1/48 Monogram B-17G

by Jeff Brundt

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Not much more really can be said about Boeing’s Flying Fortress or the 1/48th kit from Monogram that hasn’t already been said. I built one of these models when they first came out in 1978 but at that time I was more concerned with finishing the plane so I could go on imaginary bombing runs rather than taking my time to make a nice model. Fast forward to 2002 and I picked up one of these from a favorite mail order house and decided to revisit a bit of my youth.

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The kit hasn’t changed in almost 30 years. The fit is still barely adequate at best to down right horrendous; especially around the nacelles. Lots of sanding, filing and filler was needed. I lucked into finding a Verlinden B-17 detailing kit for a good price at a local hobby shop. The unfortunate thing is that most of the detail on the interior will be lost when this plane is assembled so one has to decide just how they want to go. The clear parts don’t posses a great clarity so what you do see through them ends up distorted. The largest clear area to view through is the bombardier’s Perspex nosepiece so I use most of the detail parts there. Monogram did a good effort at interior detail if you go OOB. The Verlinden set adds a bit more so it isn’t a total waste. The set includes quite a bit more oxygen bottles which are really needed.

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This was a basic build so I didn’t lower the flaps or reposition any of the control surfaces. There was a bit of distortion in the lower surface of the right horizontal stab but since it’s on the underside you don’t notice it. That was the only defect on the kit I could find. The Wright R-1820 Cyclones aren’t too badly represented. I painted the inside of the cowl zinc chromate green and the engines themselves were painted flat black on the cylinders and light grey on the case with silver dry brushing to bring out the highlights. The wheel wells are very basic and could use detailing but I didn’t go that far since they really won’t ever be seen. A coat of zinc chromate green and some oil wash and that was about it. I did opt to display the crew entry door on the forward section in the open position using the PE detail from the Verlinden set. You need to make sure to paint the interior zinc chromate green here. The kit’s wheels are flattened to depict weight and it’s a nice touch from Monogram.

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One of the hardest parts of building a Fort is deciding what particular ship to depict. I didn’t feel up to an all NMF B-17 so I went for the O.D. Green and neutral grey scheme. A bit of research showed that the first 1000 or so early G models delivered were in that color scheme. (As a side note the last of the F models off the assembly line had the chin turret installed so this color scheme and model can represent a late F or early G) My particular model is intended to represent a generic B-17 with the features of all B-17’s that I like. Yes, it may be historically inaccurate but I build for me and I have to make sure I’m happy first.

I used MicroScale’s B-17 set and used the ‘Bit ‘o Lace’ nose art because 1) it was available 2) it’s a girl  and 3) I like it. So all you purists out there that are familiar with ‘A Bit o’ Lace’ and its history I’m not trying to be disrespectful. Paints were MM enamels with a clear lacquer coat for decaling. Despite the gloss sheen I still experienced silvering. Grrrrr. Oh well, it looks like paint chipping from certain angles. I painted the de-icer boots flat black. I know these got beat up pretty good in service but mine can represent a fresh set installed. To try and duplicate the paint fade on the panels I experimented with ‘post shading’. Once the basic color was applied I darkened it with some black and then sprayed fine lines along all the model’s panel lines. The effect looks good, in my opinion.  Paint chipping was done with aluminum paint and a fine brush. I added the engine and exhaust stains with some MM flat black, Floquil grimy black and the airbrush.

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Well, that’s about it. I finished this model over a year ago and am finally getting around to sending the article in. The B-17 makes a nice addition to the fleet and at 1/48 it’s huge. But as big as it is it will dwarfed by my 1/48 B-29 that I have in the queue.

Jeff

Visit my web site @ http://www.geocities.com/jbrundt

 

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Photos and text © by Jeff Brundt