1:9 Scale B-17G - 'Sweet Pea'

[wilmracer]

Just pokin fun at ya mate been gone a while and seeing the progress made on a screen I can actually SEE makes it that much more impressive.

6 inch cell phone screen is Ohh thats cool... 47 inch tv the wow factor rises exponentially.

Lol... no worries.

I did just get an email from the Wingspan Models folks that the detail kit is ready to ship. I'm excited to see how they look! They're sending me:

• Dummy Radials (Set of 4) - Likely won't be used as I am about 50% done with design of printable engines, but we'll see...
• Superchargers (Set of 4)
• Cheek Blisters (Left and Right)
• Top Turret Frame w/ Glass - (expect to use my own guns and details. Need to automate as well
• Ball Turret armor w/ glass - (again use my own guns and details. Probably look to automate too)
• Nose Cone - (this will save SO much time)
• Windows sheet
• Cast Football antenna

Add to that the fact that I have their full fiberglass parts kit and I can honestly say I'm leaning VERY heavily on the Wingspan models kit even though I didn't build with their plans/kit and didn't buy their landing gear. They have been very cool about it, and even said another customer mentioned my cockpit CAD files. I'll be excited to get this fuse to the point I can start laying out and installing the cockpit. That is going to be a lot of fun

 

[wilmracer]

Parts came in from Wingspan Models. I want to tip my hat to Michael and whoever else is on his team there. DAYUM these are nice. I mean, REALLY nice. The big bling items are the ball turret and turbo/exhaust pieces, but everything look awesome. Every part has pre-formed plastic glass/windows that will save me SO many headaches. I'm not going to pull the protective plastic off of any of the glass yet, but the nose cone looks to be a perfect fit (once the fuse is sheeted).

When folks ask about the model I'll still call it a scratch build, but I will definitely mention wingspan models every time someone asks about her. Their parts are top-notch quality and worth the $$$. I'll be honest, to personally fabricate all of these parts would have added probably a solid 100-150 hours of work, and they may not have been as good in the end. Worth it.

The dummy radials look really nice too, but I'll still be using the ones I've been working on.

Might get to do some actual flying this weekend. Fingers crossed!

 

[wilmracer]

After WAY too many months I've finally started the shaping and balsa sheeting. Starting with the vertical stab. Once both sides are sheeted I'll cut off the leading edge, cap with balsa, and sand to shape.

 

[PoorManRC]

So awesome!! Still can't get over the mix of Foam and Balsa. This thing will be a work of Flying Art!! 👍👍😉
👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋

 

[wilmracer]

Bit more work done on the tail sections. This weekend I'll be starting the finer shaping and sheeting on the fuse around the tail section and I wanted to get the Cheyenne tail gun fiberglass part test fit to make sure everything lines up just right. Had to make a few tweaks but everything is working smooth now. I'll be working out a method for attachment that allows for removal for detailing, repair, and maintenance of the ruder linkage.

With the horizontal stabs and elevators attached she is really starting to look the part, at least from the backside ;-)

 

[Grifflyer]

Progress looks good!!

 

[speedbirdted]

are those actual trim tabs on the rudder/elevator?

 

[wilmracer]

are those actual trim tabs on the rudder/elevator?

Yes, but non-functional. The full scale had fabric covered elevators and rudder with metal,stressed skin trim tabs. The tabs will be fiberglassed balsa and re-attached after covering the surfaces and painting.

 

[wilmracer]

 

[wilmracer]

Knocked out a mount for the Cheyenne tail gun section. I'll add more lightening holes and get it mounted up. The fiberglass portion will be removable via a few small screws so I can get in and access the rudder mechanism and any details I want to add in the tail gunner area. Initially it will be pretty sparce in there to keep weight down.

I cut out one of the windows. Did this one with an exacto but the rest will be done with a dremel. That FG is solid.

 

[willsonman]

I have found that you can also cut fiberglass with a razor saw. Using the front tip of the blade you can drag it in a straight line (use masking tape as a guide) and make several passes. It makes a far cleaner line than a dremel and the blade wanders less for a straighter cut.

 

[PsyBorg]

That looks like a solid chunk o material in them pics. Just that one piece is almost as big as some of the foamie builds here on the forums.

 

[wilmracer]

I have found that you can also cut fiberglass with a razor saw. Using the front tip of the blade you can drag it in a straight line (use masking tape as a guide) and make several passes. It makes a far cleaner line than a dremel and the blade wanders less for a straighter cut.

I'll have to give that a shot. I'd like to minimize cleanup (and prevent any screwups that need repair). Maybe I can use a few small pieces of aluminum and tape/clamps to make some guilds that keep the cuts consistent. In any case it is going to take a while to cut all the windows.

I am excited though to actually do some interior work on it. I'll need to settle on the paint I'll be using for visible interior areas.

Lots to do, but I'm going to try to keep the baby steps heading in the right direction.

 

[wilmracer]

That looks like a solid chunk o material in them pics. Just that one piece is almost as big as some of the foamie builds here on the forums.

It is definitely a monster. Believe it or not I feel like I'm getting used to the size and it is starting to feel "normal". Same thing happened with the P-40. I think the first time I see her with the full wing frames attached the size will hit me again.

 

[PsyBorg]

Art usually has that effect on people my friend.

 

[willsonman]

It is definitely a monster. Believe it or not I feel like I'm getting used to the size and it is starting to feel "normal". Same thing happened with the P-40. I think the first time I see her with the full wing frames attached the size will hit me again.

And for your spouse!

 

[wilmracer]

And for your spouse!

LOL... I'm gonna leave that alone

 

[wilmracer]

Baby steps here tonight, but at least it is something. I got the Tail gunner windows rough cut. The glass is REALLY thick in some areas, but that is good because I'll be able to sand it down and it will still be strong, especially once the windows are it. I also rough cut the slots for the Browning .50s, taped the cover in place, and grabbed a few shots. That white foam piece under the rudder won't be there once this is permanently mounted. It kind of messes up the shot.

I'll admit, I did end up pulling the dremel out after much work with the xacto and razor saw. I was pretty careful to cut well within the frame and then sand out. More to come soon.

 

[PoorManRC]

This looks SO FREAKING AWESOME...
When Overstreet finally releases his Master Series Kit, it's going to pale by comparison!! 😜😊😄

Seriously, this shows dedication, hard work and Art. 👋👋👋👋👋👋
Merry Christmas🎄🎅

 

[willsonman]

Nice 2020 calendar you got there