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1/48 Monogram B-17G |
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by Terry Sumner |
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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.
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.
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.
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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Photos and text © by Terry Sumner
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