skidoosnopro Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 This is a model that my brother built back in the 70's when he was 14 or so . It is of my grandfathers B-17 that he flew in Europe. He had a 7 th grade education and flew all his missions and came home . Amazing man. The model my brother built is pretty good for the age he was when he built it . the ball turret has a man in it and he built the Cheyenne tail gun conversion . Every crew position has a crew member in place that he modified to fit the position I am hoping to make a display pc from it for my mother his daughter . the ravages of time are taking over so I may section it on a wall plague. just the nose and then mount it so it looks nice . If any one has a spare nose Plexiglas I could sure use one . Thanks I will also post some never before seen photos from my grandfathers photo album. Love the work on here and the site !!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
B-17 guy Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Holey cow, that's pretty cool! I may have a spare nose cone, where would I be sending it? I'd...we would love to see any pics from the album you post. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skidoosnopro Posted February 25, 2011 Author Share Posted February 25, 2011 nose and tail pictures Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bigasshammm Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Definitely looking forward to the pictures. I have a million nose cones so pet me know what u need or b-17guy. That does look good for it's age. He must have scratchbuiot a good amount. Nice job. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skidoosnopro Posted February 25, 2011 Author Share Posted February 25, 2011 pics of my grandfathers plane !! this is my grandfather on the radio compartment after a mission with a 88 shell that went into the radio compartment This is my grandfather in the cockpit crew chief next to the nose Connie and her crew tail gunner Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bigasshammm Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Sweet. Which group and squadron were they in? What time period did he fly? Complete all 50 missions? Our enquiring minds want to know more. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skidoosnopro Posted February 25, 2011 Author Share Posted February 25, 2011 I will get more loaded up tonight on all of this . HE is gone so it hard to find some stuff out . the tail markings on the model are the exact ones from the plane he flew and I am not sure what they all mean but I am reading on it a lot . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Prop Duster Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Nice pictures thanks for sharing with us Your brothers work is impressive. Just a thought, if your idea is to display the model, you could get a box frame (used to display objects vs pictures) and have the front and back of glass, so one could still see both sides of the fuselage. I'm sure the grues on here will ID the unit etc. soon enough for you Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bigasshammm Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 (edited) Well if the tail markings are correct then that was a 379th bomb group ship. Found more. Aircraft was 44-8425 was in the 527th Squadron Code letter FO - T/P (P for this plane apparently due to the tail) 7825 B-17G-65-VE xxx 44-8425 Lots of info HERE. Edited February 25, 2011 by Bigasshammm Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skidoosnopro Posted February 25, 2011 Author Share Posted February 25, 2011 Yep that is her . The B-17 nose art book does not show that they have a picture of Connie so I must send them one . And the B-17 with the 88 shell hole is the Arkansas Rambler another plane he flew that I have pictures of that I will post tonight . I love the ideal of the picture box with the mirrors i think that would look great . So one the response to the nose glass is here is my adderss john eng 1021 helena st , depere , wi 54115 I am looking for a windshield glass also so if anyone has a spare let me know I would be glad to cover shipping Thanks all of you I will get more on tonight !!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bigasshammm Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Yep that is her . The B-17 nose art book does not show that they have a picture of Connie so I must send them one . And the B-17 with the 88 shell hole is the Arkansas Rambler another plane he flew that I have pictures of that I will post tonight . I love the ideal of the picture box with the mirrors i think that would look great . So one the response to the nose glass is here is my adderss john eng 1021 helena st , depere , wi 54115 I am looking for a windshield glass also so if anyone has a spare let me know I would be glad to cover shipping Thanks all of you I will get more on tonight !!! You just need the nose cone that comes standard in the G kits? and also the G kit windscreen? I have plenty of both just let me know for sure and I'll try n bag something up. Not having much luck with the USPS not breaking small clear parts though so may have to improvise. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skidoosnopro Posted February 25, 2011 Author Share Posted February 25, 2011 Yep those are the parts I need . I have shipped some stuff int eh new postal boxes the USPS has they seem to work . Thanks so much for the help and let me know if I owe you anything !!!!! JOHN Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skidoosnopro Posted February 25, 2011 Author Share Posted February 25, 2011 Here is a picture of the Arkansas Rambler . I think he flew this plane early in his time in Europe . Also more pics of Connie http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee490/...11/DSC_0172.jpg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mungo1974 Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Nice to see a Kimbolton 379th Fortress,especially one you have a personal connection with. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dirkpitt289 Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 That is so cool. I like the idea of having the crew in place. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kostucha Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Age and year built need not apply - it is one heck of a great build! And one heck of a story of this model. Thank you for posting this! Mark. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bigasshammm Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Where did those figures come from? It's cool that they have a figure for each position but they're not in flight gear which is odd. Could build a cool training ship with them I'm thinking. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dirkpitt289 Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Where did those figures come from? It's cool that they have a figure for each position but they're not in flight gear which is odd. Could build a cool training ship with them I'm thinking. I hear they have figures for 1/48. too bad they don't have any for 1/72.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ranger74 Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 I hear they have figures for 1/48. too bad they don't have any for 1/72.... Actually, Legends has a 1/72 B-17 crew. I have a couple crews en route at this time. Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skidoosnopro Posted March 2, 2011 Author Share Posted March 2, 2011 Where did those figures come from? It's cool that they have a figure for each position but they're not in flight gear which is odd. Could build a cool training ship with them I'm thinking. The figures where modified by my brother to fit in the locations of the crew . He used monogram figures from different kits to do it Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skidoosnopro Posted March 2, 2011 Author Share Posted March 2, 2011 And I made a mistake the Plane that got the shell trough the radio room was Connie . After that I see she was shoved off for fire testing Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Phil marchese Posted March 4, 2011 Share Posted March 4, 2011 (edited) The figures where modified by my brother to fit in the locations of the crew . He used monogram figures from different kits to do it The Navigator's animation is super! Very talented builder! I'll check the AK Rambler ( 2845). Looks like a Stateside TB-17 and crew photo beore being assigned as replacements. The crew pictures at that stage were extremely common and the backdrop was often a Train. Osborne will have it listed. Wally Forman (B-17 NNNA Directory )passed away a few years. His son was answering requests or a while...don't know i he still is or is adding to his Dad's photo collection. Wally's photos covered many types of planes. I second the thanks for posting. Phil Marchese P.S. Osborne page 221 list G-60-BO 42-102845 as 327 Base Unit ( 3rd AF, III BC) 327th (Combat Crew Training Station-Heavy) (III BC) Drew Field, Tampa, Fla. and (post-war) 301 Base unit Drew Field FLA Edited March 4, 2011 by Phil marchese Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skidoosnopro Posted March 10, 2011 Author Share Posted March 10, 2011 (edited) more pictures from my Grand fathers photo album http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee490/...iffsofDover.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee490/thej611/img087.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee490/...11/img086-1.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee490/...49_edited-1.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee490/...1/CrewReady.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee490/thej611/img046.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee490/...611/Connie4.jpg Edited March 10, 2011 by skidoosnopro Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bigasshammm Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 Those are just awesome. If you haven't checked it out a page or two back I posted a copy of my grandfather's mission log. It's a touching and interesting read. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kostucha Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 Great pictures! I'm just reposting this up with pics rather than links, to make things a bit easier. Cheers! Mark. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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