While looking over my just-delivered new-tool 1/72 Airfix B-17G, which is an outstanding kit at first glance, I was pondering what schemes could be done with the armament fit provided in this initial release. Along that line, I pulled my well-worn copy of Peter Bowers' Fortress in the Sky to see at what stage in the production process the various changes in the G model took place. Thinking some of you might find the information useful, especially if Airfix had the forethought to engineer the kit for alternate versions to be released later, I have compiled a summary of sorts, listed below. (Other than the vents/fillers for the outer wing 'Tokyo' tanks, a new fuselage and transparency sprue would allow F's through early G's to be built.) I also hope someone can confirm the accuracy of my findings, as I am NO B-17 authority!
Mike
chin turret- last 86 Douglas-built B-17F's beginning with B-17F-70-DL and all B-17G's regardless of maker
cheek guns- done at modification centers after production, beginning with -60-BO, -25-DL, and -35BE
staggered waist guns- beginning with -50-BO, -50-VE, and -25DL
enclosed radio compartment gun- beginning with -80BO, -45DL, and -25DL
radio compartment gun deleted- beginning with -105-BO 43-39206, -75-DL 44-83236, and -85-VE 44-8817
Cheyenne tail turret- beginning with -80-BO 43-38473, -45-DL 44-6251, and -55-VE 44-8287
Whoops- prop hubs are' way too anemic! Please, please, please, somebody in the afterrmarket give us some decent items...why is it that the hubs on almost every 1/72 kit, regardless of type, are underscale?
Almost forgot! BO is Boeing-built, DL is Douglas-built, and VE is Lockheed-Vega-built...my mistake!