1/48 B17's

The old Monogram "G" version is just fine but this is an older kit with raised panel lines, but it has a real good amount of interior details. The Revell "F" version is workable but not as good a kit as the Monogram, also has less interior detail. There are after market detail sets for these kits. There have been rumors for years of an Asian company doing a new 1/48 kit as well as rumors of a 1/32 version! Rumors, though. Only rumors.

-John

news flash, the 1:1 scale B-17 has, are you ready for this, RAISED PANEL lines

Matt Gunsch, A&P,IA,Private Pilot Riding member of the 2003 world champion drill team Arizona Precision Motorcycle Drill Team GWRRA,NRA,GOA

"N329DF" wrote

No it doesn't. The B-17, like most aircraft of similar construction, had overlapping skin panels creating a sawtooth-like profile. Most models, on the other hand, have flat skin profiles interrupted with raised, thin lines of semi-circular cross-section to represent the panel edges. Some models use grooves rather than raised lines. The question is which model scheme better represents the real aircraft's skin profile as neither is truly correct.

KL

For "normal" aircraft with flush or lapped panels I prefer grooves in

1/48 or smaller s>

Yes. I just like working with recessed lines better all the way around. I do realize that the surface of a real B-17 is a sea of bumps and rivets. I just like the way recessed panels look. I think the only weak point on the Mon. B-17 is the glass, but some careful clean-up, mounting and painting will yield decent results. It just doesn't have the clean, tight look of a fancier kit. But I do think Verlinden makes PE frames for the larger ones. Where's that Trumpeter 1/32 kit ??!!??

-John

Mmmmmmm the Revell F is what I want then, but I am not a big Revell fan, damn, ok thanks all for the info.

-- estarriol the damned

A European company called Mirage has announced both a b-17F and G to be released in 2004. See

Don't know if this is going to happen or not. Not sure of the quality of said release.

The Mono G is a fine model. Good fit for a 1970's issue. Ditto's for the Revell F. If you build be sure to bring plenty of putty and sandpaper.

No experience of the Revell: the Monogram was a really easy build, and I didn't need putty or sandpaper.

Lots of detail, no major fit problems, and for about $20 (£13.99 in the UK) how wrong can you go? It's hanging from small son's ceiling in "Bit 'O' Lace" markings, and it sure looks the part to me...

Bestest, M.

Monogram...the G kit is great.

I have 7 B-17's. plan to hang them in formation from the ceiling someday escorted by some little friends....

hanging those babies makes you not so concerned about the topside details. ain't no one gonna see them except flies...

Craig

I need to make a correction to a previous posting. I mentioned a book by Edward Jablonski.... I incorrectly mentioned the name as B-17. Correction: The book is published by Doubleday, and is titled: Flying Fortress. The jacket is dark blue with several silver B17's on the front...very attractive. The details in the back of the book would be, in my humble opinion, a tremendous source for intricate and accurate detail. My apologies to any who may have been inconvenienced by my err. Happy Modeling always, Bruce

Very good book. In fact...that was my FIRST hardback book of a military nature. I got it when I was like 7 years old. A good read as well. And much better than his better known (and over-rated, in my opinion "Air War").

It has a wealth of info for the modeler, and many great reference photos.

I am surprised though, that you had to "describe" this book for anyone. I figured EVERYONE knew of it, as it was always featured in those "Military Book Club" ads...lol...(along with "Air War").

Kurt, The B-17 does have overlapping joints, which results in Raised panel lines. I know it all too well as I spent about 7 yrs working on a 17, and have 20hrs flying as crew. Matt Gunsch, A&P,IA,Private Pilot Riding member of the 2003 world champion drill team Arizona Precision Motorcycle Drill Team GWRRA,NRA,GOA

I guess we can get "nitpicky", and suggest that this results in neither raised, nor recessed, panel lines....but more of a "scalloped" effect. They can be seen as "raised", or "recessed"...depending on from which direction you are viewing them...lol.

On a similar note, does not the Hasegawa 1/48th P-47 also duplicate a beautiful "scalloped" effect, particularly in the wing-root area?

"Greg Heilers" wrote

That's exactly my point. The real thing has an edge, not a raised rib nor a sunken groove.

KL

We could call them lapped lines?

WmB

To reply, get the HECK out of there snipped-for-privacy@earthlink.net

Clinker-built B-17s? gd&r :)