B-17G Detail Sets
Cockpit, Waist Gunner & Bombardier Sections

True Details, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

True Details' 1/48 scale B-17 Detail Sets are available online from Squadron.com

Some of my earliest experiences with resin parts included products from True Details.

When I first discovered the True Details resin cockpit for Mauve's 1/48 scale P-40N, it started me on a quest for detail that continues today.

True Details resin cockpits are quite simple in parts breakdown but offer superior detail compared to kit parts that they replace. This brand included the first harness moulded on to the resin seat that I had ever seen. The low price was another advantage to this modeller who was still experimenting with techniques after recently returning to the hobby.

Monogram's (and now Revell's) 1/48 scale B-17G Flying Fortress is a classic kit which is big, impressive and accurate. True Details has turned attention to this classic model with three new detail sets - a replacement cockpit, Waist Gunner section and Bombardier's section.

48509 - B-17G Cockpit Detail Set

The biggest of the three sets is, not surprisingly, the cockpit. 46 crisply cast resin parts make up the cockpit floor, sidewalls, bulkheads, bracing, seats, instrument panel (with detail on both front and back), oxygen bottles and a myriad of other details. Sidewalls are thinly cast with good detail.

A thin wafer of flash will need to be removed from the cockpit floor bracing, but cleanup will otherwise be straightforward. The instrument panel is moulded with the back of the instruments cast onto the back, and simple recessed dial details on the front of the panel. These should be quite easy to paint to good effect.

48508 - B-17G Bombardier Section

The next ambitious set is the Bombardier's Section. This prominent section will be very visible through the clear nose of the completed model.

This section comprises 26 parts in cream-coloured resin. The contents cover the bombardier's floor, sidewalls and ceiling, plus rear bulkhead, seat, instruments, a very nice Nordon bombsight and breeches for four .50 calibre machine guns.

Some minor scratchbuilding is required here, as legs are not supplied for the bombardier's seat.

48510 - B-17G Waist Gunner Section

Another easily visible section in the completed model, True Details' 1/48 scale B-17G Waist Gunner section comprises just 14 parts.

There are two fuselage sidewall sections for each side, floor, four .50 calibre machine gun breeches and gunner position details.

Cleanup and assembly will be very straightforward for this set.

True Details has addressed a real requirement with these latest releases. Monogram's old 1/48 scale B-17G will greatly benefit from the addition of these three detail sets.

Each set is well cast, nicely detailed and will be quite visible even on the completed model.

I especially like that the sets are offered separately so that the modeller can pick and choose which sets he wants to use on a particular project. Considering the amount of resin in each set, and the impact that they will have on the finished model, they are good value too.

Recommended.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2005 by Brett Green
Page Created 20 December, 2005
Last updated 20 December, 2005

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