Warbird Information Exchange

Hey all, I've been thinking about picking up a 1/72 B-17G or two - one I want to build as a PB-1W.

What is generally thought to be the best 1/72 B-17G kit out there? The Academy line of B-17s or something else?

Also, I don't suppose anyone here would have an extra 299models conversion set for the PB-1W / SB-17G that they'd be willing to part with?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts / opinions!

-Derek

Academy makes very good kits!!!!

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S.

The best two B-17Gs in 1/72 are undoubtably the Hasegawa and Academy kits (the Academy is currently also available under the Airfix label.) Each has their good points and shortcomings.


HASEGAWA:
Good points: Generally accurate; fair amount of detail in the cockpit and nose compartment; separate wing flaps.

Shortcomings: Raised panel lines, no option for an open bombay (not an issue for a PB1W;) Undersized tail gunner's canopy (vac replacement is available from Squadron;) molded frame line of upper edge of windscreen is incorrect..should be in line with the upper edge of the side windows and taper towards the aircraft centerline.


ACADEMY:
Good points: Generally accurate; engraved panel lines; reasonably detailed cockpit and nose compartment; optional open bombay.

Shortcomings: Excessive wing dihedral; no leading edge intakes (these must be carved out;) Extra bump under the inboard nacelle (representing the carb intake on early B-17s;) Outboard supercharges feature a cooling "hood" only seen on a few early Forts. Nose glazing is too pointed, representing the earlier F-style (Again, Squadron makes a vac replacement.) Engine cowl openings are too small, and the engines themselves look terrible.

Niether kit features any radio room detail..some bulkheads made from sheet styrene help keep it from looking like a big empty hole. Also, to me niether kit got the shape of the prop blades and hub correct. Both kits also benefit from resin replacement wheels..particularly the Academy kit, which features smooth hubcaps almost never seen on G-model Forts.

Basically, it's a toss up based on your own personal preference..some modelers argue that raised panel lines are more accurate, since the B-17 had lapped skin panels. Most of the flaws I've listed are relatively easy to fix, or can be adressed with inexpensive aftermarket bits.

Cheers!

Steve

if you can find a complete monogram one with the included diorama info you 've hit pay dirt! 1970's vintage. mine was lost to juvenile flak.... firecrackers / bb guns & the like!! i know many of you juvy delinquents can relate

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!

If you're looking for a SB-17G with life raft underneath, then Academy has made one of those.

T J

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Make my day, punk!

Thanks for the info. Steve and TJ, I sure do appreicate it. Sounds like the Hasegawa kit would be the one to go with for a PB-1W and since Academy already makes the SB model that will work despite the minor flaws!

Now I just need to find the belly radome from the 299 conversion set or maybe carve one out of wood and I'll be all set.

I appreciate the help once again guys!

-Derek

Don't know if this is any good or not, but there seems to be a paragon conversion kit here. Bit pricey though!

http://www.oldmodelkits.com/misc1.html

A couple in the UK which are more reasonable

http://www.tahs.com/Kits/PARAGON.htm

http://www.modelsforsale.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=359356

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If the first casualty of war is innocence, the second is sobriety - Hawkeye.
Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws - Plato.
Lies get halfway round the world before the truth has a chance to get it's pants on - Churchill
If you are going through he11 - keep going - Churchill

Derek,

I haven't finished one yet, but the Academy kit does need a bit of work to be accurate as everyone has stated earlier. I've seen various Paragon mod kits on ebay from time to time, also. I did a PB-1 in 1/48th scale years ago, and it seems I got my radome from an ASW Skyraider kit.....

Scott