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David Garcia
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Classic Kit: Hasegawa 1/72 B-17G

July 18, 2021 · in Aviation · · 18 · 2.7K

Here's the that is still being sold today. I finished it in April and on this one I photographed it outside using a Nikon film camera. An Eduard mask made it so much easier in painting the model. I did correct the windshield outline and also faired in the clear nose to eliminate the glue line. On photos the chin gun has a zipper cover on the opening. I just filled the turret with blue tac and painted it green. Tamiya silver is my go to spray can paint and I also used Tamiya gloss red. I did learn that the wing insignia touches the rudder aileron line. That is something I never noticed. I forgot to add the wing stripes and painted them on after I completed the model.

Reader reactions:
10  Awesome

1 additional image. Click to enlarge.


18 responses

  1. Great job, David. I think that old kit still comes in a very close second to the Airfix model for 1/72 B-17s. It looks better then both Academy and Revell, and you got the most out of it!

    • Hi John,

      Thank you! I have new Airfix kit and others. I like this one because it is simple to build without 10,000 parts in the box like new kits have. I want to do the original Revell Memphis Belle but I have others in the line. I would like to try some new tricks on that classic kit.

  2. Hasegawa & Nikons ! Can’t do any better then that ! I have that B-17 with the “ Chow Hound” decals.

  3. Great Fortress, David.
    Those red accents are awesome onthe NMF.
    "Liked"

    • Thanks! I want to do a diorama 'scene' with a red B-17 like the model. Now that Airfix has issued USAAF ground equipment and vehicles I can do it. The attached photo shows the scene I want to photograph. I'll have to build another B-17 though.

      1 attached image. Click to enlarge.

  4. Loved your model, David: you brought out the best of it indeed!
    I was really excited to read that you used Nikon film camera to take the pics!
    I am a proud owner of a Canon A-1 and an AE-1 Program cameras, with full assorment of goodies!

    • Hi Spiros!
      Thank you. That's so cool that you have those classic Canon cameras. They have lasted a lot longer than some digital cameras. Post some of you model photos taken with the cameras.

  5. Nice looking B-17, I like the whole silver/red look on this plane. I built this kit years ago and enjoyed it very much.

    • Hi Bob,

      I've had this kit sitting on the bench for years. This winter I got it done; it was my first model after a year long hiatus to concentrate on my photography. I like the kit.

  6. Looks good! I always liked that silver/red scheme - stands out nicely.

  7. A super Flying Fortress! Your the second person in a week that said they use film to take pictures.

    • Thanks Robert! Yes I'm a film photographer and use all sorts of cameras. Here's an Me109G photographed at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach a couple of years ago with a Minolta Autocord Twin Lens Reflex a friend gave me. It shoots 2 1/4 film. I mostly use digital for model photos.

      Link to some of my photos: https://thevidphotography.com/

      1 attached image. Click to enlarge.

      • Nice! Where do you get them developed? I've got a few old cameras from my Dad, a Rolliflex TLR, and a 'baby ' Rolliflex.

        • You have a couple of Rollie’s! That’s really neat. As for development of my film I do B&W myself and send out c-41 and E6 to labs. My favorite is Dwayne’s Photo in Parsons Kansas. I just found a new lab closer in Charlottesville, VA. They also repair vintage cameras. I send all my film cameras there. I order film from Adorama or B&H.

  8. Great Build David! Do You ave more photos of this B-17? Did You build it out of the box or Did You used some aftermerket details?

    • Thank you! The only aftermarket used were resin props because I stepped and crushed the originals. They were in a small baggie and freshly painted. Here is another.

      1 attached image. Click to enlarge.

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