Airfix 1/72 Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress by SigEp Ziggy

[SigEp Ziggy]

This is a really old kit.  The date on the parts is 1962 and the date on the box is 1986.  It's hard to believe that was 34 years ago!

The decals were toast, so I ordered decals for the Liberty Belle.  Too bad about the Belle, she was a survivor and airworthy to boot.  She caught fire I believe at an airshow and was completely destroyed.  And with that I will paint this model in her colors and markings. The wheels and props were bad enough that I will replace them with resin parts and try to improve on the kit as best I can.

 

 

[popeye the sailor]

guess you caught the B 17 bug too.........no cure you know    should be a fun ride   

[Papa]

I have always had a fascination for the B17. It may have come from the fact that my first boss, after graduating from college, was a math prodigy who told me he taught navigation to B 17 pilots.

[SigEp Ziggy]

Thanks for showing interest Denis and Ragove.

 

This will be my first attempt at a metal finish.  I have a Mig 15 and F86 Saber waiting in the 'wings', so this will be a learning experience.  I also have another B-17 in the 'stash', it's a Revell Model Masters version.

[SigEp Ziggy]

Working on the 'Belle'.  The interior is weak and the crew members are blobs of styrene.  I will replace the gun barrels with wire.  The main issue is the windows.  I may have to make my own.  They are way too thick and I'm having fit issues with them.  I got the wings together!

 

 

[Old Collingwood]

This is a walk down memory lane for me  as I built this kit when I was about 10,  I t will be interesting to see what you do with it.

 

OC.

[SigEp Ziggy]

Thanks for the comment, OC

I will try my best to make a decent replica of both a B-17G and the 'Liberty Belle' 

[popeye the sailor]

I was always under the impression that Airfix kits were good.   build a Lindberg kit and compare.   I can see why your replacing the props........

[SigEp Ziggy]

Yes Denis, the props are weak, one was broken when I opened the box, but the piece was there.  Then one just ended up missing, don't know when, where or how!

So, I just ordered a cockpit interior to add to the props and wheels. 

Now I have to decide how to deal with the windows.

Edited March 12, 2020 by SigEp Ziggy