B-17G Flying Fortress
staggered waist version

Zotz Decals, 1/32 & 1/72 scales

Reviewed by Brad Fallen

Eduard's 1/72 scale Lancaster Wheels is available online from Squadron.com

HK Models released its enormous 1/32 B-17G kit two years ago to largely positive reviews.  Most online commentators agreed the kit was reasonably accurate, and engineered to make construction as straightforward as possible for such a large subject.  I haven't seen the sprues myself, but did get to see a completed model of the kit at my club's annual competition last November.  The combination of size and detail made for a stunning model that literally stood above all of the surrounding entries.

Nearly 70 per cent of the 12,700 B-17s manufactured were G models, with a number of modifications and improvements introduced during production.  The aircraft represented by the HK Models kit is a Boeing-built B-17 of the 50th or later production blocks (identifiable by, amongst other features, its staggered waist stations).  The kit provides markings for one machine, B-17G-70-BO, 43-37756/"Milk Wagon" of the 708th Bombardment Squadron, 447th Bombardment Group, Eighth Air Force.  While this is a reasonable marking choice – “Milk Wagon” is a famous and attractively marked B-17 – most modellers will want more variety from which to choose.

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Eli Raphael's Zotz Decals has come to the rescue with this appropriately named release (which is also available in 1/72 scale).  Markings are provided for five B-17Gs of appropriate productions blocks, all finished in natural metal with colourful nose art and unit identification markings.  Details are as follows:

• B-17G-95-BO, 43-38728/"£5 with Breakfast", 851st BS, 490th BG, 8th Air Force, early 1945.  This machine wore large red bands on its wings and tail surfaces, a yellow chin turret and striking art of a reclining nude on its port forward fuselage.

• B-17G-90-BO, 43-38642/"Super Mouse", 323rd BS, 91st BG, 8th Air Force, early 1945.  The red areas on the flying surfaces of this and the next aircraft were even larger than those on "£5 with Breakfast".  This option will appeal to modellers who don't want nude images on their finished model but are still looking for an eye-catching finish; nose art of the titular mouse is both large and colourful.

• B-17G-75-BO, 43-38036/"Hey Daddy", 401st BS, 91st BG, 8th Air Force, late 1944.  Another modestly-adorned B-17, "Hey Daddy" carried a woman's portrait against a background of musical notes.

• B-17G-65-BO, 43-37544/"D-Day Doll", 710th BS, 447th BG, 8th Air Force, spring 1945.  Probably the most spectacular subject in this release, "D-Day Doll" had large nude artwork on both sides of the forward fuselage, yellow wingtips and tail surfaces, Insignia Blue wing chevrons, blue and green bands around its forward and rear fuselage, and a Neutral Gray and red chin turret.

• B-17G-60-BO, 42-102859/"Baby", 342nd BS, 97th BG, 15th Air Force, summer 1944.  The far more subdued "Baby" wore no bright identification colours but this is made up for by the well-painted lingerie model on the starboard forward fuselage.

Decals for this many options take up a lot of space in 1/32 scale – three approximately C5-sized sheets to be precise.  The first sheet contains the wing chevrons for "D-Day Doll" (each split into two parts to help with application) and a full set of national insignia.  These appear to be of the correct dimensions and colour, but are big – the wing insignia are nearly 12 cm (over 4 1/2 inches) long.

The second sheet addresses codes and serials, all printed in either black or white.  Once again size impresses, although the one-piece serial number decals have a lot of clear carrier film that could silver without careful preparation, application, or removal.

The final sheet has a few additional code letters and all of the nose art.  The latter is spectacularly printed, with subtle shading and (where applicable) skin tones.  You will, however, need to be careful applying these decals as no spares are provided.  Stencil data is also not included and will need to be found elsewhere.

Overall the decals look to have been printed to a high standard.  A close examination of all three sheets revealed a uniform semi-gloss finish and no misprints or other flaws that I could see.

The full colour, fold out instruction sheet is also well done.  Beyond the rather arresting front page, you find part-profiles and scrap drawings of the marking options that clearly show where the decals are be placed.  At first I was frustrated that no full profile or plan views were provided, but because all of the machines are unpainted this broader perspective is not necessary; in fact the close-up views should make it easier to accurately position the decals.  Painting instructions are also provided where required, along with a brief but comprehensive history of each aircraft.

Thanks to Zotz for the review sample

Review Text Copyright © 2015 by Brad Fallen
This Page Created on 5 March, 2015
Last updated 6 March, 2015

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