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This is the Monogram 1/48 scale
B-17G, heavily reworked. The flaps were cut out and the framework inside
was scratchbuilt from Evergreen styrene. A funny note on the flaps
was that I guessed at the number of stringers judging from a partial photo
I had. Then later, after they were done, I found a photo showing the entire flap
structure and I had guessed the exact correct number!
The rudder and elevators were cut out and repositioned on handmade hinges.
The entire airplane's raised panel lines were sanded off and recessed lines were
scribed in. I cut out both fuselage doors and positioned them in the open
position. The front hatch is a Photoetch unit while the rear door is the plastic
one from the model which I cut out.
In the cockpit, I scratchbuilt the control columns and yokes, most of the
various boxes etc on the sides and a complete throttle quadrant. I also
scratchbuilt a tiny pilot's radio headset and draped it over his control yoke.
In the bombardier's forward
compartment, I used a lot of the stuff from the Verlinden detail set along with
a bunch of scratchbuilt items. The Norden bombsight came from the Marauder kit
while the control quadrant was scratchbuilt.
In the main gear wheelwells I threw the kit parts away and scratchbuilt
the interior, again from Evergreen styrene. I also modified the landing gear to
look right by using some brass tubing and some of the Verlinden resin parts.
The tires are the True Details items.
I cut out all the kit turbochargers and used the Verlinden resin units.
However, I modified those by drilling out the ends and installing working
butterfly valves on small wire pivot hinges.
All the engines were wired using brass wire and small diameter solder.
All the intake holes in the leading edges of the wings in the kit are
simply open holes. I scratchbuilt a curved box for each on so that when you look
into the hole, there is actually a duct in there.
Paint is Testor's Modelmaster, with Superscale decals and Dullcote on top.
For the weathering, I first painted the plane with some O.D. that was
lightened a bit. I then oversprayed that with progressively lighter shades on
the top surfaces where the sun and rain would most affect it. Then I used pastel
chalks for the rest. There is no wash on this one. The black wingwalk markings
are painted on.
Terry
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