Fixed-wing aircraft model Revell B-17F Memphis Belle

During the Second World War the Boeing B-17 became a widely recognised heavy strategic bomber. The B-17F represented the first Flying Fortress variant produced using mass-production methods. One notable aircraft of this series was delivered on 15 July 1942 and served with the 324th Bomber Squadron in England; her crew named her Memphis Belle. The aircraft gained recognition as the first U.S. Army Air Forces bomber to complete 25 missions over Europe and later featured in a Hollywood documentary. A total of 12,677 B-17s were built.

Advantages

This scale model kit reproduces the B-17F with recessed panel joints and finely detailed surfaces, an accurately modelled cockpit with consoles and instrument panel, individual crew seats, and a realistic bomb bay with racks and loading points. It includes multiple gun positions and clear parts for forward and upper machine guns, a rotating mid upper turret and a detailed upper gun turret, as well as a tail machine gun. Engines, control surfaces and landing gear are modelled as separate parts for accurate assembly and optional display configurations.

Key specifications

• Detailed recessed panel lines and surface detailing
• Complete cockpit: consoles, instrument panel and individual seats
• Bomb-bay racks with loading points and four bombs
• Bomb-sight and nose seat
• Detailed radio operator/navigator station with fittings
• Side window options for a machine gun position
• Rotating mid-upper machine gun turret and detailed upper gun-turret
• Clear plastic parts for front and upper middle machine guns
• Tail-end machine gun
• Separate rudder; movable wing flaps (deployed or retracted)
• Four detailed radial engines with exhaust rings and optional open/closed coolant rings
• Imitation turbocharger and separate air intake ducts
• Separate elevators and ailerons
• Detailed landing gear

How to use

Assemble the model following the included instructions, dry-fitting parts before gluing to ensure correct alignment. Use appropriate plastic model cement for permanent joins and fine plastic cement or CA glue for small details. Paint and finish after assembly or pre-paint individual subassemblies as preferred; clear parts should be masked during painting to preserve transparency. Mount movable flaps and control surfaces in the chosen position and install clear parts for the machine gun positions according to the desired display configuration.

Recommendations

For best results, use fine sandpaper and putty to remove seam lines, apply primer before final paint, and consult reference photographs of the B-17F (Memphis Belle) for historically accurate markings. Recommended tools include tweezers, hobby knife, small files, paints suited for plastic models, and decal setting solution.