Another legend Revell model , on my country this B-17G was legend years ago , too many store sell this kit 😂🤣, and now this kit not legend again , they rare now !
I have often wondered how this compares to the Airfix model, so this was really interesting to see. You probably know that newer Revell models now come with colour instructions - I made their Shackleton - and they’re definitely an improvement. However, they still use the seriously frustrating callout system for paint colours. It really beggars belief why they carry on with this, but there you go. Good video as always Matt. 👍🏼
I have this kit. It's excellent save a single flaw, the clear nose part outline isn't accurate. Unfortunately because it forms part of the B-17's quintessentially distinctive outline, it's optically discernible to the eye so the mind registers that this B-17G kit 'just looks odd', 'not quite right'. Such a shame. Excellent kit ruined by this singular part. 04283 released back in 2010 long before the 2016 Airfix new tool which is why I have it. Back then, it was way superior to alternatives on offer including that from Minicraft reboxed under the Academy label. The Airfix 2016 tool has its own technical detail inaccuracies if building "A Bit O'Lace", but they aren't the immediate eye magnet the perspex nose outline of the Revell kit is. If I was to buy a 1/72 B-17G now, it'd definitely be the Airfix kit, and I'm not an Airfix aficionado. I built the original 1963 Airfix tooling "A Bit O' Lace" B-17G way back in '65 or '66, my choice from money given to me as a birthday present. Best I recall it was a whopping £2/- in the old money back then. Also built Revell's '62 tool B-17F from the same era around 1969 or 1970. Not a fan of Revell's boxes or instructions, but then I'm none too keen on Airfix's generally either. Spoilt by Eduard Profipack instructions and Zvezda's far superior boxings and separate glossy colour callout sheets if going to present a sleeve and flap opener.
@@ModelMinutes i get that they want to sell /promote their own paints but if they (Revell) dont have a particular colour in their range then just give an alternative paint manufacturer insyead of telling us to mix and match other colours they have just to get the right colour
Your video here sold a kit! I've been thinking about a b-17 model for awhile now, and this one triumphs over my usual preference for airfix. Excellent vid!
As a relative noob to the hobby I would never presume to give you tips on building but there's one tip I can give you regarding Revell's annoying paint call-outs! What I do is I go to Scalemates and if possible download a PDF file of the instructions and have it open on my PC as I work. Saves going back and forward between pages which is a pain, especially if the booklet isn't stapled together! Depending on the quality of the scan I occasionally just use the PDF for building too.
Funfact about revell serial numbers. There are two model sets with exactly the same serial number - 04312. It's a number of Horten Ho 229 as well as early Fw 200 C-4 Condor. However it's been later fixed and Condor has now a serial number of 04678.
Revell DO seem to recycle kit product numbers. A few weeks ago I was looking at an eBay auction for a kit, I think it was a Rafale, but scalemates and nearly every other reference pointed to something else entirely, I think it was a FW190. Moral is, don't always trust the kit number in a sale listing if there's no picture...
I built this kit Matt, and if I could give any advice, it would be, work on lots of side projects while building this one. Great kit but dam was it hard to get through
The 1/48 B-17F in Memphis Bell markings was a Revell kit. Monogram did a 1/48 B-17G and it had much more internal detail than the Revell did. The Revell F came out slightly later than the Monogram G and it quickly became apparent that Revell had copied Monogram to the extent you could interchange Revell wings in the Monogram fuselage, and vice versa. Conveniently, most of the Monogram internal parts would also fit the Revell kit if you wanted a more detailed interior.
@@beaverchicken Monogram wasn’t bankrupt when they merged with Revell. Monogram had been owned by Mattel who sold them to a holding company. That same company then bought Revell and merged its assets with Monogram and moved the headquarters of the combined company to Illinois. This was in 1986. The Revell and Monogram 1/48th B-17 kits both date from the 1970’s when the two companies were competitors.
@@ModelMinutes yep, had some minor fitting issues but with photo ethed dashboard it looks incredible. Though i would be happy for better instruction sheet, this old type is a nightmare for me.
I'm new to this model lark. Is there a way or do you have any tips and tricks for doing small writing. I want to customise a Willy's jeep starter set to USN model and paint some lettering free hand..but it maybe way beyond me. I guess making a tiny stencil would be the way? Any advice would be great thanks. Good channel also 👍
I'm out on a limb a bit here but I am sure you can buy transfer paper where you can then print your own transfers onto it you have access to a PC and printer. Therefore a case of design your transfer, reduce it to the right scale and print it. (Transfer = decal if you are new by the way and welcome - you will learn a lot from this TH-camr and his minions!)
@@Simon_Nonymous Thanks for the reply. I broke my printer..long story 😂I knew not of this technique either! I maybe able to get some transfer paper and use a friends printer! Or just get a new printer even lol. I like the idea of not using transfers but looks way to easy to mess up free hand! Cheers 👍 P.S working on 1:72 scale
I may have watched to much "dragon's den" but I wonder if there's a 3d printer company that could make A-Z, 0-9 strip stencils in any scale? Probably wouldn't work just a thought.
If you build it we will come. As the kit is so cheap are you going to splash out on aftermarket? Plasmo and International British Modeller have both done a version each of this kit if you want to research before you start. Personally I like the natural metal with the olive panels depicting how, near the end of the war, they had to salvage spare parts from written off aircraft to keep the serviceable ones in the air.
I still remember making this model. Middle of first lockdown and after online school, I'll just 4un downstairs and make this model that my uncle gifted me. He did that because he thought I would be bored. It was very dun building it Very complex though
Oh my god! I don’t know if you did this because of my suggestion a while ago but I’m so excited! I’m getting close to finishing my b17, and it’ll be great to see your opinion of the model, and what you might do with it!
You mention the Airfix B-17G kit might be slightly less detailed than the Revell kit but it’s also been noted in online reviews that the panel line detail on the Revell, especially around the nose, is much more heavy handed than on the Airfix kit. In addition they are kits of different variants. The Revell is an early G with the unstaggered waist windows and the Boeing tail stinger. The Airfix is a late G with the staggered windows and the Cheyenne tail gun conversion. Airfix also do a kit of the Fortress Mk. III electronic countermeasures version that was unique to RAF 100 Group. It’s the only dedicated kit of this variant.
I suppose it gives people the option to display it in different ways without having to get extra parts (crashed or under maintenance diorama, cutaway versions)
Always wanted to due a cut away model with crew figures; Monogram had a 1/48 version with a clear fuselage side, but that kit is increasingly difficult and expensive to find.
I used to build models when I was about eleven, these were 1/72 scale. Since coming back to the hobby and building a huge stash I had nothing over 1/48 (excluding ships). I brought 1/72 in some kits from Lidl, opened one, burst out laughing and put all the 1/72 boxes into the back of the stash. I am sorry I find 1/72 hopelessly small and would have to use my illuminated magnifier or AmScope to have a hope in hell of building a kit this small. You described this as an 'absolutely massive kit'. I would say average. I have a submarine kit that is over 4' long. A 1/32 B24 Liberator, and many other kits with 12 to 24in wingspan. I am moving to 1/16 in tanks as 1/32 is tiny. My stash of wingnut wings is getting close to too small as even at 1/32 a Sopwith Camel is a tiny aircraft. It is interesting how something that is normal to one person needs an AmScope to another.
Only issue with that kit is that it says it's new, no, it's a tooling from 2013, same as their nightfighter one i got. I guess the decals are new but they honestly sucked, quite thick and i had to sand down all the little words and stuff because they were so raised and pronounced
common but not the rule - i've had a number of kits through the post that haven't been. Plus, thin cardboard like this doesn't give that "quality product" feel to it, especially when other kit boxes from revell feel much sturdier
@@marenomartina4443 Online ...at a massive markup, because bloody everyone decided to do lockdown model kits (hell, I just looked that B-17 on ebay and it's at 2x the usual price at this point and rising :( )
@@ModelMinutes It definitely has a bit more detail (which can be a bit of a mixed bag when trying to do a proper build), though as usual the Revell manual is inferior (I was surprised to see that this kit hasn't been re-issued with the newer colourprint booklets). By the way, you may want to check out the Eduard photoetch series for this bugger when you come around to actually building it ;)
I built revell's a400m recently. Got through it eventually, cost nearly as much in paint as the kit. No RAF transfers either. The revell instructions are okay other than the colour call outs. And it's massive. Did Revell dambusters lanc too; frustrating old school instructions but otherwise a good kit. I like the look of this B17; never built one before. But airfix....
@@ModelMinutes Dislike the use of the word decals in its many forms of pronunciation ! Do you ever display models “in flight “…..I have acquired a few B17’s (by far my favourite aircraft )in 1/48 scale and battling with how I can represent spinning propellers Any inspiration greatly appreciated Best wishes Stuart
@@stuartwebster829 a couple of different methods include using a clear circle of plastic with the "spinning blades" drawn or airbrushed on, or alternatively i'm aware that there are some photoetched spinning blades out there, but can't remember who by
I just had a look at my B-17, made by Academy. The instructions are only 8 steps, there's nine sprues and the box is really sturdy. It doesn't look any less detailed than this Revell but then I've never built an Academy kit so I guess I'll find our sooner or later. Probably later. It's been waiting seven years so maybe I should get on it... ;)
I have the Academy (old Minicraft mould) kit. 12414 Special Nose Art Edition released in 2010. The original Minicraft -G variant parts updated mould/kit was released in 1994. Not in the same class as the Revell or Airfix kits. Major flaw is the kits wing dihedral angle. If this isn't corrected during the build, quite a bit of work, it will sit and look very wrong. Small parts, gun barrels are just pieces of straight plastic, fuselage and wing surfaces are smooth, and it's nowhere near as detailed internally or externally as the Airfix or Revell. Engine nacelles are undersize as well, although this is more one for the rivet counters. That said, it's very affordable, and once built and decorated in its warpaint, standoff it looks resplendent. For what I paid for it, it was worth it just for the fantastic decals in that Special Edition kit. It was a fun model to build too BTW, save that dihedral correction.
I’m currently building the 1/72 b17f Memphis belle also from revell, it’s almost the same spruces, the only different is the plastic color and some pieces that makes it a b17g
It would be useful if all the manufacturers agreed an industry standard for skill level. Number of parts alone seems daft. Size of parts, do they need gluing, will they fog up, and whether the kit contains variants and/or requires modifying etc would be more apt IMHO.
If you want a big model with a great price, you should check Zvezda Pe-8 or Tb-7. They are really nice and I can recommend them. And of course great video
Aside from the instruction sheet this should make a nice build particularly at that price point. Could be one to add to the stash as I have nothing of this type at the moment. Thanks for sharing!
this in my opinion is the best 1/72nd scale B17G i built the airfix one a few weeks back it was good and i like that the main door comes separately so you can have it open to add more interest. but this kit overall for detailing was far superior. i'd be interested to see the rereleased one. are the waist gun possitions stagared. if they are then it's open to using after market decals. they are stagared on the airfix version.
Just some info for you. Early model B-17G's did not have staggered waist positions. It was changed in later manufacturing blocks. Research what decal option you have or want to make sure if it staggered or non-staggered
i mean its a bit silly to complain that the interior decals is on the back when it even tells you on the step of building it that it needs decals and to look at step 94 to see where they go.
Re '... it was believed that large formations of this aircraft would be able to defend themselves from enemy fighters.' Sadly they were wrong necessitating the need for a longer range escort fighter. That was only effective of course if the fighter cover (the pilots anyway) wasn't drawn away by Luftwaffe decoys.
A tip if you want one - paint silver paint thicker than you would normal paint of your a brush painter. Don't be afraid to put a little bit more on. Then brush with a larger "dry" brushing brush. Cheers 👍
Having just put together the Airfix kit of the B-17G looking at the Revell one there does not appear to be much to choose between them ? you mention the many stages required until you get to glueing the fuselage halves together well the days of models devoid of interior detail has long gone even if we cannot see it on the finished model ! one thing that has to be watched carefully with this type of immense interior detail is to check constantly that the fuselage halves still fit together after the bulkheads etc have been fitted,on the Airfix example there is a real fit issue at the front end near the cockpit area which is only solved by removal of side plastic with a good file,it is my intentions eventually to build this Revell model and hope this is not the same case with this make of B-17 .one word of sound advice you will not build this model in a few evenings it takes care and patience to execute each stage carefully painting as you go along and scrapeing before glueing the adjoining areas for a satisfactory build,all of these big bombers are the same its like building several models in one with all of those various modules to put together.Even painting these monsters can be difficult with the various windows and bits and pieces on the fuselage,a good work around is to use liquid Maskol which is easier to use than masking tape,it just peels off after the paintjob has been done.I noticed on the bombs there is some bad moulding where the plastic has not reached fully into the moulds near the fins,the box is simply awful and would certainly require a outer cover to send through the post,the dangers of parts getting crushed in transit is very high.I do hope that you will build this one before too long,I think given the necessary care and attention it will make into a very nice B-17G,the 2010 would be the tooling date and doubtful if it was released until around 2015 given the gestation period of getting these models onto the marketplace,we still await the long promised Bristol Beaufort from Airfix despite them showing publicity material here on TH-cam this week !
Revell kits are weird for me. I also hate the instructions and there is sometimes flash even on the new tools like this B17 but on the other hand I find the fit to be pretty good on the new stuff and I always end up with a nicely finished product.
sadly not - the closest we have to that company is one called "Hobbycraft" but they only really tend to carry airfix, revell and tamiya (although I noticed recently they havent had as much airfix . . . )
Hello Matt, great video! Since you compare this kit to the Airfix one - does the Airfix B-17 include crew figures? This is usually a big factor for me in deciding whether to buy a kit or not. Thanks!
not as far as I know, but seeing as I don't have that one I can't be 100% sure. It wasn't indicated in my research that the airfix version came with crew
For many years most model manufacturers included a crew or figure and even a display stand in aircraft kits . Stands seem to be a separate item you can buy separately although they seem to be very similar to the ones that were included in the kits years ago. Airfix type..
U think that’s a long process, try the de Havilland Mosquito air model. It took me 3 months to build it, even though the Mosquito is huge the parts/pieces are small. U literally build everything on the plane and I mean everything
@@ModelMinutes so if u want a challenge try the de Havilland Mosquito. I’d love to see how urs turn out and see how long it takes u. Also didn’t mean for the 1st comment to be rude sorry
@@ModelMinutes ah it sound rude when I read it again and yes it’s insane. Want to see if u can do it quicker than me as ur a professional at doing models
@@ModelMinutes I've watched one guy make a Trumpeter model of the Arizona, a big model. Is that something you do? Of course he did it over about 20 episodes soooo probably a bit of a biggie on this channel? 🙄
Hi matt. I would recommend the Hasegawa F-15B Eagle airfix kit for you, as your such a pro. I’m give it a try to do if you do get it (no pressure lol) could you do a guide to it?
An awesome looking model. I noticed there were 9 sprues. I wonder if anyone can help me out please. I have been doing a few kits over lockdown (aged 73 and very vulnerable so staying safe :) ) and I have kept all the used sprues. Now, I imagined all these sprues being multiplied by 1000's per year and what happens to them? I have written and tweeted to Airfix asking if they couldn't include a stamped return envelope in each kit so that I could return them for re-cycling but never had a response. Does anyone know if any manufacturer or plastic recycling company that would take them? As plastic is the bane of the planet I feel they would be doing their/our bit to help in reducing this problem, Thanks in advance, Ian J McKernan
It might be possible to recycle the plastic with your household recycling - you just have to check with your local council's policy/capabilities. I know i've put it in my recycling before and it's not been rejected
@@ModelMinutes Thanks for rapid response but our bins have a clear policy of plastic/glass bottles and tin cans only. I personally really think my idea would work, especially if the plastic used is all the same constituents. I'll continue searching. :)
£20 is a bloody steal for that amount of plastic. Doing a 1/72 Lancaster build now from what seems like a 1970s tooling judging by the quality of the moudling. More flash than at a pervert convention. Still for the price it's a big model. Extra detail here too is nuts for the price. Coming at this from armour modelling I'm learning a whole lot about planes!
Currently nowhere, lol, thanks to the Corona-chan induced lockdowns :D In fact, if you take a look around the usual places online, you may notice how few kits are actually available in volume, because of people fighting boredom with kit building
@@bk109 yes i' ve been building for years and i must admit i can't seem to get anything online, thankfully my local model shop has been open on and off so i bought about 10 kits as i had an idea what was coming
@@stevieb6173 Same here - last summer, I assumed that either there'd be a second lockdown to drive people into finding indoor hobbies or that manufacturers of non-essential stuff like model kits would reduce their output, so I suppressed my impulse control and went on a shopping spree :D Unfortunately, I'm down to 3.5* kits (from like 20-something in my stash) and that's despite topping off (and buying "starter" kits for my kiddos), so I've resorted to pacing myself (at least until I can finalize some bulk buys from Zvezda and Meng)
@@ModelMinutes that would be awesome, i checkd differences in B17 and F, and there are some differences in engines and guns, so in theory, we could get some aftermarket guns and decals for that bomber, but I would like to have original kit with tons of photo etched and resin parts
I have been thinking of doing some planes because I usual do tanks so Iam thinking of doing some 1/48 scale Russian and German planes and jets. Iam also on your discord under the name tankman88.
Never liked Revell´s plastic though - feels soft and the details, softer.. I do love stuff like tamiya, Hasegawa and Eduard though.. More crisp. And their instructions, revell, that shoddy B&W stuff that looks like something out of an Xerox.. I guess it keeps the price down and it works. Just feels cheaper..
Another legend Revell model , on my country this B-17G was legend years ago , too many store sell this kit 😂🤣, and now this kit not legend again , they rare now !
I can imagine!
I have often wondered how this compares to the Airfix model, so this was really interesting to see. You probably know that newer Revell models now come with colour instructions - I made their Shackleton - and they’re definitely an improvement. However, they still use the seriously frustrating callout system for paint colours. It really beggars belief why they carry on with this, but there you go. Good video as always Matt. 👍🏼
Thanks for watching!
I think a lot more builders are choosing the airfix version over the Revell.
My guess would be cost. Cheaper to print a few thousand monochrome instructions than the same number in colour.
I have this kit. It's excellent save a single flaw, the clear nose part outline isn't accurate. Unfortunately because it forms part of the B-17's quintessentially distinctive outline, it's optically discernible to the eye so the mind registers that this B-17G kit 'just looks odd', 'not quite right'. Such a shame. Excellent kit ruined by this singular part.
04283 released back in 2010 long before the 2016 Airfix new tool which is why I have it. Back then, it was way superior to alternatives on offer including that from Minicraft reboxed under the Academy label. The Airfix 2016 tool has its own technical detail inaccuracies if building "A Bit O'Lace", but they aren't the immediate eye magnet the perspex nose outline of the Revell kit is. If I was to buy a 1/72 B-17G now, it'd definitely be the Airfix kit, and I'm not an Airfix aficionado. I built the original 1963 Airfix tooling "A Bit O' Lace" B-17G way back in '65 or '66, my choice from money given to me as a birthday present. Best I recall it was a whopping £2/- in the old money back then. Also built Revell's '62 tool B-17F from the same era around 1969 or 1970. Not a fan of Revell's boxes or instructions, but then I'm none too keen on Airfix's generally either. Spoilt by Eduard Profipack instructions and Zvezda's far superior boxings and separate glossy colour callout sheets if going to present a sleeve and flap opener.
@@ModelMinutes i get that they want to sell /promote their own paints but if they (Revell) dont have a particular colour in their range then just give an alternative paint manufacturer insyead of telling us to mix and match other colours they have just to get the right colour
I found it to be a Great kit! Built well, no real complaints & lots of detail...
Great to hear!
Oh my gosh! I am so happy! Been waiting for this for a long time!
Hope you like it!
I wish you still premiered on weekends, I keep missing these since in the US, The premiere is in the morning
I'm looking at changing it in the future
@Cmndr Roy Fokker Yeah, but it was a while ago and sadly prices have gone up
@@ModelMinutes i think its 26 quid
Your video here sold a kit! I've been thinking about a b-17 model for awhile now, and this one triumphs over my usual preference for airfix. Excellent vid!
Glad I could help! Don't forget that you can check out my build of this model here too: th-cam.com/video/WO67NqmsgYg/w-d-xo.html
I notice you solved decal debate. Transfers, the way forward.
:)
Premiering on my birthday. 1 year ago i got it for my birthday!
nice! Happy birthday :D
@@ModelMinutes thank you
As a relative noob to the hobby I would never presume to give you tips on building but there's one tip I can give you regarding Revell's annoying paint call-outs! What I do is I go to Scalemates and if possible download a PDF file of the instructions and have it open on my PC as I work. Saves going back and forward between pages which is a pain, especially if the booklet isn't stapled together!
Depending on the quality of the scan I occasionally just use the PDF for building too.
thats a good idea
Great inbox review mate! Got this in the stash.For £20 you can’t moan really 😊👍👏
Exactly! :D
Funfact about revell serial numbers. There are two model sets with exactly the same serial number - 04312.
It's a number of Horten Ho 229 as well as early Fw 200 C-4 Condor. However it's been later fixed and Condor has now a serial number of 04678.
interesting
Revell DO seem to recycle kit product numbers. A few weeks ago I was looking at an eBay auction for a kit, I think it was a Rafale, but scalemates and nearly every other reference pointed to something else entirely, I think it was a FW190.
Moral is, don't always trust the kit number in a sale listing if there's no picture...
I built this kit Matt, and if I could give any advice, it would be, work on lots of side projects while building this one. Great kit but dam was it hard to get through
I can imagine!
I agree . The Eduard Masks took three sessions alone . I'm at the primer stage now after four weeks .
Currently building this kit......test fit and pay attention to the instructions.....nice upload.
Cool, thanks
Looks like a good kit. I have the Revell 1/48 B-17. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for watching! :D
Here we goooo!!!
:D
I'll stick it in now - the 1:48 Memphis Belle is just as goose has said below... let's hope this is much better!
:D
man i remember the horrific kit that the monogram 1/48 b-17f memphis belle was, hopefully this will be much better :p
should be!
The 1/48 B-17F in Memphis Bell markings was a Revell kit. Monogram did a 1/48 B-17G and it had much more internal detail than the Revell did. The Revell F came out slightly later than the Monogram G and it quickly became apparent that Revell had copied Monogram to the extent you could interchange Revell wings in the Monogram fuselage, and vice versa. Conveniently, most of the Monogram internal parts would also fit the Revell kit if you wanted a more detailed interior.
yeah i forgot to say revell monogram since i just say monogram instead of revell america
@@russelltaylor535 Arnt revell america and monogram the exact same thing? Revell bought monogram after they went bankrupt
@@beaverchicken Monogram wasn’t bankrupt when they merged with Revell. Monogram had been owned by Mattel who sold them to a holding company. That same company then bought Revell and merged its assets with Monogram and moved the headquarters of the combined company to Illinois. This was in 1986. The Revell and Monogram 1/48th B-17 kits both date from the 1970’s when the two companies were competitors.
Have the same model. It's pretty good stuff!
Right on!
@@ModelMinutes yep, had some minor fitting issues but with photo ethed dashboard it looks incredible. Though i would be happy for better instruction sheet, this old type is a nightmare for me.
This was a really good model to build, a whole lot of detail. One thing I would say is that some parts didn’t fit very well, so filler will be needed
i'll have to watch out for that
I'm new to this model lark. Is there a way or do you have any tips and tricks for doing small writing. I want to customise a Willy's jeep starter set to USN model and paint some lettering free hand..but it maybe way beyond me. I guess making a tiny stencil would be the way? Any advice would be great thanks. Good channel also 👍
I'm out on a limb a bit here but I am sure you can buy transfer paper where you can then print your own transfers onto it you have access to a PC and printer. Therefore a case of design your transfer, reduce it to the right scale and print it. (Transfer = decal if you are new by the way and welcome - you will learn a lot from this TH-camr and his minions!)
@@Simon_Nonymous Thanks for the reply. I broke my printer..long story 😂I knew not of this technique either! I maybe able to get some transfer paper and use a friends printer! Or just get a new printer even lol. I like the idea of not using transfers but looks way to easy to mess up free hand! Cheers 👍
P.S working on 1:72 scale
Thanks! Home made transfers would probably be the way to go
@@ModelMinutes Thanks guy's 👍
I may have watched to much "dragon's den" but I wonder if there's a 3d printer company that could make A-Z, 0-9 strip stencils in any scale? Probably wouldn't work just a thought.
If you build it we will come.
As the kit is so cheap are you going to splash out on aftermarket?
Plasmo and International British Modeller have both done a version each of this kit if you want to research before you start. Personally I like the natural metal with the olive panels depicting how, near the end of the war, they had to salvage spare parts from written off aircraft to keep the serviceable ones in the air.
Aftermarket details would be cool :)
I still remember making this model. Middle of first lockdown and after online school, I'll just 4un downstairs and make this model that my uncle gifted me. He did that because he thought I would be bored. It was very dun building it
Very complex though
I bet!
Only have the Academy memphis belle.
Looks tempting now I'm using AK extreme metals.
I think the price on this kit may have crept up over the years since this video was made
I’ve got that model and i had fun building it and it’s the best planes model I’ve done so far
nice!
Oh my god! I don’t know if you did this because of my suggestion a while ago but I’m so excited! I’m getting close to finishing my b17, and it’ll be great to see your opinion of the model, and what you might do with it!
Hope you like it!
You have a great opportunity to buy needed model kits around..
Million thanks for the great review..
Glad it was helpful!
This kit is a far cry from the old Revell 1/72 B-17 "Memphis Belle" kit I built as a kid in the early 1970s.
:D
I have this kit in my stash. And it is indeed very nice
:D
You mention the Airfix B-17G kit might be slightly less detailed than the Revell kit but it’s also been noted in online reviews that the panel line detail on the Revell, especially around the nose, is much more heavy handed than on the Airfix kit. In addition they are kits of different variants. The Revell is an early G with the unstaggered waist windows and the Boeing tail stinger. The Airfix is a late G with the staggered windows and the Cheyenne tail gun conversion. Airfix also do a kit of the Fortress Mk. III electronic countermeasures version that was unique to RAF 100 Group. It’s the only dedicated kit of this variant.
Thanks for the info
I got a Revell 1/48 B-17g and I am building it now. It doesn’t have as much steps as that one though. Good luck on it!
Is it an older tooling?
@@ModelMinutes Possibly, but I am not certain I started modeling maybe a year ago so I am not amazing at identifying how old it is
Waiting for one to come from Dublin, can't wait.
nice!
Cheers. All that internal detail and it'll never be seen! Never understood why they do that with models!
I suppose it gives people the option to display it in different ways without having to get extra parts (crashed or under maintenance diorama, cutaway versions)
Always wanted to due a cut away model with crew figures; Monogram had a 1/48 version with a clear fuselage side, but that kit is increasingly difficult and expensive to find.
hmmmmmmmm
I am actually painting this model right now
Nice!
I used to build models when I was about eleven, these were 1/72 scale. Since coming back to the hobby and building a huge stash I had nothing over 1/48 (excluding ships). I brought 1/72 in some kits from Lidl, opened one, burst out laughing and put all the 1/72 boxes into the back of the stash. I am sorry I find 1/72 hopelessly small and would have to use my illuminated magnifier or AmScope to have a hope in hell of building a kit this small. You described this as an 'absolutely massive kit'. I would say average. I have a submarine kit that is over 4' long. A 1/32 B24 Liberator, and many other kits with 12 to 24in wingspan. I am moving to 1/16 in tanks as 1/32 is tiny. My stash of wingnut wings is getting close to too small as even at 1/32 a Sopwith Camel is a tiny aircraft. It is interesting how something that is normal to one person needs an AmScope to another.
I suppose size is relative lol
I appreciate the effort you put into these videos
My pleasure!
Nice video. Revell probably heard you, cause I just finished new JU88 (Battle of Britain) and coloring instructions are, actually, in color.
yeah, their newer instructions are in colour
Only issue with that kit is that it says it's new, no, it's a tooling from 2013, same as their nightfighter one i got. I guess the decals are new but they honestly sucked, quite thick and i had to sand down all the little words and stuff because they were so raised and pronounced
That's a lot of steps instructions 91 I like that plane four engine prop
It is a lot!
1:41 I wouldn't worry, it's pretty standard to box within a box for posting.
common but not the rule - i've had a number of kits through the post that haven't been. Plus, thin cardboard like this doesn't give that "quality product" feel to it, especially when other kit boxes from revell feel much sturdier
Ohhhh B-17 i like
:D
i have the airfix b17g kit. I thunk mine might have the better of the revell one though. Looking forward to the unboxing!
Were can i buy it ;(
@@marenomartina4443 the revell or airfix kit?
I've heard the Revell one has slightly better detail
@@marenomartina4443 Online ...at a massive markup, because bloody everyone decided to do lockdown model kits (hell, I just looked that B-17 on ebay and it's at 2x the usual price at this point and rising :( )
@@ModelMinutes It definitely has a bit more detail (which can be a bit of a mixed bag when trying to do a proper build), though as usual the Revell manual is inferior (I was surprised to see that this kit hasn't been re-issued with the newer colourprint booklets). By the way, you may want to check out the Eduard photoetch series for this bugger when you come around to actually building it ;)
I just got this wonderful plane.
awesome!
I built revell's a400m recently. Got through it eventually, cost nearly as much in paint as the kit. No RAF transfers either. The revell instructions are okay other than the colour call outs. And it's massive. Did Revell dambusters lanc too; frustrating old school instructions but otherwise a good kit. I like the look of this B17; never built one before. But airfix....
:)
How refreshing to hear a fellow modeller refer to transfers …well done sir!
Many thanks!
@@ModelMinutes Dislike the use of the word decals in its many forms of pronunciation !
Do you ever display models “in flight “…..I have acquired a few B17’s (by far my favourite aircraft )in 1/48 scale and battling with how I can represent spinning propellers
Any inspiration greatly appreciated
Best wishes
Stuart
@@stuartwebster829 a couple of different methods include using a clear circle of plastic with the "spinning blades" drawn or airbrushed on, or alternatively i'm aware that there are some photoetched spinning blades out there, but can't remember who by
Nice unboxing. I have this kit still in my stash an plan to build during this year. Looking forward to it 😀
Hope you enjoy it!
I just had a look at my B-17, made by Academy. The instructions are only 8 steps, there's nine sprues and the box is really sturdy. It doesn't look any less detailed than this Revell but then I've never built an Academy kit so I guess I'll find our sooner or later. Probably later. It's been waiting seven years so maybe I should get on it... ;)
good luck!
I have the Academy (old Minicraft mould) kit. 12414 Special Nose Art Edition released in 2010. The original Minicraft -G variant parts updated mould/kit was released in 1994. Not in the same class as the Revell or Airfix kits. Major flaw is the kits wing dihedral angle. If this isn't corrected during the build, quite a bit of work, it will sit and look very wrong. Small parts, gun barrels are just pieces of straight plastic, fuselage and wing surfaces are smooth, and it's nowhere near as detailed internally or externally as the Airfix or Revell. Engine nacelles are undersize as well, although this is more one for the rivet counters. That said, it's very affordable, and once built and decorated in its warpaint, standoff it looks resplendent. For what I paid for it, it was worth it just for the fantastic decals in that Special Edition kit. It was a fun model to build too BTW, save that dihedral correction.
I’m currently building the 1/72 b17f Memphis belle also from revell, it’s almost the same spruces, the only different is the plastic color and some pieces that makes it a b17g
nice!
It would be useful if all the manufacturers agreed an industry standard for skill level. Number of parts alone seems daft. Size of parts, do they need gluing, will they fog up, and whether the kit contains variants and/or requires modifying etc would be more apt IMHO.
yes, that would be good info to have!
as always good informative , unbiased info ,well done that man 👌
Glad you think so!
If you want a big model with a great price, you should check Zvezda Pe-8 or Tb-7. They are really nice and I can recommend them.
And of course great video
Thanks for sharing!
Aside from the instruction sheet this should make a nice build particularly at that price point. Could be one to add to the stash as I have nothing of this type at the moment. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah I agree :D
this in my opinion is the best 1/72nd scale B17G i built the airfix one a few weeks back it was good and i like that the main door comes separately so you can have it open to add more interest. but this kit overall for detailing was far superior. i'd be interested to see the rereleased one. are the waist gun possitions stagared. if they are then it's open to using after market decals. they are stagared on the airfix version.
Just some info for you. Early model B-17G's did not have staggered waist positions. It was changed in later manufacturing blocks. Research what decal option you have or want to make sure if it staggered or non-staggered
thanks for the info!
I've made it here for a long time, but I've lost the Ball turret, but I still hope you're going to have fun. Enjoy building and stay safe
Thanks, you too!
20 GBP..
Just under 80 AUD for me + shipping :/
Could probably have 2 kits sent to friends in the UK and shipped over for the same price.
:(
really looking forward to seeing the build for this model
thanks - maybe I'll find some time to do it soon
i mean its a bit silly to complain that the interior decals is on the back when it even tells you on the step of building it that it needs decals and to look at step 94 to see where they go.
it's inconvenient and it makes it easier to miss a step. Personally i don't really like playing "hunt the instruction"
I would like the hoodie sweater for myself
:D
Confusing instructions. I like the model though.
yeah, they are a bit!
You really have to pay attention and look at steps further ahead to make sure your current step is correct......if that makes sense.
Looking forward to the build video. Good intro again. Lots of debate already.
:D
very interesting, nice one Matt :)
Thanks! 😀
I built this kit when I was 8
nice!
It does represent good value for money.
:D
Besides the b-29 and fw200 condor four engine props
:D
Re '... it was believed that large formations of this aircraft would be able to defend themselves from enemy fighters.' Sadly they were wrong necessitating the need for a longer range escort fighter. That was only effective of course if the fighter cover (the pilots anyway) wasn't drawn away by Luftwaffe decoys.
yeah, best laid plans and all that
Nice review, I hope to see you build this some time in the near future.
I hope so too!
Love your videos, I’m building the Airfix B17 as we speak, silver paint is a nightmare!!!
Good luck!
I am doing the Revell 1:48 B17g and agree that silver paint is a nightmare
A tip if you want one - paint silver paint thicker than you would normal paint of your a brush painter. Don't be afraid to put a little bit more on. Then brush with a larger "dry" brushing brush.
Cheers 👍
I'm guessing step 94 is on the back so they can print it larger and in more detail than they could on the inside.
i reckon they just forgot lol
Having just put together the Airfix kit of the B-17G looking at the Revell one there does not appear to be much to choose between them ? you mention the many stages required until you get to glueing the fuselage halves together well the days of models devoid of interior detail has long gone even if we cannot see it on the finished model ! one thing that has to be watched carefully with this type of immense interior detail is to check constantly that the fuselage halves still fit together after the bulkheads etc have been fitted,on the Airfix example there is a real fit issue at the front end near the cockpit area which is only solved by removal of side plastic with a good file,it is my intentions eventually to build this Revell model and hope this is not the same case with this make of B-17 .one word of sound advice you will not build this model in a few evenings it takes care and patience to execute each stage carefully painting as you go along and scrapeing before glueing the adjoining areas for a satisfactory build,all of these big bombers are the same its like building several models in one with all of those various modules to put together.Even painting these monsters can be difficult with the various windows and bits and pieces on the fuselage,a good work around is to use liquid Maskol which is easier to use than masking tape,it just peels off after the paintjob has been done.I noticed on the bombs there is some bad moulding where the plastic has not reached fully into the moulds near the fins,the box is simply awful and would certainly require a outer cover to send through the post,the dangers of parts getting crushed in transit is very high.I do hope that you will build this one before too long,I think given the necessary care and attention it will make into a very nice B-17G,the 2010 would be the tooling date and doubtful if it was released until around 2015 given the gestation period of getting these models onto the marketplace,we still await the long promised Bristol Beaufort from Airfix despite them showing publicity material here on TH-cam this week !
Thanks for the info!
@@ModelMinutes you are welcome I am trying to inspire you to get building again !
Matt sorry for being late, was quite busy this week, how would you compare it to your lancaster build? Does it look harder or not?
probably a bit harder
Revell kits are weird for me. I also hate the instructions and there is sometimes flash even on the new tools like this B17 but on the other hand I find the fit to be pretty good on the new stuff and I always end up with a nicely finished product.
yeah, i know what you mean
Hobby Lobby if they are in Europe ? Carries a lot of classic kits .
sadly not - the closest we have to that company is one called "Hobbycraft" but they only really tend to carry airfix, revell and tamiya (although I noticed recently they havent had as much airfix . . . )
Awesome video Matt ! Thats gonna be a beast when its built up. Looking forward to what you do with it!
You and me both! :D
Hello Matt, great video!
Since you compare this kit to the Airfix one - does the Airfix B-17 include crew figures? This is usually a big factor for me in deciding whether to buy a kit or not. Thanks!
not as far as I know, but seeing as I don't have that one I can't be 100% sure. It wasn't indicated in my research that the airfix version came with crew
There's no crew figures in the Airfix version
@@Reactordrone Well, that's sad news. I'll have to find some good 1/72 crew figures sold separately. Thanks for the info though!
nice! random question, will you be watching the mars rover landings tomorrow?
probably not . . .
What? Still no crew!? Aircraft models always came with crew...what happened?
For many years most model manufacturers included a crew or figure and even a display stand in aircraft kits . Stands seem to be a separate item you can buy separately although they seem to be very similar to the ones that were included in the kits years ago. Airfix type..
Yeah, it's like a cost saving exercise . . .
Is there anywhere we can buy 1:48, 1:72, pilot/crew figures, for model kits that do not include crew.
@@gpfan4300 yes, if you google it you should find a number of options - they tend to be quite expensive though
U think that’s a long process, try the de Havilland Mosquito air model. It took me 3 months to build it, even though the Mosquito is huge the parts/pieces are small. U literally build everything on the plane and I mean everything
:o
@@ModelMinutes so if u want a challenge try the de Havilland Mosquito. I’d love to see how urs turn out and see how long it takes u. Also didn’t mean for the 1st comment to be rude sorry
@@terranemperor6719 my reaction wasn’t because it was rude, but because the aircraft model sounds insane! 😂
@@ModelMinutes ah it sound rude when I read it again and yes it’s insane. Want to see if u can do it quicker than me as ur a professional at doing models
Are there any clear fuselage halves made for the the B-17 available
hmm, not sure
Do you do ships? Good review I agree with you about this kit, it should make a nice model 👍
I have got some ships
@@ModelMinutes I've watched one guy make a Trumpeter model of the Arizona, a big model. Is that something you do? Of course he did it over about 20 episodes soooo probably a bit of a biggie on this channel? 🙄
@@9501599 a bit big for my channel yes, if you look through my videos you’ll see the ones I’ve done
wow, the cockpit decals on the back , now that is a major point ,, what !!! why !! where !!!
Who knows!
Love this👍👍
😊
To be fair it does mention step 94 at step 1
(because they forgot to add it i bet)
How much is 20 pounds in U.S. dollars?
Just curious. That seems like a $40 to $50 dollar kit over here. At least.
according to a quick google search, at the moment £20 = $27.94
Hi matt. I would recommend the Hasegawa F-15B Eagle airfix kit for you, as your such a pro. I’m give it a try to do if you do get it (no pressure lol) could you do a guide to it?
Thanks for the suggestion - most kits I build end up as videos in the end
@@ModelMinutes Ok! Just a warning, from what I heard, it’s one of the most challenging airplane kits!
@@thomasrobinson1478 hmmmmmm
@@ModelMinutes Although I think you could probably do it! You’ve done similar before I think.
Hi mate, hope you are well. This might seem random but did you purchase this from an eBay seller?
Nope, got it off amazon
Revell B-17 vs new Airfix, anyone say is one better than the other or about the same?
my understanding is that they are similar, but I think the airfix one might have slightly better mould quality - but don't quote me on that :P
Wow, 9 o 9...the same that crashed in 2019 :'(
:(
this is one of your biggest kits!
yup!
An awesome looking model. I noticed there were 9 sprues. I wonder if anyone can help me out please. I have been doing a few kits over lockdown (aged 73 and very vulnerable so staying safe :) ) and I have kept all the used sprues. Now, I imagined all these sprues being multiplied by 1000's per year and what happens to them? I have written and tweeted to Airfix asking if they couldn't include a stamped return envelope in each kit so that I could return them for re-cycling but never had a response. Does anyone know if any manufacturer or plastic recycling company that would take them? As plastic is the bane of the planet I feel they would be doing their/our bit to help in reducing this problem, Thanks in advance, Ian J McKernan
It might be possible to recycle the plastic with your household recycling - you just have to check with your local council's policy/capabilities. I know i've put it in my recycling before and it's not been rejected
@@ModelMinutes Thanks for rapid response but our bins have a clear policy of plastic/glass bottles and tin cans only. I personally really think my idea would work, especially if the plastic used is all the same constituents. I'll continue searching. :)
It took me about 3 years to build mine
It might take me that long too . . .
@@ModelMinutes I would love to show you how I did it,as a what if united nations b17 but I have no idea how to show you
Could you do the a4 skyhawk?
Got one in the stash somewhere
£20 is a bloody steal for that amount of plastic. Doing a 1/72 Lancaster build now from what seems like a 1970s tooling judging by the quality of the moudling. More flash than at a pervert convention. Still for the price it's a big model. Extra detail here too is nuts for the price. Coming at this from armour modelling I'm learning a whole lot about planes!
Yeah, armour and planes do have their differences
I just noticed that everyone says Revell differently
Yep, depends on where you are from or how others around you say it
No even me da says it difrently than me
£20 ,,, where ???
It was on Amazon for that price last year
Currently nowhere, lol, thanks to the Corona-chan induced lockdowns :D In fact, if you take a look around the usual places online, you may notice how few kits are actually available in volume, because of people fighting boredom with kit building
@@bk109 yes i' ve been building for years and i must admit i can't seem to get anything online, thankfully my local model shop has been open on and off so i bought about 10 kits as i had an idea what was coming
@@stevieb6173 Same here - last summer, I assumed that either there'd be a second lockdown to drive people into finding indoor hobbies or that manufacturers of non-essential stuff like model kits would reduce their output, so I suppressed my impulse control and went on a shopping spree :D Unfortunately, I'm down to 3.5* kits (from like 20-something in my stash) and that's despite topping off (and buying "starter" kits for my kiddos), so I've resorted to pacing myself (at least until I can finalize some bulk buys from Zvezda and Meng)
I would like to Airfix relese Memphis Belie :)
maybe they will
@@ModelMinutes that would be awesome, i checkd differences in B17 and F, and there are some differences in engines and guns, so in theory, we could get some aftermarket guns and decals for that bomber, but I would like to have original kit with tons of photo etched and resin parts
did you build it yet?
Sadly not had time
@@ModelMinutes sad how you have so much kit but not much time, good luck on the f6f
@@ninjawithfishontheback thanks, I’m hoping I will have more time in the future
Are u going to build this?
I certainly hope to!
I have been thinking of doing some planes because I usual do tanks so Iam thinking of doing some 1/48 scale Russian and German planes and jets. Iam also on your discord under the name tankman88.
awesome! :D
👍🏼
:)
So, Airfix, this or something else? All? ;)
Never liked Revell´s plastic though - feels soft and the details, softer.. I do love stuff like tamiya, Hasegawa and Eduard though.. More crisp.
And their instructions, revell, that shoddy B&W stuff that looks like something out of an Xerox.. I guess it keeps the price down and it works. Just feels cheaper..
To buy?
@@ModelMinutes Yeah, if you wanna build a B-17, kinda any version. Which is "best"? :)
@@ja37d-34 this is the only one I have at the moment so couldn’t honestly say
@@ModelMinutes Fair enough. :)
Build it
:)