LetLetLet ~ Warplanes

Let Let Let - Warplanes => Aircraft Modeling => Topic started by: Second Air Force on January 30, 2012, 12:09:50 AM

Title: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on January 30, 2012, 12:09:50 AM
Starting now I'm going to devote more time to a new project. First I'll offer a quiz photo to see if anyone can guess what the airplane is (except Daniel, Srecko, and Nico as they already know what this is). The 1/48-scale project will be partly scratchbuilt and partly kitbashed.

This is the rudder in almost finished form. The trim tab needs to be moved up just a bit to complete it.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9225.jpg)

If no one gets it right away I'll offer a couple of better clues. ;)

Scott
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: Sall on January 30, 2012, 12:46:09 PM
I don't know what is this,but when i see that you start topic i read that there will be scratchbuilt, i have no doubt that this will be excellent! ;)
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: ta152c on January 30, 2012, 08:03:33 PM
Fairey Battle?
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: Second Air Force on January 31, 2012, 12:43:27 AM
Somewhat similar aircraft mission, but different country and just a couple of years newer.

Here's a bit of a hint: There were 322 of this airplane built for the parent air arm and they were built by the same country that originally flew them. Three different radial engines were used over the production run. One of these rare birds is still airworthy today.
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: ta152c on January 31, 2012, 01:23:37 AM
Hs129?
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: ta152c on January 31, 2012, 01:26:56 AM
F2G Corsair?
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: Second Air Force on January 31, 2012, 01:28:52 AM
Nope, but the rudder I'm using originally came from a Corsair kit.

It's a single engined machine with somewhat unusual landing gear doors.
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: ta152c on January 31, 2012, 01:30:52 AM
Vindicator?
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: Second Air Force on January 31, 2012, 01:32:58 AM
Not American. Go east of the English Channel.
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: ta152c on January 31, 2012, 01:35:10 AM
LN-411?
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: ta152c on January 31, 2012, 01:40:51 AM
I give in, don't know :(
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: Second Air Force on January 31, 2012, 01:47:04 AM
I'll give you one last clue before the answer. The airplane used a Bristol Mercury XXIV, P&W R-1830, and Piaggio RC 40 depending on availability.
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: ta152c on January 31, 2012, 02:10:02 AM
Ba-65?
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: Second Air Force on January 31, 2012, 02:25:19 AM
SAAB B 17.

I've always found this a really interesting airplane and decided I need one in 1/48 scale. I'll post some in-progress photos soon.

You got pretty close with the Ba.65 and Battle!
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: No.1 on January 31, 2012, 07:51:44 AM
Bitter fight :))
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: draken35 on January 31, 2012, 09:07:42 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: My New Project With A Quiz
Post by: Second Air Force on January 31, 2012, 10:50:59 PM
I'm going to rename the thread now that the quiz is complete. Also will try to post up a few photos of the humble beginnings tonight if time allows.

Scott
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 01, 2012, 04:09:40 AM
Here is the starting point for this model. I found a nice three-view and scaled it to 1/48 scale. All of the numbers and figuring on the paper is the start of my dimension-finding arithmetic. Nico later linked me to a nicer three-view with more detail but the overall dimensions and outline were identical, so both diagrams will be used.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_8867-1.jpg)

Much thought went into how to construct the B 17 in this scale. At first glance the fuselage looks much like a Vought Kingfisher in general shape. When I laid an old Monogram OS2U fuselage on the blueprint it turned out to be much too small in every dimension. An easier conversion seemed to be needed. More on that later. The wings were a bit easier. The outer panels, from the landing gear out, will come from an old P-36 model. The wing center section must be completely scratchbuilt from a two-part filler material.

More later!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on February 01, 2012, 05:45:08 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on February 01, 2012, 07:55:50 PM
This will be nice to see in progress :-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 03, 2012, 12:27:10 PM
The first idea for the wing was to scratchbuild the entire span from the two-part resin/microballoon mixture. The outer panels didn't turn out as I'd liked so I turned to an ancient AMT P-36 model from the salvage bin. Here's the resin center section and plastic outer panels laid up for the first time against the drawing.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_8895.jpg)

Much yet to be done and a decision made about the center box where it passes through the fuselage.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on February 03, 2012, 01:23:04 PM
 :-eek :-eek :-eek If you wanted beer- you get it  :-ok :-ok :-ok :-ok :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on February 03, 2012, 05:18:44 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 04, 2012, 03:13:46 AM
Back to the wing build later, now it's time to give a preliminary look at choosing the fuselage.

As I mentioned, the little Kingfisher has a general shape that reminds me of the B 17. After cutting the float from my OS2U I offered it up to the print and you can see that it is quite a lot smaller than the SAAB.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9237.jpg)

This bothered me and I started thinking about other possibilities. The thing that stuck in my mind was the F4U. A little digging in the "unfinished projects" pile and I had an Arii Corsair in hand. Here's a view--almost a match!
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9188.jpg)
You'll notice that the conversion is already being started in this photo. The wing center section has already been installed and the remaining opening faired in with sheet styrene.

As you can see this has potential, at least in the basic shape and diameter of the fuselage. Everything else is made easier by having the proper section at the firewall and windscreen area.

Next was to get the belly to conform. The SAAB has a deeper belly and the bomb bay so I had to decide how to extend the Corsair underside. To do this I simply made a scribe line in the fuselage interior and bent the skin outward until it matches the drawing. Two photos of one modified and one original fuselage section:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9192.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9191.jpg)

And, the payoff--this now has the basic shape of the B 17. Moving the vertical stabilizer and reshaping the aft upper fuselage won't be too difficult now that the rest is forming up. The hard part will be to keep the two halves separate during the modifications so the cockpit can be built up at the same time.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9196.jpg)




Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on February 04, 2012, 06:21:46 AM
:-ok Excellent fuselage conversion :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on February 04, 2012, 08:24:35 AM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on February 04, 2012, 12:16:26 PM
Wow! Going excellent for now!! :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 04, 2012, 11:24:46 PM
It's still in very rough form but the basic outlines are coming into focus.

Here's a small update on the outer wing panels. The P-36 wing offered me a chance to recycle some parts that I'd never use otherwise. However, the panels needed some modification in order to fit the profile of the SAAB planform. First I cut the wing sections to match the outer panels of the B 17 in span. The inboard end has exactly the same chord as the SAAB wing panel. The tips are far too narrow with more taper, so a way to widen the wing was needed. The best way to accomplish this was to simply ripsaw the wing spanwise and spread the panel until it had the correct chord at the tip.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9061.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9058.jpg)

To fill the gap in the panel I tapered styrene strip to fit into the narrow end and a styrene block at the tip. Here's the left panel laid against the blueprint during the process.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9064.jpg)

The next step was to fill the void left over with a bit of resin. All that remains to finish each panel is to fill in the small section of wheelwell remaining at the root and sand/putty/sand the resin/styrene modification. You'll note the .040 wire sticking out of the wing root--this will serve as the wing spar that will attach the outer panels to the new center section.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9063.jpg)

After correcting the shape of each wing panel I removed the ailerons. These are replaced with more accurately shaped surfaces that I sourced from an old Monogram P-40B/C wing in the spares box.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9068.jpg)

None of this looks like much just yet, but it's all in the process of finding and modifying parts out of a box of junk. Next will be some work on the horizontal stabilizers and elevators.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on February 05, 2012, 12:02:37 AM
 :-eek :-eek :-clap :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 05, 2012, 12:51:13 AM
It really looks like a pile of garbage right now, doesn't it!? I should have stripped the old paint off of the parts first.......but the idea popped into my head on how to do this so I started cutting right away. It'll all clean up later!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 05, 2012, 06:12:00 AM
The horizontal stabilizers and elevators started to take shape this evening. It's an interesting bit of information that a number of engineers from the Northrop Corporation worked at the SAAB engineering department during the time that the B 17 design was formulated. The airplane has some similarities to the Northrop 8A-1 that Sweden purchased before the war. With that idea in mind, I searched through my kits and found that the Accurate Miniatures SBD has a very similar planform on the horizontal tail surfaces. Bear in mind that the SBD is an offshoot of the same 8A series from Northrop and the whole idea comes full-circle. I cast the parts in resin in order to properly fashion the separate elevators and stabilizers. These have a different hinge line on the control surfaces but the overall shape is very close and will need only minor work.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9242.jpg)

The engine/propeller/cowling also came in for some attention. The prop and spinner from the SBD kit are a perfect match for the SAAB so these were also cast in resin. The engine is a Quickboost early R-1830. The cowling selection took a bit of digging in the spares bin. Here are four candidates that I experimented with. The final choice came down to an old Monogram B-25J cowl. I'll add the carburetor intake and oil cooler scoop later. Incidentally, the cowling layout on the B 17 is also very, very close to the setup on the SBD, again showing a bit of the Northrop design philosophy. The SBD cowl is too large in diameter (fitting the bulkier R-1820) or I would have used it for this project.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9243.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on February 05, 2012, 07:03:50 AM
Excellent!!! :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on February 05, 2012, 07:05:20 AM
Pile of garbage is actually embryonic phase of the masterpiece :))
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on February 05, 2012, 09:14:28 AM
Amazing work... :-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Ernie on February 05, 2012, 01:22:32 PM
Excellent work, and very creative! :-ok This is awesome to watch develop!
Ernie
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 05, 2012, 05:53:06 PM
Again the spares bins come to the rescue. While digging about in the powerplant drawer for the cowlings I found three intake trunks for the old Monogram C-47. These turned out to be just right for the intake and oil cooler scoops. It makes some sense, too, since the B 17A and C-47 shared the basic R-1830 powerplant. Here, from left to right, are the oil cooler duct, intake, and an unmodified C-47 intake.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9253.jpg)

These were quite easy to build as Monogram molded the parts in thick styrene. The oil cooler was cut to the right length and the rectangular section was filed and sanded to a semicircular opening as on the original. The outlet flap is made from a bit of leftover Eduard photoetch "tree" material. I never throw anything away, even the scraps! ;) The carb inlet is similarly just cut to length and then filed to fit the curvature of the new cowling top.

Next for the cowl will be centering the scoop mountings on top and bottom and then cutting out the cowl flaps and exhaust openings.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on February 05, 2012, 06:45:49 PM
Nice progress, Scott!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 07, 2012, 01:05:58 AM
So, last night I was able to basically finish the rough outline of the cowling. First I centered and marked where the two scoops will go and then marked the openings for the exhaust stacks and cowl flaps. Here are the majority of the parts that will go into the powerplant section. I'll prime the cowl and then set this aside for later assembly. First I'll need to get the fuselage finished so that I can figure out a motor mount and the exhaust collector ring. Then I can verify the fit between the cowl and firewall. Finally I'll assemble the cowl flaps and inlet fairings and the whole thing can be installed for the final time.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9256.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on February 07, 2012, 03:10:18 AM
 :-ok :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on February 07, 2012, 06:36:00 AM
No cutaway around which could help you :(
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on February 07, 2012, 05:30:04 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 08, 2012, 12:14:50 AM
No cutaway around which could help you :(

Not a problem, No.1. There are plenty of good photos on the web and the excellent website of the flyer also: http://b17blajohan.wordpress.com/

My only issue with the drawings that I found and the set that Nico found for me is that these are Bristol powered. This isn't a great problem either as most of the photos I have are of the R-1830 version I'm building.

An interesting little bit of trivia on the B 17 is that the main landing gear looks an awful lot like that on the IAR-80 series fighter, only with longer legs. I suspect the SAAB folks bought their gear legs from the same sub-contractor as the IAR factory.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on February 08, 2012, 06:25:07 AM
This site you mention is really good source of info, all the rest is on you mate and you doing great :-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 09, 2012, 02:20:47 AM
A further bit of progress, this time on the cockpit cut-out and vertical fin.

The first step was to measure and where the canopy opening must be cut. This was confirmed by cutting out one of the 1/48 profiles and "overlaying" the cutout over the fuselage halves. Then, after careful marking, the excess plastic was removed. The filler you see is to eliminate the F4U cowl flaps and openings.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9259.jpg)

An Otaki Corsair horizontal stabilizer/elevator assembly looked about the right size for the vertical fin so one was measured, cut, and filed into shape:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9262.jpg)

This will fair nicely into the fuselage, and actually sits in the original opening that resulted when the F4U fin was removed. It's in a different position, of course, and there is some structure to be built up on the fuselage before fitting the fin. I also trimmed the very aft section of the fuselage to start achieving the pointed aft fairing of the real SAAB.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9260.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9261.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on February 09, 2012, 05:06:36 AM
Wow! So good,so gooood!!!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on February 09, 2012, 06:49:10 AM
And you get it my friend :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on February 09, 2012, 05:08:10 PM
Yes, really great work, Scott!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 11, 2012, 03:45:21 AM
Work continues on the wings and empennage.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9263.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on February 11, 2012, 06:48:43 AM
Hope you will have no problem with engraving lines over mix of filler and plastic area. This look very good shaped and precise!!! Idea- before join parts together, did you consider to make a copy of main parts and maybe to offer resin parts for sale?
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on February 11, 2012, 08:21:45 AM
Hope you will have no problem with engraving lines over mix of filler and plastic area. This look very good shaped and precise!!! Idea- before join parts together, did you consider to make a copy of main parts and maybe to offer resin parts for sale?

Excellent idea!!!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 11, 2012, 01:50:36 PM
Yes, the panel lines are going to be a challenge. I may use clear lacquer to make a hard surface to scribe into, but I don't know just yet.

I gave thought to the resin casting idea. However, this would be so expensive to make molds of that I would have to charge a very high price. My moldmaking facilities are very limited and the finished resin parts would be of inferior quality. The combination of high expense and low quality would just not be fair to the purchaser in my opinion. It's a good idea, though!

Maybe, in the future, one of the short-run model manufacturers would consider taking on the SAAB B 17 if there is sufficient demand. Let's see how much interest there is in this project--that might encourage production by professionals!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on February 11, 2012, 03:25:42 PM
Yes, the panel lines are going to be a challenge. I may use clear lacquer to make a hard surface to scribe into, but I don't know just yet.

I gave thought to the resin casting idea. However, this would be so expensive to make molds of that I would have to charge a very high price. My moldmaking facilities are very limited and the finished resin parts would be of inferior quality. The combination of high expense and low quality would just not be fair to the purchaser in my opinion. It's a good idea, though!

Maybe, in the future, one of the short-run model manufacturers would consider taking on the SAAB B 17 if there is sufficient demand. Let's see how much interest there is in this project--that might encourage production by professionals!

Scott,

Why not to use miliput for scribing? It's hard, but easily workable.
For the resin parts, you can try to finf some manufacturer - Peraheaps RetroWings?
retrokit@retrokit.net
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on February 11, 2012, 03:37:35 PM
Yes Scott, you definitely have try to fine some manufactures,and make some deal with him. ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 13, 2012, 03:55:01 AM
A quick progress report on the fuselage--not much happening here except to add the filler between the fuselage halves and to cut out the tailwheel well opening. Also I worked on the final shaping and dimensions of the bomb bay openings. Next will be to locate and cut the window openings in the rear cockpit.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9280.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on February 13, 2012, 06:19:07 AM
It look like it will get finished shape when you fix parts together and add final coat of filler.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on February 13, 2012, 11:02:28 AM
Going well!! :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on February 13, 2012, 05:39:05 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 14, 2012, 03:34:12 AM
The most distinctive design feature of the B 17 (to me, anyway) is the landing gear fairing. Figuring out how to build these was a bit of a puzzle that was only solved by a trip to the "bomb dump" spares. The solution was a bomb from an old Monogram B-58 Hustler kit. So, as it turns out, parts of a nuclear bomb became wheel spats!
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9265.jpg)

More progress in a later update.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on February 14, 2012, 06:03:55 AM
This is good option, other is to make it from wood and vacu form sheet plastic over
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on February 14, 2012, 02:48:36 PM
Good! ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on February 14, 2012, 05:03:41 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 15, 2012, 02:28:15 AM
Further work on the gear fairings. The upper and lower sections of the body of the bomb was removed and then a segment was trimmed from each side so that the top could be bent to match the shape of the real thing:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9267.jpg)

Once the basic shape was close to correct, I glued the tip of the section to the upper portion to finish the curved top. Next was to cut and fit the two side skirts:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9274.jpg)

Here's the bomb half and a completed wheel spat side-by-side for comparison:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9288.jpg)

And another view of the interior of the fairing with the inner structure installed, made of Evergreen styrene strips:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9277.jpg)

The second fairing is coming along nicely and should be finished yet tonight. Then it's into the parts box with them for later fitting to the landing gear struts and wing center-section.



Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on February 15, 2012, 03:23:50 AM
My friend, your work is so inspired, that i can't explain you how much!
You are doing magnificent job!! :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on February 15, 2012, 06:08:41 AM
Excellent solution mate :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on February 15, 2012, 05:35:36 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: ta152c on February 15, 2012, 11:39:11 PM
Great work there, great spatial skills. Bravo! :)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on February 18, 2012, 12:25:59 AM
The second gear fairing is complete and both are ready for priming/filling/etc. Also the small fairings at the aft end of the wings where the wheels rest will be made of another segment of the same bomb that made the big fairings.

I've had very little time to work on this the last few evenings but some small progress is also happening on the outer wing panels.

Speaking of the outer wings, I used a bit of resin to fill the voids when I widened the chord dimension. Turns out that my resin was not viable and is not hardening fully, also has many pinholes.......The best fix was to trim out the resin and replace it with laminated styrene filler material. I didn't think my resin would ever go bad, but I learned a new thing again. Next on the wings will be to make the final cut at each outer panel root and then form the centersection to fit perfectly to the outers.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on February 18, 2012, 04:33:47 PM
 :-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 05, 2012, 08:05:13 AM
I got a bit bored with the Spitfire/Seafire conversion tonight so I permanently attached the vertical stabilizer to the left fuselage half. After this cured sufficiently I started making the fillet fairings and raised fuselage spine. More on that later. This part of the project has been bothering me a bit as I want to get the aft fuselage shape corrected while the two halves are still unglued. That will let me work on the cockpits in the normal way and then glue the halves together later.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9421.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on March 05, 2012, 11:45:08 AM
Nice to see you back mate ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on March 05, 2012, 12:50:40 PM
 :-ok :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 05, 2012, 05:02:55 PM
Don't tell everyone, but I even built a bulkhead bellframe for the Y1B-17 last night! :-tri
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on March 05, 2012, 06:13:43 PM
I have think about this kit last night... so something is rolling on :))
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 05, 2012, 07:16:00 PM
Very little, but it never leaves the back of my modeling desk!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 13, 2012, 07:32:52 PM
Inspiration arrived at my modeing desk (in my brain, more accurately). I couldn't figure out how I was going to build up the fairing under the rudder and then it hit me---I used the other Corsair horizontal stabilizer to build this filler piece and it couldn't have been simpler. I've been fretting over this for a week or more! You can see how these pieces went together by looking at the inside of the fuselage. More trimming in here will be done when making the tailwheel well structure.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9476.jpg)

And the final profile of the fuselage is now complete:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9475.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9474.jpg)

Here's an inspiration/reference photo from a source I can't remember now. I'll make every effort to find the source and post it when I find it.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/f17.jpg)

And, just for fun, an unmolested Corsair fuselage and the B 17 conversion for comparison:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9477.jpg)

Next will be to design the horizontal stabilizer mountings and fairings and then to move on to the wings.

Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on March 13, 2012, 07:40:44 PM
Yes, really great work, mate!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on March 13, 2012, 08:33:52 PM
Hey- fuselage is almost there :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on March 13, 2012, 10:12:21 PM
If you ask me, this is a complicated conversion. The fuselage looks great! :-clap :-clap
And biiig difference compared to Corsair. ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 14, 2012, 04:58:45 PM
The conversion from Corsair to SAAB is really quite a bit of fun! At times there are stumbling blocks that are put in my path but these have not been too bad. I get "modeler's block" sometimes and just have to spend time thinking through the engineering of the changes. The hardest part is making sure that the fuselage modifications could be constructed in such a way that the halves can remain split until final assembly.

Here's a couple more photos of the Corsair and B 17 fuselages joined.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9482.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9484.jpg)

This shows the first mock-up of the left stabilizer and elevator. Pretty straightforward in comparison to the vertical fin.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9486.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on March 14, 2012, 05:11:58 PM
Have you decide about the interior?
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 14, 2012, 05:14:09 PM
All scratchbuilt with some Eduard PE elements for the interior. Early planning is underway!  :-wch
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on March 15, 2012, 01:11:23 PM
 :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 16, 2012, 06:52:53 PM
The horizontal stabilizers are done, the elevators need a bit of work yet. Also a small fairing must be attached to the after end of the fuselage to fair in the elevators. Any progress is good progress....
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9489.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on March 16, 2012, 06:57:55 PM
I like precision in this build :) Trim tab is greatly inserted :-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on March 16, 2012, 07:21:18 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on March 16, 2012, 07:25:40 PM
 :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 18, 2012, 05:00:39 PM
Small progress. I ended up making a new set of elevators. The first set bothered me with regard to the fit. These two photos are just to show the small fillet fairings that go between the tailcone and the elevators. These were made from leftovers of Corsair horizontal stabilizer parts. The fuselage and empennage are about 80% Otaki-sourced! Now the tail can be set aside for final assembly and I can concentrate on building up the wings.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9515.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9514.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on March 18, 2012, 06:43:22 PM
Match perfect from my view mate ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on March 18, 2012, 06:47:11 PM
I like it! ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 18, 2012, 11:37:56 PM
Thanks, friends!  :-flo

I'm going to attempt some work on the highest hurdle of the entire project soon--the wing centersection. This is the last really big headache :-wall in the project and I'm still contemplating my next move. :-think :-paper
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 19, 2012, 03:44:04 AM
First mock-up of the center section stubwings. These need fine tuning and a spar will be added to keep the dihedral of the outer panels exactly as needed. On the real airplane the wing box carries through the cockpit and provides the attachment point for the pilot's seat and the roof of the weapons bay. This box will be constructed as part of the interior structure and the spar will pass through it for strength.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9534.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_9533.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on March 19, 2012, 09:43:30 AM
 :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on March 19, 2012, 10:30:43 AM
Almost there mate, just to extend trailing edge ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 19, 2012, 11:25:46 AM
Yes, and that will be done with some parts bin extensions in order to keep a uniform edge.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on August 05, 2012, 04:55:50 AM
Tonight there were no Messerschmitts on the work surface so the SAAB found its way back. This session was devoted to working on the inner wing panels. After a bit of filing and sanding the two sections were ready for fitting to the fuselage halves. It took some time to align these correctly, especially getting the dihedral and angle of attack properly measured before drilling the alignment holes.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0491.jpg)

A little more fine tuning on these and they will be set aside again. Next up will be to begin scratching together the weapons bay and cockpits. Hopefully there will be more progress on this than there has been lately!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on August 05, 2012, 07:05:51 AM
Hard job but it take much of shape :)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on August 05, 2012, 08:39:44 AM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on August 05, 2012, 07:22:48 PM
Nice to see progress... ;) :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on August 13, 2012, 05:17:40 AM
Another step forward on the SAAB project, the first primer coat on the outer wing panels. This will be a basecoat only as there is still work to be done on these prior to scribing panel lines and mating to center wings. It is nice to prime something, though, as it makes me feel like I'm actually making progress on this!
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0578.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on August 13, 2012, 05:24:07 AM
They look like they need more span?
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on August 13, 2012, 05:37:48 AM
No, that's really an optical illusion. They fit the planform and measure out correctly when laid exactly on the drawing. I've still got to fabricate the trailing edges for all four panels but that will wait until the landing gear fairing is built and installed.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on August 13, 2012, 06:16:31 AM
Thank you mate :)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on August 14, 2012, 11:09:05 PM
 :-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: memitus on August 23, 2012, 07:34:00 PM
Second Air Force,

Well, I'm with open mouth, and really impressed about how you are going to solve every step. I never can imagine to use a Corsair fuselaje. Woow!!

I follow you Master :-obey :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on September 15, 2012, 10:35:37 PM
Okay, no more Messerschmitts on the bench. Time again to move onward with the SAAB.

Last evening I determined to make a proper start on the bomb bay and cockpit flooring. This requires some preplanning as the floor of the cockpit is the ceiling of the bomb bay. With that in mind the floor is constructed of .015 styrene to maintain a proper scale thickness. All the other bits are also of Evergreen or Plastruct styrene strips and shapes. This photo is of the bomb bay roof and bulkheads. The small square hole at the front will contain flight control yokes that come through the floor of the cockpit:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0715.jpg)

Very simply what it appears to be, filler applied to the inside of the fuselage to smooth the sidewalls for added stringer and frame detail later:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0716.jpg)


Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on September 15, 2012, 11:02:21 PM
Great!! :-clap
Can't wait to see more of this great scratchbuild!! :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on September 16, 2012, 05:31:56 AM
More cockpit elements are coming together. An interesting feature of the B 17 is that the seat sits in a cutout of the wing spar carry-through box. In essence, the pilot's seat was recessed into the wing box in order to give enough headroom. So...... more plastic sheet and measuring to replicate this part. This is one of the trickiest dimensions in the whole project--the spar must go through the cockpit at exactly the right place so that canopy, rollover bar, instrument panel, seat, etc. all line up properly when the whole model is assembled. Now that the spar is located the rest of the two cockpits will fall into place much more easily. The flat segment with two lightening holes in it will later be the mounting place for the rollover support bar.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0722.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0724.jpg)

Also in this session the two lower windows in the gunner/radio compartment were located and rough-cut into the fuselage halves:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0719.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on September 16, 2012, 06:00:45 AM
:-ok Very interesting to watch mate ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on September 16, 2012, 11:30:16 AM
+1 with Srecko! :)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on September 16, 2012, 03:28:07 PM
 :-ok :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on September 17, 2012, 04:23:50 AM
Today was called "Filler Sunday". :-paper With the basic structure of the cockpit and bomb bay constructed it is time to remove the Corsair panel lines and smooth out the many modifications to the halves. Usually I'd wait until the parts were joined to do this, but there is so much to do on the interior that I decided it's best to get most of the bodywork done now.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0739.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on September 17, 2012, 05:34:24 AM
Hope you will start shape assembly soon :)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on September 17, 2012, 12:19:21 PM
As long as I don't divert my attention to new projects!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on September 17, 2012, 05:35:16 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on September 20, 2012, 04:09:31 AM
A bit more work has been done on the fuselage, this time adding stringers and frames. After fitting these to both the bomb bay and cockpits I started adding some of the electrical panels and mounting brackets to the left side. Since the "rear seater" was both tail gunner and radio operator there is a quite a lot of equipment in his domain.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0752_zpsee916727.jpg)

Incidentally, this will probably be shunted off to the side again as I have been commissioned to build another F-106. ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on September 20, 2012, 06:39:52 AM
Wonderful mate :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on September 20, 2012, 05:24:25 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on September 20, 2012, 07:03:42 PM
Gooooooood joooob!!! :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on September 24, 2012, 05:37:09 AM
Very little time could be devoted to the B 17 this weekend--too much maintenance on our car! :-wall :-wall Once that was successfully completed I did have a couple of hours for some more SAAB interior work.

I've been saving back some unused PE frets for this project. There is part of a Verlinden 1/72 SBD fret, some extra parts from my Eduard I-16, a few bits of Eduard MiG 21, and most of an Eduard Brewster Buffalo set. I'd purposely kept these safely tucked away in anticipation of using some pieces here:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0761_zps31399c75.jpg)

Not to be outdone, the spares box offered up some bits as well, including various small control quadrants from a variety of long-gone kits. There are pieces used from Monogram C-47 and B-25 as well as others. So.......after some thinking and planning, the pilot's left side panel is coming along fairly well. The rudder pedals are from the Buffalo set and there is a lot more on that fret that will find a way into this project. Also an armor plate seat back was fabricated from sheet styrene and attached to the spares-bin seat.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0763_zpsf78c3090.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0766_zps36c05475.jpg)

Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on September 24, 2012, 07:18:02 AM
Hope your car will run fast very soon and this work on kit is extra good!!!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on September 24, 2012, 01:07:54 PM
Work in cockpit is greaaat!! :-clap :-clap

Hope that everything is ok with car. ;) :-flo
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on September 24, 2012, 05:23:49 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on September 24, 2012, 10:43:32 PM
Thanks, y'all! :-flo

The Jetta is fine, just normal scheduled maintenance to be done before winter sets in again. I'm on vacation this week so all such work is being done......along with other things that I've put off all summer since it has been so HOT here. There's still a little time for the modeling bench, though, and I'd really like to complete the two cockpits and apply interior paint this week.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on September 24, 2012, 10:44:56 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: memitus on September 27, 2012, 05:31:49 PM
Scott,

Excellent!! I find awesome the way that you are resolving this project. Really interesting!!

See you here!! :-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on September 27, 2012, 08:01:20 PM
Thanks, y'all.

I have the weapons bay almost finished now, and the tailwheel compartment is also nearing completion. Probably another two or three hours of small parts installation and the paint can be applied to the interior. I'm taking some time off for other work but will update when I get a chance to start on this again.

Thanks for the interest, as always!
Scott
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on October 01, 2012, 06:18:45 AM
Latest installment. I decided to work on the landing gear fairings once again as well as building the tailwheel interior. First a photo of the tailwheel after fabricating the interior trusses and fitting the tailwheel assembly. The tailwheel I'm using will be a modification of the SAC part you see here, sourced from an Fw 190 upgrade set:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0780.jpg)

Next was to tackle the aft fixed main gear fairings. These are riveted to the underside of the wing and house the tire when the gear is retracted. The first photo gives an idea of how they really look on the airworthy B 17 with the 1/48 fairings for comparison:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0784.jpg)

These small fairings were built in the same way as the larger sections, from a spares box bomb sectioned and enhanced with styrene sheet and strip material:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0785.jpg)

The next step was to fit the wing trailing edge extension. I purposely left this area 1/4" short with the idea of gluing on this thin strip of .010 thick styrene. This gives a much sharper trailing edge to the wing and also allows me to add the upper part of the gear fairing all at the same time:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0787.jpg)

And finally, (a poor photo, but it gives an idea) I've offered up the gear fairing to the new wing extension. Next will be to detail the bottom of the wing and gear attachment points, then a bit of fitting/filler/sanding, etc.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0788.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Ernie on October 01, 2012, 07:26:09 AM
Nice progress Scott! I admire your ability to "see" the shapes you need in ordinary parts. Your scratch building is top notch as well, but I am still amazed at how you can take various kit parts and turn them into a compleately different item.  :-obey :-obey
Ernie
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on October 01, 2012, 04:29:51 PM
Thanks, Ernie--I have always enjoyed digging in junkyards and boxes of spare parts for things that can be re-used. :-think I reckon it is my upbringing on the farm where we always fixed our equipment with what we had on hand.

As far as this model is concerned, the list of "difficult" scratchbuilding projects is dwindling. The hardest tasks left are to build up the canopy sections and scribing panel lines in the entire airframe.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on October 01, 2012, 06:25:43 PM
 :-clap :-ok :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on October 01, 2012, 09:51:31 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on October 02, 2012, 06:27:00 AM
Tonight the rear wheel pants and small forward fairing were installed on the center section wingstubs. Still a lot of work needed on these but the major parts are now constructed:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0792.jpg)

For a bit of fun I mounted the stubs to the fuselage--it's actually starting to look a little like a B 17!
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0796.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on October 02, 2012, 12:05:12 PM
Fantastic work :-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on October 02, 2012, 01:06:57 PM
This is really excellent!! :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on October 02, 2012, 04:09:20 PM
Really stunning!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on October 04, 2012, 06:20:58 AM
Thank you, friends.  :-flo

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:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0801.jpg)

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:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0803.jpg)

And an overhead shot of this area with the major parts in place:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0804.jpg)

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:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0797.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0800.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on October 04, 2012, 06:50:46 AM
This build present amazing composition :-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on October 04, 2012, 02:59:40 PM
Wow!!! :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on October 06, 2012, 04:13:22 AM
PRIMER DAY! :-tri (On some parts, at least.......)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0824.jpg)

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. ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on October 06, 2012, 05:02:02 AM
This look so smooth mate- job is excellent done!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on October 06, 2012, 04:12:46 PM
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. :-flo
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on October 07, 2012, 06:38:54 AM
Try with needle, just to see where to get proper one
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on October 07, 2012, 11:18:30 AM
Real beauty!! :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on October 07, 2012, 04:53:21 PM
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:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0838.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0840.jpg)

Lots of detail parts still to be installed in the cockpits and more painting, but at least there is some small progress....
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on October 07, 2012, 04:58:58 PM
Can not see images :(
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on October 07, 2012, 04:59:35 PM
:-ok

Excellent work on this one!!!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on October 07, 2012, 05:29:52 PM
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.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on October 07, 2012, 05:36:09 PM
I see them now :-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on October 07, 2012, 05:40:08 PM
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! :-eek My parents always said to "save everything!" :-flo
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on October 07, 2012, 05:42:36 PM
Your parents give you excellent advice!!! I also have box full of everything and you never know what will be valuable one day ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on October 07, 2012, 06:35:31 PM
Very good job!! :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on October 08, 2012, 06:11:32 AM
Okay, time to address the wheels and tires.

The tires are, as mentioned earlier, nose wheel tires from an ancient Airfix 1/72 C-130. This left me with the need for brakes and wheel halves. The spares box wasn't helping so I got out the trusty Unimat and an old X-Acto knife handle. First a center hole was drilled for the axle, then the machining was done. Lastly the finished wheel halves. These will still need some further detailing when the landing gear legs are assembled.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0851.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0847.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0854.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on October 08, 2012, 06:19:18 AM
 :-clap :-clap :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on October 08, 2012, 11:39:34 AM
Wow!!! :-eek :-eek :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: memitus on October 10, 2012, 05:12:45 AM
I haven't stopped enjoying your work :-ok :-ok :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on October 24, 2012, 06:50:52 PM
Tiny update--it was Primer Day this morning so I sprayed the balance of the fuselage exterior to find the many flaws that exist (and there are plenty..... :-crazy). The fuselage plan is to finish the cockpits and weapons bay, then assemble the two halves, add more filler, prime, scribe panel lines, etc......

Also this morning a quick wing center-section fitting session was accomplished and some fine-tuning done.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0919.jpg)

Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on October 24, 2012, 07:21:41 PM
Look like real industrial made kit :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on October 24, 2012, 07:24:50 PM
Yes, it looks good as long as you are on your side of the Atlantic Ocean! :-tri Trust me, it's pretty rough when you get up close to it, but at least the shape is right. All the rest will come with patience and some time.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on October 24, 2012, 09:03:39 PM
Wonderful!!!!!! :-clap :-flo
I like it! Really great work my friend!! :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on October 24, 2012, 09:42:14 PM
It's amazing!!!

:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on December 02, 2012, 11:58:00 PM
It's hard to believe more than a month has passed with no progress here. :-red Today all the interior surfaces received a coat of semi-gloss clearcoat to seal the paint. There will be quite a lot of handling of these parts when the small details are executed so a protective coating seemed a good idea.

I promise to give more attention to this B 17 and the other B-17 this winter!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on December 03, 2012, 06:17:24 AM
Just relax and do as you feel ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on December 03, 2012, 07:36:06 PM
Just relax and do as you feel ;)

+1 ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on December 17, 2012, 05:52:00 AM
A few PE and other small detail elements were added to this machine tonight. Also some of the controls were painted and a few levers added. One more small step towards closing up the fuselage of this one....
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1144_zps5c7f31d6.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on December 17, 2012, 06:53:32 AM
Must say that this look like industrial kit, very precise and detailed :))
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on December 17, 2012, 08:01:18 AM
Nice!!!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on December 17, 2012, 05:02:09 PM
Must say that this look like industrial kit, very precise and detailed :))

This was the hardest part of building the SAAB. I knew I would have to design the parts in the same way as a "real" model kit in order to test-fit and add the details. I've lost count of the number of times that I've dry-assembled the fuselage and interior while adding structure details.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on December 17, 2012, 05:12:26 PM
Goooooooooood joooob!! :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on January 11, 2013, 03:31:08 AM
Progress is being made on the cockpits now. Finally I've started to add the plumbing and wiring in both "offices". Still a bit more to add, also some cleanup and paint touchup, and then, hopefully this weekend, the fuselage halves will be joined permanently.... ;)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1310_zpsecd95570.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1308_zps607d4bcf.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1312_zpsbce93a9d.jpg)

Incidentally, the main ship's radio set was sourced from the Eduard MiG-21 cockpit upgrade set. This has both PE and resin panels and this resin piece was perfect for the SAAB radio!  :-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on January 11, 2013, 05:57:00 AM
Excellent work, Scott!!! :-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on January 11, 2013, 07:04:58 AM
Cockpit is excellent :-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on January 11, 2013, 09:42:29 AM
I agree, cockpit is really great!! :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on January 11, 2013, 12:24:45 PM
Thanks, all!

There is still a lot to be done, especially on the top decking between the two cockpits and in the tail gun mount area. These details must be left off until after final assembly and priming so I don't destroy the parts while handling the fuselage.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 11, 2013, 01:22:05 AM
Two months have passed with no work on this project.

 So.....this afternoon the project passed a milestone--the fuselage halves were glued together! :-jump :-jump As I mentioned several times during the earlier parts of this build, the whole fuselage was "engineered" so that I could assemble the cockpits, bomb bay, and fuselage halves in much the same way as a normal kit. This has paid off nicely in that the final assembly went pretty much without problems:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1541_zps485f34b8.jpg)

After the seams set up I was able to apply the first filler to the right side of the dorsal section. Now I'll have to seal the cockpit, tailwheel, and weapons bay openings so that sanding can commence.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1542_zpsfab09192.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Ernie on March 11, 2013, 03:23:19 AM
Exellent Scott! Looks really good and congrats on getting it all buttoned up! All your pre-planning looks to have paid off nicely as it looks to have gone together just like a regular kit!
Ernie
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on March 11, 2013, 06:08:51 AM
Finally!!!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Sall on March 11, 2013, 03:18:56 PM
Wonderful!! :-clap
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on March 11, 2013, 05:44:00 PM
Sometimes, some builds are put aside for a while... It's always good to come back!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 11, 2013, 10:29:48 PM
Sometimes, some builds are put aside for a while... It's always good to come back!

Like my Y1B-17!!! It sits on the back of the workbench looking at me...... :-eek
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: GregM on March 12, 2013, 02:16:14 AM
I just read all twelve pages.  This is an ambitious project!  I look forward to seeing the final result. 

Wouldn't it be ironic if sombody came out with a production B 17 kit just about the time you finished this one?  I remember you mentioning it happend to you once, and then we joked about it when I started my vacuform B-18.  Sure enough, 10 months after I finished my Bolo MPM released a 1/72 scale injection molded kit.   :-wall
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on March 12, 2013, 03:09:25 AM
This was never problem to me. In this moment I decide to complete Caproni 310, no matter that MPM announce last year new kit of this plane. I built for me pleasure ;)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: GregM on March 12, 2013, 03:31:26 AM
There's definitely more satisfaction in pulling off your own scratch build or conversion, no doubt about it.
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 12, 2013, 10:49:40 AM
Yes, I suspect the same thing will happen here, but at least there could be more SAABs built then!
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 24, 2013, 02:07:59 PM
The fuselage priming/filling/priming is coming along pretty well, with no real surprises. I then installed the two wing stubs and horizontal stabilizers to check alignment one more time. The wings are great, but the horizontal stabiliizers needed quite a lot of rework.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1606-1_zps9f1af1b1.jpg)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on March 24, 2013, 02:23:43 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 21, 2016, 03:31:39 PM
Three years of lying dormant in the "unbuilt projects" pile and I recently inspected the outer wings for the SAAB. As you might recall I made these by modifying some old wings and pouring resin into them. Thankfully I never finished the model, because the resin in the outer wings never properly cured and has expanded, cracking the wing parts and making them useless:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/2AF017/IMG_2784_zpszkiudfqk.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/2AF017/IMG_2784_zpszkiudfqk.jpg.html)
 
In this photo you can see the darker color in places where the oils in the resin have started to seep out onto the surface. I think I must have used resin material that was beyond it's shelf life and the hardener had lost the ability to mix with the base. In this case I'm really relieved--having this happen after the model was finished would have been a disaster!
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/2AF017/IMG_2785_zps8uu74mqz.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/2AF017/IMG_2785_zps8uu74mqz.jpg.html)

So, I've decided to use the first set of wings as a pattern. I pulled a set of wings for an old AMT/Ertl P-40E from storage and will modify these to replace the bad pair:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/2AF017/IMG_2786_zpsbjdqw09y.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/2AF017/IMG_2786_zpsbjdqw09y.jpg.html)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/2AF017/IMG_2787_zpspwk64io6.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/2AF017/IMG_2787_zpspwk64io6.jpg.html)
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: No.1 on March 21, 2016, 03:53:14 PM
This project is alive :)) :))
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: Second Air Force on March 21, 2016, 04:50:40 PM
Yes, revived after all this time.......

Really, I've been watching those outer wings for some time and the problem got worse as time went by. Had I ever finished those parts there would have been harsh words (and all my fault, too!).  :-wall
Title: Re: SAAB B 17A In 1/48 Scale
Post by: draken35 on March 21, 2016, 05:59:48 PM
You're a courageous man my friend