B-17 "Chow Hound"

[Ztex]

Ah yes, that old Monogram 1/48 B-17G . . . what a classic.

The B-17G featured a large amount of interior detail and in an effort to display it Monogram introduced the “Visible B-17” in 1979 that included a spare left side fuselage done in clear polystyrene. Rumors abound that this single short production run was never repeated due to various problems with the clear plastic like internal bubbles and shipping damages. The truth is slightly more mundane; the “Visible B-17” just never sold well. Today, nearly thirty years later, we see these kits selling on E-Bay for prices well in excess of $100.00

WOW! That's cool..I built one of these clear sided B-17's. I was real proud of my 12 year old self...all the interior was painted complete with aircrew..I must have built just about every one of the Mongram 1/48 warbirds at the time. Their all gone now.. and I can't remember where they went...(I do remember burning the B-25 )

[Chicoartist]

This recent book on Monogram Models has gotten good reviews.

Wade

[Ken]

Part of the Chowhound returns home with dignity:

http://www.citamn.afrc.af.mil/features/ ... =123280100

[the330thbg]

I do not remember this B-17 Monogram kit. The only 1:48 B-17's I remember are these:

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[aerovin]

For those interested a great history of the Revell and Monogram 1/48 B-17s can be seen here:

http://www.swannysmodels.com/B17G.html

Just don't make any bets with this excerpted "history" from that page:

The navy got involved with the B-17 program when they acquired the last twenty B-17Gs manufactured and converted them for use as Airborne Warning And Command Systems (AWACS). These units had the bomb bays welded shut after ferry tanks were permanently installed then had large surface radar units attached to the belly. They carried the designation PB-1W or Patrol Bomber 1 Warning, the AWACS designation came later on. The Coast Guard also operated the B-17 as B-17Hs or SB-17s.