A different type of Fortress… PB-1W
Greetings fellow imodellers,
Here is the new-tool 1/72nd Airfix B-17G converted to a US Navy PB-1W airborne early warning aircraft.
I used the old 299Models conversion which gives you the big radome in short-run injection plastic, as well as blanking plates for the top, chin and ball turrets.
The conversion was actually designed and produced long before the excellent new-tool Airfix Fort was released and is meant for the Hasegawa kit. However, with some gentle persuasion, it fits the Airfix kit well.
The PB-1Ws were late build B-17Gs taken from desert storage post WW2 by the US Navy and stripped of their bombing equipment. Some retained their tail guns but these were soon removed, and quite crude blanking plates were added to the openings for the top, chin and ball turrets.
The main distinguishing feature of the PB-1W was the large AN/APS-20 search radar added to the bomb bay and huge dome slung beneath. In all 32 B-17Gs were converted to PB-1Ws and they remained in service until the mid-1950s when they were superseded by Constellations.
The model was airbrushed with Xtracolor's Sea Blue gloss and decals came from the spares box. I toned it down with a coat of Humbrol Satin (the real things were actually high gloss) and added some oil and exhaust with pastels.
All in all a very simple conversion (if you can find one!) and it's nice to add this unusual Fortress to my collection.
All the best,
Tom
A very striking build! Love it. Great story too. I had no idea they were used so long after 1945.
Now this is clearly a different B17, Thomas @vacform
I was not aware they were used this way, but she looks great this way.
Nice work.
Cool conversion.
That radar had a pretty long life being fitted to a whole range of aircraft, including the much smaller Douglas Skyraider https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN/APS-20
This version looks great, love the radome and the colour scheme looks really smart.
That’s a VERY good looking Fortress!
An amazing result of a very interesting conversion, Thomas!
Well done, this is a super model!
Really nice work and a superb resuilt - as usual - Thomas. I like this a lot.
Outstanding, Sir!
phil
Great conversion, Thomas (@vacform). I really like seeing a "B-17" in Navy colors. I have a 1/48 conversion for the PB-1 that I got years ago, but it is hard to get moving on something that big.
Fabulous build- very unique and top notch in every category. This is awesome! I wonder if they have a similar conversion for 1/48th?
nice!
Definitely fits in the "cool and unusual" category, of which I am a big fan! Looks great.
That's what I love about the 1950's. You got everything from WWII retreads to early helicopters, from anemic early jets, mach-busting, double sonic inspirations for Roger Ramjet cartoons. Not to mention great oodles and scads of experimentals...
Well done.
Nicely done conversion!