Zotz Decals

Heavenly Bodies

1/72 - 1/48 B-17F at War

product # ZTZ72017  &   ZTZ48017 

Review by Steve Bamford on Nov 23 2004

--------------------

Eli from Zotz Decals has done it now.  This has got to be one of the biggest decal packages ever sold.  This decal sheet contains markings for 14 different B-17E/F's from the ETO, MTO and PTO are representedNine decal sheets, including one with airbrushed nose art, comprise the 1/48 set....yes you read that right...9 different decal sheets.  The 1/72 decal set includes six decal sheets, including the airbrushed nose art sheet.

The decal sheet is contained on 9 separate decal sheets  The B-17's include Memphis Belle, Knock out Dropper, Hell's Angels, Snoozin' Susan, The Red Gremlin, Superman, Black Jack/The Joker's Wild, Panama Hattie, The Mustang, Honi Kuu Okole, Fort Alamo, War Bride/Old Faithful, Two Beauts, The Shamrock Special. 

 

We all know the B-17 and it's dangerous missions during WW2 as thousands of them fought to bring Hitler's reign of terror to an end.  Losses among the B-17 crews was quite high between crew members that flew the "Flying Fortress" (as the B-17 became know by the public back at home).  Thousands of B-17 crew members were either killed, wounded during these deadly missions or they were captured if they  had to bail out of their crippled ships over enemy territory.

One of the most famous B-17's was the "Memphis Belle" and although the Belle wasn't the first B-17 to complete 25 missions....the Belle is one of the most famous none the less.  "Hells Angels" was the first B-17 to complete 25 missions and both these famous planes are included on this decal sheet.  

Memphis Belle B-17F-15-BO  41-24485 

This plane was one of the first to complete 25 missions and the plane and crew were rotated home for a cross country War Bond tour.  The plane rested for many years at the Memphis airport and time took it's toll on this famous ship.  Recently she was moved and is being restored to her former glory and will be put on public display in a museum upon completion of this restoration.  Mission markings include many yellow bombs and 8 yellow swastikas.  Noseart features the famous image of the Southern Belle on both sides of the nose. 

The Mustang B-17F 25-BO  41-24554

This B-17 has noseart on both sides of the nose.  One side has the head of a wild Mustang horse and the other side of the nose features a beautiful topless lady with a six shooter.  Mission markings are almost endless on this one and include planes, ships and bombs.

 

The Shamrock Special  B-17F-60-BO  42-29591

This B-17 is special because she wears 3 different noseart.....each of a beautiful lady....one of which is nude.  Markings include11 yellow bombs and 3 German crosses.

Panama Hattie B-17F-1-BO  41-24381  

This B-17 is the sister ship of Superman.  Noseart includes a busty blonde on the left side wearing overalls.

Hell's Angel  B-17F-25-BO  41-24577

This was the first 8th AAF B-17 to complete 25 missions...edging out the Memphis Belle to this goal by only 6 days.  Mission markings include many many yellow bombs and quite a few yellow swastikas.  Nose art includes a blonde angel carrying a large bomb.   

Honi Kuu Okole  B-17 E  41-9244

The name of this B-17 that was stationed in Hawaii means "Kiss my ass" in Hawaiian.  She was eventually shot down by a Japanese night fighter over Rabaul on May 23  1943.  Missions markings include a colourful variety of markings showing many Japanese targets that it hit.  

Black Jack  /  The Joker's Wild B-17F-20-BO   41-24521

This B-17 fought against the Japanese and has a very colourful history.  She sunk a IJN Destroyer and was eventually ditched off the coast of New Guinea on July 11 1943 with her crew being rescued.  In 1986 she was discovered by an underwater crew.  Pilot had a fixed 50cal gun fitted to the nose to permit him to deter frontal attacks...this gun was controlled by the pilot.  Nose art is on both sides of the nose and features playing cards.

  

Fort Alamo II   B-17F-65-BO  42-39696

This B-17 went on to fly 131 missions.  Noseart includes many many white bombs...a few white swastikas and a picture of the famous painted image of Fort Alamo.  

Snoozin' Suzan  B-17F-10-DL

This B-17 completed at least 40 missions before being written off in a landing accident.  She was later repaired but eventually scrapped.  Noseart is a nude redhead on her back.

Two Beuts  B-17F-60-BO  42-29573

This plane collided with another B-17 on her 4th mission and lost 7 of her crew.  Noseart includes a fantastic nude blonde reclining on a bomb painted on the mid section of the right fuselage.

WarBride/ Old Faithful  b-17F-50-BO  42-5360

This B-17 was lost to fighters on Jan 11 1944.  Nine crew members became POW's and one was KIA.  Noseart includes a full body nude blonde on the left side of the nose. 

Knockout Dropper  B-17F-27-BO  41-24605

This B-17 was the first to complete 50 and then 75 missions.  She later went stateside for a War Bond Drive.  The paint scheme on this one is very unique and has splotches all over.  Mission markings include many many yellow bombs and many yellow swastikas.

Superman B-17F-1-BO  41-24380

This plane survived over 40 missions and survived the war but not the scrapper.  Noseart includes the "man of steel" on the left side of the nose.

The Red Gremlin   B-17F-10-BO-24444

This B-17 was flown by the same pilot and co-pilot that flew the Enola Gay on her famous mission that helped to bring a devastating and swift end to WW2 in Japan.

Below are scans of the 9 decals sheets.  Printing is very clear and of a first rate quality.  White decals are provided to apply under the noseart decals to ensure no colour bleed through for the paint.  12 prop decals are included.....but considering that very few older B-17's retained all their prop decals.....12 should be more than you might need.  Prop decals were a popular souvenir among air force personal involved with flying and servicing their B-17's, but Eli included 12 in case you want to use them all.

Click on images below to see larger images of the decal sheets

The instruction sheets are very complete and include 14 coloured sheets with many very good colour images showing decal placement and the paint schemes.  There is also 2 pages of text (not shown) containing info about the planes on this decal sheet.

Click on images below to see larger images of the instruction sheets

Finally.....I think it should be known that my close friend Jeff Dick was involved deeply in helping Eli with this decal sheet.  Jeff is a serious B-17 buff and has quite the obsession with this particular aircraft.  The fact he is involved in this decal sheet tells me that it is a first rate product.  

I was stunned when I opened up this decal sheet and I remain totally impressed.....if you like the B-17 at all....you'll love this decal sheet.

Steve

These decal sheet retails for US$22 for 1/72, US$35 for 1/48 direct through the Albatros/Zotz website or through retailers that carry the Zotz/Albatros decals.

Special thanks to Zotz Decals for the review sample.

Photos and text © 2004 by Steve Bamford