Advice Request for 1/32 Scale B-17 decals

[JohnT]

Guys

I have the HK B-17G in 1/32 and was looking at decal sheets as I do not really fancy the kit scheme all that much. I have had a look at some of the aftermarket sets that look nice and avoiding those that represent modern warbirds there are still a few nice sets. I want to do a WW2 aircraft

The problem I have is that I "think" I read somewhere that some of the sets are for aircraft that cant be modelled by the HK kit as the waist windows are a different pattern from the decal sheet options.

Is that right and what sheets are applicable to the kit "as is" without major surgery?

All pointers and advice gratefully received as always

John

[bentwaters81tfw]

This will do.

https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/WD-32055

Its NMF finish but you are looking at a late G model with a Cheyenne tail and staggered waist guns as the HK kit is moulded. As you say, the other sets are either preserved or earlier G models. The 490th is not the most colourful, but I have just finished a 1/48 offering which I will put up over the weekend. A guy at our club has the HK version OOB, and it's an impressive kit. I'm surprised there are not more decal sheets available.

*I've just noticed an error on that Monokio sheet the options are '+J' and '+U' but in each case the '+' symbols are the same height as the letters, this is wrong, they should be 50% of the size of the letter. Nothing that can't be fixed. I did '+L' 'Alice Blue Gown'. Paul Parkes did the nose art for me, and has it on file. It's on his website.

Edited July 15, 2016 by bentwaters81tfw

[JohnT]

Bentwaters

many thanks for that. It has saved me completing a 1/32 B-17 in what would certainly have ended up as the "wrong" markings. One decal set duly on order and the Big H slightly richer as a consequence. The advice is very much appreciated as its been this sort of hesitation that has stalled several builds I have out of a fear of screwing up something just like this. Now a nm finish - right another new skill to master

Thanks again

John

[bentwaters81tfw]

HI John. Just had another look at that decal option. The drawings show both options with black de icing boots. Those airframes are both B17G-85-BO and as such, did not have the de icing boots. They were not present on the late models.

[JohnT]

HI John. Just had another look at that decal option. The drawings show both options with black de icing boots. Those airframes are both B17G-85-BO and as such, did not have the de icing boots. They were not present on the late models.

Thanks again. Yet more info for the build notes

I have promised myself that if ever Paul Fisher does a Meteor NF 14 conversion I will head on down to the Museum of Flight some 20 mins from me and do that in 1/32 and for once in my life I can be secure in the knowledge that having a real one on the doorstep to check and copy my model can be "right" - kind of, maybe