discussion Joe's 1/72 Academy B-17F Memphis Belle

[flyjoe180]

Late starter, but I have already done much research for this kit and build so will get into it and report back with updates.


So far I know that:


1. The kit represents a later B-17F version than that of either Memphis Belle, or Miss Ouachita, the second kit option.


2. The nose-mounted astrodome mount must be removed and a new window installed ahead of the windshield. The astrodome replaced two small windows above the navigator/bomb aimer positions in later versions of the B-17F and on all versions of the B-17G. Memphis Belle had the earlier window configuration.


3. I'll have to add more armament to the nose section. I think the drill may get a work out.


4. There are a few discrepancies (as you get often with Academy kits) with colours. I have sorted them out already. Luckily the Belle was an often-photographed aeroplane.


5. Academy's B-17s suffer from excessive dihedral. Should be easily fixed with some spacers from plastic card.


6. The starboard tail fin panel came from another B-17 and is a slightly different shade of OD.


7. The control surfaces were faded and appear lighter in photos of the aircraft than the rest of the upper surfaces.


Sprue/box shots to come soon. Looking forward to this

 

[papa 695]

Nice to have you in on this one Joe

 

[aaron]

Yes awesome choice mate.

 

[Dave W]

When I built the Revell 1/48 Memphis Belle I painted the control surfaces with Humbrol 86 light olive.The control surfaces were fabric covered and the paint faded differently to the rest of the airframe apparently.

 

[Guest]

Interesting subject...the Memphis Belle


Glad to have you in Joe

 

[Richi72]

Looking forward too see your build Joe.

 

[Guest]

A Kiwi is on the move and soon to take flight. Looking in on the flight plan Joe.


Laurie

 

[colin m]

Look forward to seeing this Joe. The B17 is one of the nicest looking bombers of WW2 - well I think so.

 

[flyjoe180]

I've cut plastic, Humbrol paint was everywhere and bombs are being loaded. Photos and updates to come.

 

[Guest]

I've cut plastic, Humbrol paint was everywhere and bombs are being loaded. Photos and updates to come.

Hell's Bells

 

[flyjoe180]

Okay, time for a break from the build so far and to get some pictures for you.

Hell's Bells

No, Memphis Belle!


Box shot, very nice art work even if it isn't accurate (note the missing astrodome and lack of glazing over the nose area):


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The sprues all wrapped still. Academy provide parts for various versions of the B-17 in their boxes, handy if you want spares. This B-17F kit comes with the earlier tailplanes, engine cowls and propellers and some spare glazing. Instructions are nice and simple. The schemes require researching as Academy have a habit of being incorrect in so many ways:


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[flyjoe180]

As I said I have cut plastic and painted various parts.


The interior is made up of three main sections, the bomb bay and framing, the cockpit, and the forward nose area for the navigator and bomb aimer:


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The rear opening on the starboard side must be opened up for the side glazing. The other opening is for an earlier version. On the B-17F the waist gunners stood opposite each other, in the later B-17G the positions were staggered:


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The nose area requires work. The astrodome mount is removed and will be filled. The new window overhead the navigator position is cut out using a spare piece from the clear sprues as a replacement. This took a few hours:


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[flyjoe180]

This is how the interior will look once fitted:


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Bombs and various parts painted:


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Interior Green time:


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Left over night for drying, end of day one.

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[flyjoe180]

This morning I have assembled the wings with the landing gear struts inserted:


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I also have four Pratt & Whitney radials waiting:


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And I have masked the tail section for the rear gunner and drilled some holes into the clear parts to accommodate weapons:


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Time for lunch. Should have the interior fitted later today and going well the fuselage zipped up.

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[Guest]

Looking very good so far!!


Build a significative plane like this must be an interesting and funny job

 

[papa 695]

Some stirling work there Joe you have been busy

 

[Dave W]

Nice work Joe.

 

[Guest]

Lots of work there already Joe! Should be a good one

 

[Guest]

Belle Belle. Nice work Joe.


Laurie

 

[flyjoe180]

Interior Assembled and fitted to the starboard side of the fuselage. Windows are already in place and masked.


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I've decided the best way to tackle the upper and ball turrets and their detail are to install the mounts permanently (I'm not going to play 'war' with it so who cares), and mask them off once interior green has been applied as seen above. Once the aircraft is varnished the turrets can be assembled in full. The guns are quite plain, not much I can do with them as they are very small in diameter and flimsy. Certainly won't be attempting to make cooling holes in the barrels!


Then the two fuselage sides were fixed together. The turret mounts and other items lined up perfectly. A nicely engineered kit from Academy so far.


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The only complaint is this step in the fuselage roof over the cockpit/flight deck. Should be easy to fix, but not really acceptable.


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The tail cone fitted along with it's twin fifties:


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