B-17G Flying Fortress Early Version
HK Models 01F001

The Legendary Flying Fortress in a Detailed 1:48 Scale Kit

Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Early Production from HK Models is a highly detailed model of one of the most famous American heavy bombers of the Second World War. This kit represents an early production B-17G, featuring the characteristic forward Bendix turret and the corresponding arrangement of the nose cheek guns.

The model consists of 254 parts and features a detailed interior, delicate panel lines and rivet detail, photo-etched components and transparent parts. With a finished length of approximately 47.4 cm and a wingspan of approximately 65.8 cm, the completed model makes an impressive display piece. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Contents of the Set

• Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Early Production plastic model in 1:48 scale,
• 254 parts,
• detailed interior and crew compartments,
• components for the defensive gun positions and turrets,
• detailed engine and nacelle components,
• clear parts,
• photo-etched parts,
• Cartograf decals,
• assembly instructions.

Model Features

The kit provides a detailed representation of the B-17G's interior, including the crew areas and equipment associated with the aircraft's long-range bombing missions. The extensive glazing and numerous defensive gun positions are particularly characteristic features of the finished model.

The surface detail includes finely reproduced panel lines and rivets, giving the large wings and fuselage an appropriate appearance in scale. The kit also includes basic photo-etched parts to enhance selected details.

Marking Options

• B-17G-15-BO, serial number 42-31353, "Queenie", code LG-Q, 322nd Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group, Bassingbourn, United Kingdom, spring 1944,
• B-17G-40-VE, serial number 42-98008, "American Beauty", code 2S-G, 834th Bomb Squadron, 486th Bomb Group, Sudbury, United Kingdom, late summer 1944.

The set includes decals for both aircraft, printed by Cartograf. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Model Information

• Scale: 1:48
• Finished length: approximately 47.4 cm
• Wingspan: approximately 65.8 cm
• Number of parts: 254
• Marking options: 2
• Photo-etched parts: included

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted and requires gluing and painting. Plastic model cement and suitable modelling paints are required and are not included in the kit.

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was one of the principal four-engined heavy bombers of the United States during the Second World War. It served alongside aircraft such as the B-24 Liberator and later B-29 Superfortress on all major theatres of the conflict.

The aircraft was developed in response to a US Army Air Corps requirement for a modern long-range heavy bomber. Boeing's prototype, designated Model 299, made its first flight in 1935. Although the prototype was subsequently lost in an accident during evaluation, its performance had demonstrated such potential that development continued.

The B-17 evolved through several versions, with the B-17E introducing major changes to the rear fuselage, tail and defensive armament. The subsequent B-17F incorporated further improvements and became the immediate predecessor of the B-17G.

The B-17G Early Production Version

The B-17G became the most numerous production version of the Flying Fortress. One of the most recognisable features of the G was the introduction of a powered Bendix chin turret, providing additional forward-firing .50-calibre machine guns and greatly improving the aircraft's defensive firepower against frontal attacks.

On early production B-17Gs, the installation of the Bendix turret required changes to the position of the forward cheek guns. Later production blocks introduced further modifications, including the Cheyenne tail gunner position and, on later aircraft, staggered waist gun positions. The kit represents the early production configuration. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Technical Data of the Original

• Crew: 10
• Powerplant: 4 × Wright R-1820-97 Cyclone turbocharged radial engines
• Engine power: approximately 1,200 hp each
• Armament: up to 13 × .50-calibre M2 Browning machine guns
• Typical bomb load: approximately 4,500 lb
• Wingspan: 31.62 m
• Length: 22.66 m

The B-17G's four Wright R-1820 engines and extensive defensive armament were designed to enable the aircraft to operate on long-range bombing missions while providing substantial protection against enemy fighters. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

The Flying Fortress in Combat

The B-17 became particularly associated with the American daylight strategic bombing campaign over Europe. Flying in large formations, the aircraft attacked industrial facilities, transportation networks, airfields and other strategic targets deep inside German-held territory.

Its combination of long range, substantial bomb-carrying capacity and numerous defensive machine guns made the Flying Fortress one of the defining aircraft of the US bombing campaign in Europe. B-17s were also employed in the Pacific, where they conducted missions against Japanese airfields, shipping and other targets.

The B-17G became an enduring symbol of American strategic air power during the Second World War. Its imposing size, four-engine configuration, distinctive glazed nose and numerous gun positions also make it an especially attractive subject for large-scale aircraft modelling.