EVEN BIGGER BOMBER - 1:32 SCALE B-17 FLYING FORTRESS FROM HK MODELS

SMN Report:

We make no apologies for featuring another World War II bomber from Hong Kong Models - this one adds two more engines, and a lot more size, to represent the famed Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. Manufactured to 1:32 scale, it’s a biggie all right.

Coming soon

The HK Models Boeing B-17 is not available yet, and the pictures here show the assembled prototype, not an on-sale model. But we expect the big beast, which will be available to complete in either ‘F’ or ‘G’ version, sometime soon. When assembled, the Hong Kong Models B-17 will have a wingspan of some 788 mm (31 in) and a length of 988 mm (38.9 in).

Legendary defences

The B-17's multi-gun capacity to repel fighter attacks, while flying on to inflict heavy damage to enemy targets was legendary, making its title ‘Flying Fortress’ a well-earned label. This Flying Fort cartoon was painted in 1944, by Lt Col Ross Greening, while a prisoner of war in Germany at Stalag Luft 1. The splendid drawing was published later in his book Not As Briefed.

Still in the planning stages

HK are really going for it with new and planned kits. There are two more B-25 Mitchells nearly ready, a B-25J ‘strafer’ version, and a B-25H ‘gunship’. Further down the line there’ll be a British Gloster Meteor, famed for being the first Allied jet to see operational service, and a speed record holder at various times, too. We’ll be expecting all sorts of interesting versions of this machine.

Avro Lancaster ahead

The Avro Lancaster is also in the planning stages. This British equivalent to the B-17 actually toted a far heavier warload, and became a household name for carrying out ‘Dambuster’ raids and ‘Grand Slam’ bombs. HK Models, we hope you’re listening - do make sure the fuselage sides of your Lanc are correct. Appearance to the contrary, the sides are not quite parallel vertically - they bulge very slightly toward the bottom. As planned, the HK Models Avro Lancaster will have a wingspan of some 972 mm (38.3 in).

BIGGER AND BIGGER - HUMONGOUSLY HUGE B-17 FROM WINGSPAN MODELS

David Jefferis reports:

Tabletop modelmakers are used to relatively small sizes - for example, 1:32 or 1:24 scale are about the normal maximum for injection-moulded aircraft. But step outside into the world of flying scale models, and it seems there’s almost no upper limit.

Detailed data used to create computerized 3D model.

Target - a better Boeing

WingSpan Models, based in Atlanta, Georgia, was established by Michael Kramer out of his desire for a better scale Boeing B-17. As a mechanical design engineer, he worked in the consumer electronics industry for almost 20 years on products such as cell phones, two-way radios, and dishwashers. He is the holder of several US design patents on products he helped to develop.

1:6 scale WSM B-17 during assembly.

Computer data

And now Michael’s goal is to design, manufacture and distribute: “the highest quality products from plans, kits, and accessories, backing them with unparalleled customer service.” That’s an excellent philosophy, and Michael backs it up with kits that are engineered using state-of-the-art 3D CAD, plus the latest manufacturing processes. Plugs, forms, and other components are tooled from the original computer data to ensure the highest quality reproduction. WSM designs include features unique to the line, such as interlocking parts that take the guesswork out of positioning ribs and adding washout. 

Details, details

There’s much attention to detail too - scale features include functioning gun turrets with scale ammo, correct bulkhead detail, compartment floors, and bomb bays that can drop a full stick of bombs, just like the real thing.

Company aim

Best of all, Michael says that he is: “...a modeler first and foremost, I will strive to make the best possible product and that means listening to our customers to see what improvement can be made.”

Cutaway art dating from the World War II era.

No room at SMN Towers, sob...

Well, we can’t say it clearer than WSM’s President! We’ll let the pictures tell the story, and truly wish there was room here at SMN Towers to start construction of that amazingly huge 1:6 scale Flying Fortress. Ah well, come 2012 and a new HQ...

Visit WingSpan Models here.

Big beautiful Belle

And here's the real thing, pictured at the 2011 Jersey Air Show, sadly cancelled by foul, misty, dank weather that not only grounded the display aircraft, but also all airline flights off the island, along with your intrepid photographer... but that's another story!

HASEGAWA FOLLOW-ME JEEP IDEAL FOR WWII DIORAMAS

SMN report:

If you like the look of the 1:48 scale Revell B-17G we featured earlier this week, then these items could be just the thing if you’re into dioramas, or simply wish to add a few items to bring some life to a static model.

Follow-me Jeep

Follow Me Jeeps were used at airfields to help control ground traffic, with Jeeps that were far from the front lines painted with bright colors for clear visibility. This neat and detailed 1:48 Hasegawa model comes complete with a driver, radio operator, and pilot figure. Painting instructions are supplied for the red-and-white check model used by the US Army Air Force, plus khaki versions. 

Plain-Jane dashboard

Interiors of military vehicles like this were generally very simple, though note that Hasegawa has included a rack of radio equipment in the back of the model, which just goes to show how things have moved on in the years since. The picture above, of a Willys Jeep fascia panel, was taken in the Imperial War Museum, London, used here courtesy 'Ekem'.


Why is called a Jeep?

Incidentally, the origin of the name Jeep has never really been agreed. Various reasons are given, ranging from an abbreviation of the words ‘General Purpose’ vehicle, to being named after the Popeye cartoon animal character, Eugene the Jeep. Either way, the Jeep as we know it became one of the iconic vehicles of WW II, with a grand total of 647,925 having been manufactured by the time the war ended in 1945. 

Other Hasegawa figures

Hasegawa has quite a range of other figure sets in this scale too, not least the ones we show here. The World War II pilot set contains figures for four air forces - Japanese, German, US and British. They are sculpted in various poses, and with careful painting should add visual interest to any aircraft scene.

Equipment set

Hasegawa also produces a Luftwaffe equipment set. This one is particularly interesting for the variety of bits in the box - in addition to various figures, you get an assortment of bombs and rocket launcher tubes, plus a wheeled dolly to load them with. Weapon racks, oil drums and ammo boxes are also included. As you can see from the pictures, the selection provides any number of opportunities to set off a scene.

Neat stuff Hasegawa - keep up the good work.