Al Keller Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Hello everyone! I've been building in 1/48th and 1/32nd for longer than I want to remember!! At this point, I've decided that when it comes to the larger (usually 4 engine) aircraft, I should restrict myself to 1/72nd kits since they take up less room. But, I don't know a lot about which companies offer the most value for the money. I don't mind having to "work" on the model to get the best results but, I'd rather not re-create the wheel. Could you point me in the right direction please? Thank you very much!! Al Keller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Airfix are bringing out a new B-17. It might be well to wait and see how it shapes up. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeR Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 (edited) I'll second on the Airfix B-17 - from what we've seen of the CAD so far, it looks pretty good. As for actually available, the best B-24 is the Hasegawa kit, but it costs the proverbial "arm and a leg"! After that, the Academy/Minicraft one is fairly good, but has narrow engine nacelles and, I believe, a too shallow rear fuselage. Prices are reasonable. As for the B-17, the recent Revell kit has good detail, but heavy surface detail, a poor nose transparency and apparently suffers from shape problems. The Academy/Minicraft kit is a bit spartan on detail, but is better shape wise. Just watch how you attach the wings as you'll end up with too much dihedral! Prices on both are OK. After that, the Hasegawa B-17 is reckoned to be good shape wise, but has raised rather recessed detail, and, being a Hasegawa kit, will be expensive depending on the boxing. As for the older kits, I'll let those more familiar with them to comment, though I gather that old Revell/Monogram B-24D is not too bad. Hope that helps, Mike. Edited September 9, 2015 by MikeR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Navy Bird Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 As for the older kits, I'll let those more familiar with them to comment, though I gather that old Revell/Monogram B-24D is not too bad. Have a look at my build of the old Revell PB4Y-1 (B-24D) kit and see what you think. You need to read both WIP threads that are linked to get the whole story - don't just look at the finished model! http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234956097-revell-172-consolidated-pb4y-1-liberator/ To my knowledge, Monogram never made a 1:72 B-24 of any mark. Revell's dates to 1964 or so and was last released in 1990, a bit past its prime. Cheers, Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Man Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 If you want an early version, Academy is pretty much the only option. Italieri re-issued the sprues in a very expensive boxing, but older kits are not too hard to find for sale.... You have to do some juggling to correct the dihedral; the kit wants to have much more than there should be. Otherwise the thing goes together pretty well. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Keller Posted September 10, 2015 Author Share Posted September 10, 2015 Thank you for all the input. This will help! Al Keller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sroubos Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 B-17: I think the Revell is by far the best at the moment, despite some minor issues. Academy is less detailed but still decent, and easily available since it has just been rereleased. Airfix looks nice but it isn't actually for sale and won't be for some time. B-24: Hasegawa is a very nice kit but pricey, Academy's kits again are less detailed but decent options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt.Squarehead Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 Did anyone ever release any aftermarket for the Academy early B-17s? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e8n2 Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 Did anyone ever release any aftermarket for the Academy early B-17s? I think Eduard had some interior detail brass kits for the early model B-17s. Check around the different on-line shops before going to auction sites. Later, Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sroubos Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 Quickboost did some engines for them (72049) and cowlings (72117) but I don't know how applicable they are to the early models. They have a separate engine set for the G model so perhaps the 72049 set applies to the earlier models. http://www.quickboost.net/172.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelldoc Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 Academy with new decals from rising sun: https://www.flickr.com/photos/21603181@N08/5323573227/in/dateposted/ modelldoc 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Work In Progress Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 Do you want the best kit or the best value for money? B-24: If you want the best kit then Hasegawa, or for best value Academy. B-17 assuming you want a G, then Academy is arguably the best all-rounder currently available providing you correct the dihedral, and good value but I prefer the old Hasegawa kit. New boxiings of these older tool Hasegawa kits are ridiculously expensive, but if you get an early boxing from a previous owner they are usually inexpensive, I think I paid £15 for mine at Telford. The new Airfix B-17G looks very promising but don't expect to be able to buy one for at least a year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildeSau75 Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 it's probably worth to wait for the Airfix release of their B-17G which is planned by Q3 2016. Okay, this means a good year of waiting but in the meantime you can build the B-24. Cannot say which kit is best for the B-24... Cheers, Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Keller Posted September 11, 2015 Author Share Posted September 11, 2015 Thanks again. I started shopping around last night. Your information really helps! Al Keller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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