Aero Vintage Books

I'm wondering if anyone here knows the answer to this question:

Am I legally allowed to make and sell custom B-17 models and model kits? Not "Boeing B-17" or "Flying Fortress" just "B-17G" or "B-17F." The issue is the name/aircraft type.

I'd like to use my CAD model to laser engrave small wooden scale parts, to make an almost 100% accurate scale model, and sell a few if anyone would pay, but I don't want any trouble from Boeing or a kit/model manufacturer.

Thanks.

A bit of history is in order.....

The Military when coming-up with new designs, will put out to different manufactures, specifications and standards they want met for this design.

Part of the contract that these manufactures must sign, is that the designs and plans become the property of the United States.

So what happens a aircraft company will put out a fantastic designed aircraft, the military then approves and purchased the design.

Then the military will farm out the design for bid and the lowest bidder wins the contract for building this aircraft.

* * *

So, to answer your question, the B-17 design and specification is owned by the United States, which makes it public property and you can sell to your hearts content anything you can dream-up.

Now the second half, it is true that Boeing copyrighted the name Flying Fortress in 1935 (or so) whether or not the copyright has expired or has been extended is another story --

Alright! Thank you!

Whenever I get around to actually making the wood models, I'll post some pictures.

I’ve been producing card model kits of B-17s (along with various other aircraft) for over fifteen years. So far no problems. I do try to keep the use of manufactures names to a minimum.

I came across this article when I was working on a series of B-24 card kits. You might find it interesting and useful.

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2008/04/l ... -liberator

What you are describing to do sounds very interesting and I look forward to seeing what you come up with.