I have a B-17G (Revell-Monogram), and I want to make it so it's from ZS1("Wulf Hound"), and I have several questions: #1- How can I change a B-17G into a B-17F? #2-Did it have a ball turret? #3-Would I use Panzer Yellow on the bottom or use just a plain flat yellow? #4-Where can I get decals that big and get the certain numbers and letters for it and for cheap (if possible) etc.,etc.,etc......Thanks for your time.

for the conversion , this is better to purchase a F-model from Revell i think released some years ago.
for the yellow : it's a plain yellow( insigna yellow as some reconnaissance mark on eastern front)
bat-21

Bat 21: I think the phrase "wouda couda shouda" applies here. Anyhoo, thanks for the help. But the question still remains: Is it possible to turn a G into an F? Thanks for your time.

Could it be done? Anything CAN be done if you want to put enough work into it. Is it worth it if there's an F available already? NOt in my opinion. Here are the big differences I can see in a reference next to me:
1. Remove the chin turret and rework that area (This is the single most obvious difference and perhaps the greatest challenge as you'd be reworking a compound curve.)
2. Replace the nose window with the correctly shaped F version
3. Rework the bombadier/navigator windows
4. Add the correct dorsal turret
5. Rework the waist gunner windows
6. Rework the tail gunner's windows
7. Replace the Cheyenne tail turret with F style gun emplacement
8. Good news, both had the same ball turret, bad news the reference I'm looking at which has the plane you're planning has no ball turret, more serious body work. (I suspect the ball turret was lost in the forced landing this plane made and it would have been easier for the Gremans to cover this up than to try to find a turret in good shape they could add .)
Those are the differences I can see in a pilot's side profile shot. There may be engine differences that none buut the most knowlegeavle would notice. Given the amount of work, you really would be better off getting an F or simply doing your G as a captured AC.

AJLaFleche, were there any "G"s captured by the Germans? Thanks for your time.

Hi MEMB

As the others say, back-dating a B-17G to an -F model is a major undertaking! You could always cross-kit the Revell -F with the Monogram -G.

My references for "Wulf Hound" show it wouthout a ball-turret.

The undersides would probably have been painted in Gelb 04 - a rather "dirty" yellow - more ochre coloured than Insignia Yellow.

As for decals... you've got me on that one!

Yes, 1/KG 200 operated a B-17G. No codes, but black undersides and a pale squiggle-pattern over the upper surfaces.

All the best

Rowan

You're quite welcome. I don't know about captured G versions. If you can get hold of Squadron's Strangers in a Strange Land, that might be of assistance. I think there were 2 books in this series. I don't have them, and I don't know if they're still in print. Try http://www.squadron.com " TARGET="_blank"> http://www.squadron.com

Hi Al

That's exactly where I got my info... :-)

All the best

Rowan

For the conversion, don't know.

Plain yellow on the bottom, or more realistic, Luftwaffe Gelb. Model Master makes it.

The decals, just use decals from a German Bomber sheet, they should be big enough.

~Chip :-)

What color would it be, and what is the base color? Thanks for your time.

The squiggle, I would go with "Lichtgrau" or possibly "Hellblau".

~Chip :-) :-)

Is Lichtgrau and Hellblau white, or yellow, or eggshell white, etc. (I've lost my German/English Dictionary. I have one, I really do! )Thanks for your time.

Hi Al

Lichtgrau translates as light grey, Hellblau as light blue. :-)

In the photos the squiggle actually looks more of a mid tone... maybe RLM 02 ( a greenish mid-grey)...

All the best

Rowan

What's the color underneath the squiggle-pattern?Thanks for your time.

Hi again

This pure speculation, but assuming the a/c was originally in natural-metal, maybe the Germans camouflaged it with RLM 71 Dunkelgrün (dark green) uppersurfaces with a grey squiggle.

Sorry I can't help more.

All the best

Rowan

Hey guys, quick question: Where was 1/KG 200 stationed?Thanks for your time.

Hi again

According to Strangers In A Strange Land, the 1/KG 200 B-17G was based at Wackersleben.

All the best

Rowan

Merlin (or anyone else who can help): Was the B-17G that the Germans captured have a ball turret, and if not can someone tell me how I can fill the hole? Thanks for your time.

Hi Al

It looks like the Germans removed the ball turret.

Everyone has their personal favourite filler for jobs like this, but I's sugest using what ZoomieE7 calls "Supafilla" (CA + talc):

1. Put plastic card behind each side of the hole before you join the fuselage halves.

2. After the fuselage is joined, mix talcum powder with Cyano Acrylate (superglue) until it's a paste.

3. Fill the area of the ball turret with this "Supafiller". This stuff dries in 1/2 hour and is very easy to carve and sand. You should have no probs filling where the turret went.

4. Finnish off by scribing a circle to show where the Germans fitted a blanking panel.

Hope this helps

Rowan

I don't quite understand... where would the circle go? What's a blanking panel? Thanks for your time.

HI Al

Sorry, I wasn't very clear.

Without clearer references, I can only guess how (or if) the German technicians covered up the hole left behind after removing the ball-turret. They may simply have trimmed a piece of metal to the shape of the circular opening and rivetted it in place .

Some post-war B17s lacking a ball-turret seem to have the entire area re-skinned, but it might look more like a field-modification if you could still see the shape of the opening. :-)

Hope this helps

Rowan

THANK YOU!THANK YOU!THANK YOU!THANK YOU! This will help a LOT!Thanks for your time and help!

yea i would just go with the f model then trying to converet