircraft museum, lol.  Once I got to around 30 models I started to run out of room, sort of.  I didn't want it to start looking cluttered.  Maybe it already does, I don't think so though.  I recently brought home a shelf my Dad made around 30 years ago.  He originally made it for a 55 gallon fish tank, but converted into a shelving unit.

So this has bought me more space.  I had to move some things in the house around to accomadate it, which was fine by me, and hubby will eventually get used to it, lol.  I'm hoping the 1/48 B-17G kit I have to build eventually will fit on the bottom portion of that stand.  I may be pushing my luck though.