SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale

[Second Air Force]

Thank you, friends. 

On to some more of the little details that needed attention. First up was the rear gun mounting. SAAB devised a really ingenious mount for this gun and it was not too difficult to fabricate a replica in styrene. A few parts from the spares bin and some Evergreen material had this area going forward. A few bits of PE will still need to be added:

SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale

Then further work on the gunner/radio operator's seat. SAAB's engineers also made this a neat installation in that it slides fore-and-aft on rollers in floor tracks and also pivots so the operator can face forward or aft depending on what he's doing at the time. Again, a spares box seat trimmed to size with some styrene and metal bits for the swiveling base and seat stiffener:

SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale

And an overhead shot of this area with the major parts in place:

SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale

Next up, the main landing gear struts. The stuff in the first picture will all end up being used in one form or another. The tires are 1/72 Airfix C-130 parts and the metal pieces are all from SAC kits, two being P-51 sets, one Me 509 set and a 1/72 Wellington set for the lock link. The second photo shows the first leg after being built-up and offered to the wing for a fit check. A few more bits still have to be fabricated before painting and installing, of course:

SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale

SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale

[No.1]

This build present amazing composition

[Sall]

Wow!!!

[Second Air Force]

PRIMER DAY! (On some parts, at least.......)

SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale

This was just a first light dusting to find flaws, of which there are many. Still so much must be done in planning the wing assembly, including fabricating a set of spars to fasten the outer panels to the center section panels at the right dihedral angle. On the other hand, it is nice to see subassemblies begin to get nearer to completion! I actually think that I may spray the interior of the fuselage this weekend.

[No.1]

This look so smooth mate- job is excellent done!

[Second Air Force]

Looks are deceiving--there is a lot of work to still do here! The blue material I've used to fabricate the inner wing sections is somewhat porous, more so than normal resin, and will require quite a lot of priming and sanding to get the smooth surface we all strive for. I've worked with this material on 1/1 scale aircraft and knew about this, so I've planned for it. Someone mentioned, very early in this thread, the problem of scribing panel lines. I may need to ask all of you for help in purchasing a new scribing tool as mine is not the best.

[No.1]

Try with needle, just to see where to get proper one

[Sall]

Real beauty!!

[Second Air Force]

Thanks for that tip, No.1. I hadn't thought of using a needle, and I have a small handle that would grip the needle if needed. I'll try this!

Enough tinkering around in the interior, I finally got to a point where paint could be applied. Here are the main parts for the last time in their natural state, then a quick photo after painting:

SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale

SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale

Lots of detail parts still to be installed in the cockpits and more painting, but at least there is some small progress....

[No.1]

Can not see images

[draken35]

Excellent work on this one!!!

[Second Air Force]

Can not see images

Hmmm......Photobucket didn't like my download either, but then it worked. I can try to reload them and repost later...

Thanks, Daniel! It's nice to get some color on the parts finally.

[No.1]

I see them now

[Second Air Force]

Good!

I should mention that the next item in the cockpits will be the addition of some very nice Eduard PE detail elements. Some are from the Brewster F2A set and some from other frets. Notably, I've used several items from their MiG 21 frets here! My parents always said to "save everything!"

[No.1]

Your parents give you excellent advice!!! I also have box full of everything and you never know what will be valuable one day