Barry's B-17B **FINISHED**

[Barry]

One small error is that the "US ARMY" lettering should be in blue, not black

[Gregers]

Sweet. I was hoping that someone would do this kit. I'm thinking of getting one. I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do with this one Barry.

All the best.

Greg

[Narayan]

One thing I like about the B-17 is the very distinct difference in the variants. Look forward to seeing this one Barry, what scale is it? Looks quite small.

_________________
Narayan

Knock-out Dropper!

A:B
2012 20:05 2009 19:16
2011 11:10 2008 16:03
2010 44:12

Overall 193:51

[Ian]

It's 1:72, Narayan. Take a closer look at the sprue shots and you'll see there are inches marked on the cutting mat.
I like the bulged windows on the sides. Very Catalina-like!

[Narayan]

Ah yeah, should have spotted that!

_________________
Narayan

Knock-out Dropper!

A:B
2013 01:00 2010 44:12
2012 20:05 2009 19:16
2011 11:10 2008 16:03

Overall 194:51

[TomW]

The Academy Fortress's are very nice kits. One thing I found when I built mine was that the wings want to sit with crazy dihedral as supplied, a small shim might be required to get things to sit right.

Regards

Tom

[Dirkpitt289]

I love and have several of the Academy forts but not this one. I look forward to seeing this one get underway

[Barry]

First little problem: These big holes in the leading edge need to be opened up. They take in air for the intercoolers and superchargers. Academy indicates them with raised edges. You could just paint 'em black, but it wouldn't be the same. And no, they're not just flashed over, they're molded solid. Takes a while to dig 'em out.





I lost the decal for the IP so had to go the tooth pick/white acrylic route. And notice how jammed in those seats are. They're too big.






Downsizing





BTW Tom, from what I've read, these early models don't have the crazy dihedral problem that the -Gs had. I'll be checking closely when I get there though.

[Dirkpitt289]

That is one cramped cockpit. I never realized they had so many seats in the B cockpit.I like the way you are re-sizing the seats.

[PaulBradley]

That is one cramped cockpit.

Looks like an EasyJet cabin....

[Ian]

Could you not just move the rear seats so they are against the bulkhead?

[Dirkpitt289]

I'm curious what the crew members did that sat there?

[Barry]

I thought I had a discussion on the crew positions somewhere Dirk, but I can't seem to find it at the moment. I know that the right rear seat was for an aircraft commander (There was even a fold down table for him to use.) but I don't remember if this position was occupied on every flight or if it was more like a Mission Commander sort of thing. There was a clear tear drop shaped dome over the seat so he could stand up and survey the situation. The left seat may have just been an extra. There were a couple of extra seats in the radio compartment too.


The seats don't represent real B-17 seats Ian. They're too big and boxy in all dimensions, so I just pared them down. That let me get more leg room and a wider aisle too.






I decided to take the extra step of boxing in the intakes.




I haven't furnished the nose yet because I have to get my finger in there to install the two top center line windows.

[Dirkpitt289]

That's a great bit of detail. I've thought about doing that on my Forts but usually wimp out.

[Narayan]

Nice work Barry.

_________________
Narayan

If I’m not back in 30 minutes, call the President.

A:B
2013 01:00 2010 44:12
2012 20:05 2009 19:16
2011 11:10 2008 16:03

Overall 194:51