Warbird Information Exchange

Someone in the Hangar posted a photo of a 1/48th Scale B-17C/D Conversion based on an F model kit. Looked Great!!
Anybody know who it was, and where this conveersion can be had?

_________________
Kind Regards,
Gary Lewis
J.A.F.O.

Try this site, they have lots of 1/48th B-17 info, though the conversion you seek that they mention, I cannot find? Good luck with your hunt

http://www.swannysmodels.com/B17G.html

The conversion set is a vacu-form, available from Paul Koster (he also does a set to convert the Monogram B-24 to a Privateer.) Unfortunately, he doesn't have a website, and I'm not sure how to get in touch with him.

SN

Try here.

wkoster2@comcast.net

Mike

The Koster conversions are good stuff! I've got a B-17C and Privateer planned for this winter. And if you want really nice narrow chord propellers, the old AMT A-20 kit is the place to get them. I'm thinking about casting some for my projects in resin since I'll need eight.

Enjoy building the conversion!
Scott

Thanks for posting that Mike..I'd heard the only way you can get ahold of Mr. Koster is via direct e-mail, but didn't know the adress. Koster did a full vac kit of the A-20 in 1/48 before the AMT kits came out. IIRC it came with cast resin props..I wonder if he'd be willing to sell them seperately?

SN

Thanks guys, I appreciate you all getting back on this.Having a couple of F models and two G models, I'd love to have a C/D on the shelf. What I really need is "space".Right now I am "collecting" materials to detail out what I start. Great tip on the Props too.
Don't sniff the glue. It will make you go blind.

_________________
Kind Regards,
Gary Lewis
J.A.F.O.

Steve, didn't Koster put metal props in one of the conversion kits? I can't remember for certain and my projects are still buried from our last move six years ago! It may have been some other upgrade kit that I'm thinking of, but I have some moderately detailed white metal narrow chord props somewhere. I still want to try to cast the A-20 props in resin just to see how they turn out. If they mold correctly I'll consider making them available to you guys.

Scott

That would be cool Scott

_________________
Kind Regards,
Gary Lewis
J.A.F.O.

I'm not sure. I work in 1/72, and Koster's stuff (I think) is all 1/48. I have seen the B-17 set..it looks very nice, but I don't remember if it includes props.

SN

I believe the narrow chord propellers could be in the Privateer conversion set. You are definitely correct about the B-17 C/D kit--it has no props. When I finally get started on my early Fort I'll post some pictures of mods I am going to do to the Koster parts and the donor kit.

Well, I still remember how to make an RTV mold. I just finished the mold for the narrow chord propellers and I'll start a new thread showing step-by-step of moldmaking if anyone is interested. I have to let the RTV cure for a day or so, so I can't show you a resin prop just yet.

Scott

I'd be interested to see that. I've cast lots of parts in RTV molds, but never had much luck with props. Do you do two-part molds? The only ones I've ever attempted were one-part.

SN

Steve,

I do a two part mold for quite a few pieces. My method may get laughed at by "real" moldmakers, but it gets the job done on short-run items. I'll probably start a new thread that folks can add ideas to. Oh, as to propellers, this is my first try at that particular item, so it may be a while before the thread gets started!

Scott

The hacking has begun.



This is what you get with the Koster kit. After you build the C/D variant you can do a Cheyenne turret/staggered waist window G with the remaining clear parts. The decals include a C from the 7th B.G., "The Swoose", and B-17E "Yankee Doodle".


When I started in with the hacksaw I was thinking how expensive the Monogram Fort was. Then I remembered that I bought this one in 1980 and didn't feel so bad for chopping it up.

I guess my New Year Resolution should be to finish this thing--now that I have more free time I just might get it done in a reasonable amount of time.

Scott