The H-K B-17G test shot has arrived!
A nice simple cardboard box full of plastic parts just arrived.
I even have to get the instructions via e-mail and it's a good thing I took advantage of the Sprue Brothers decal sale and got the Kits World B-17G stencil decals and markings for "Hikin' for Home", and have the Fundekals national insignia set.
So, what's in the box?
Overall, the kit is beautifully detailed, and test fitting shows it has the excellent fit of its big brother. For those who are "space challenged" the wings can come off just like the big kit for storage, and they'll fit nice and tight when you attach them.
There is definitely a B-17E and B-17F planned, because the clear sprue has all three top turrets: E, F, G. And the nose piece is separate. As is the whole nose of the fuselage forward of the pilot's cockpit.
Many parts are simplified as compared with the bigger kit. My first thought on seeing the control yokes as one piece was I was surprised, but then I considered that you really can't see all that much inside the cockpit once assembled anyway. That philosophy carries through for other detail - it you aren't going to see it when finished, it's not that detailed. The engines come as one part - nice and sharply molded, they'll look good once inside the cowlings.
The surface detail is beautifully restrained but all there - like an Eduard 109, 190 or P-51.
Overall, this is going to be a much easier kit than the big one. With the perfect fit (if you take you time) and the nice detail you can see, it definitely beats the Monogram and is overall very much worth the price point of $119.95 that's been announced.
As to seeing the parts in detail, I suggest you go check the H-K Models Facebook page, where nice hi-rez shots are available.
TC sez: it definitely lives up to expectations. Buy. In. Confidence.
I already have a G built via Monogram, but an E is definitely something I'll be waiting for. Very exciting.
Paul you are right on that and even have a late G also would be nice. If you get this kit I wish you all the very best building it and have fun also.
Sadly, we get a new B-17G on the same day we loose a real one. Thoughts and prayers to the families of the crew and passengers of '909'.
Thanks for the heads-up. Like you said Tom, great photos on their FB page. I now believe it's time to do a 1/48 B-17. Or at least add one to the stash. 🙂
This will be a refreshing change to do this kit. I am not cutting down the Monogram/Revell kit at all. I still love this kit.
After two days building this kit, using the instructions of the big kit, I am ready to start painting. This kit is not difficult. The result is an excellent model. Watch for review a M2 after week of October 14, followed by publication here.
This is a kit you will all like.
I just had one of my LHS order one for me...despite the NZ retail being north of $200. (And I have now fewer than 3 Monogram/Revell G and an F in the stash already! Looking forwards to this...