B-17 paper card models

[JohnDell]

Here are some photos of some test builds of the B-17 paper models I am designing. My plan is to do kits of all the major variants, Model 299 thru B-17G and then the off-shoots such as the XB-38 and YB-40 plus various civilian Fortresses like the Swedish airliners and fire bombers. I’ll post some photos of some of the other models I’ve done in a separate thread so you can get an idea of the finished product. I’ve done a series of B-24s and some Boeing 307 (C-75) Stratoliners. The kits are all in 1/48 scale and can be purchased through Ecardmodels.com as downloadable PDFs. The kits have 15 to 20 pages that can be printed out on 8.5” x 11” card stock. All you really need to assemble them is a straight edge, x-acto knife and some glue. Plus they can be scaled to whatever size you want. I’ve built several at 1/72 and 1/87 (HO) scale.

As I mentioned in the “Peggy D” thread, I’d be happy to eventually do kits as fund raisers for some of the B-17 restorations that are in progress. I’ve been a huge fan of the B-17 since I was a small child. It would be an honor to contribute in some way to their preservation.

[JohnDell]

A few more test build photos showing the “Shark fin” fuselage and the early tail stinger and Cheyenne tail turret.

[JohnDell]

A couple of the Stratoliners and one of the B-24s I have done.

[DryMartini]

Wow....
Those are impressive!

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one.

[TAdan]

Very nice builds John! Excellent detail and I love the 1/48 Stratoliners!

I usually build plastic and the occasional balsa kit. I've always shied away from paper as it just seems so fragile.

[JohnDell]

I was able to get a test build done of a shark fin over the holidays. A good foundation for a future “Mary Ann” kit perhaps?

[hang the expense]

Those are very nice.I love the shark fin bird the best.

[JohnDell]

I figured the folks here would understand what I’m trying to represent with this version of my B-17 models. This is the nose window configuration for a Lockheed-Vega B-17F. I was wondering if anyone has some decent photos of the elongated cheek gun window and mount. Most of the photos I have seen show the window from below and the machine gun barrel blocks the view of the front of the window. Since doing this test build I have found that I still need to make some tweaks. Any input would be appreciated.

[hang the expense]

The fine lines in the window area represent the bulge in the glass.If you are not cutting the paper out I wouldn't worry about it.The only sorce I know of for those window shapes would be in 48th scale by Koster I believe and he is retired now.I think I have a few sets for models I want to build.

[JohnDell]

Here is another one for the shark fin fans.

At this point I have templates for all the major versions of the B-17. Once I get a few kits complete I’ll go back and make the derivatives such as the XB-38, YB-40, PB-1W and so forth.

[JohnDell]

I was wondering if someone could provide the dimensions of the nose windows of the B-17 as shown in red in the attached image. I was also wondering if the size of the window at the top of the fuselage, just aft of the nose was the same size throughout the B-17 production run. Most of the plan drawings I’ve seen are not very consistent and it is hard to accurately judge from photos. I want to make sure what I have already drawn on my models is accurate. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[DryMartini]

John,

On the B-17s with the 10 window noses (B-17B/C/D/E)
there are 5 small windows and 5 large windows:

Each side: 2 rearmost = LARGE
1 forward = SMALL

Top: 1 rearmost (closest to cockpit windows) = LARGE
other 3 = SMALL

If you want the exact dimensions, I have those too (just not on me at the moment)

-Bill

[JohnDell]

Hello Bill,

I figured if there was anyone who could answer this question it would be you.

Yes, thank you, I would like to have the exact dimensions. That way I can make sure all of the proportions are correct. I imagine the large windows are all the same size as are the small ones?

Thank you again for your help.

John

[DryMartini]

John,

Small windows are 14 1/8 x 10 5/16

Large windows are 15 1/2 x 12

-Bill

[JohnDell]

Hi Bill,

Thank you very much for the measurements! What I had initially drawn wasn’t too far off. But it was just enough that it didn’t look right. I’ve attached an image of the revised parts. When I get a chance I’ll take a photo of the parts assembled. Please, let me know if anything dosen't look correct.

Thanks again!
John