[PappyB]

Looking for opinions from owners of this model -- the good, the bad, the ugly?

Thanks!

[John Youngs]

Originally Posted by PappyB

Looking for opinions from owners of this model -- the good, the bad, the ugly?

Thanks!

Pappy - How about a few pix?? My take on these huge B-17's is generally fairly good, although I don't own any & don't plan on getting any. I've got a friend who has two of them & aside from the weight (sure wouldn't wanna drop one on a bare foot...!!) issue, my only complaint, per se', is the use of deeply-set "grooves" to simulate rivet lines. If that model were life size, those grooves would be 6" deep & two inches across. Just lightly-scored lines on the metal's surface would suffice just nicely, assuming they didn't want to go to the trouble of actually trying to imprint scale rivet designs into the metal mold's surface. Like so many of Armour's products, they tend to look better from a distance than they do close up - perhaps this is the effect they were trying for in the first place... - I don't know. But, I've certainly seen worse. If you can get it for substantially less than MSRP, I'd say it would be a great addition, assuming you've got the room - I'm sure you're quite aware of just how huge these things are - it would be a helluva center-piece for a diorama...!! - JY

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by John Youngs

Pappy - How about a few pix?? My take on these huge B-17's is generally fairly good, although I don't own any & don't plan on getting any. I've got a friend who has two of them & aside from the weight (sure wouldn't wanna drop one on a bare foot...!!) issue, my only complaint, per se', is the use of deeply-set "grooves" to simulate rivet lines. If that model were life size, those grooves would be 6" deep & two inches across. Just lightly-scored lines on the metal's surface would suffice just nicely, assuming they didn't want to go to the trouble of actually trying to imprint scale rivet designs into the metal mold's surface. Like so many of Armour's products, they tend to look better from a distance than they do close up - perhaps this is the effect they were trying for in the first place... - I don't know. But, I've certainly seen worse. If you can get it for substantially less than MSRP, I'd say it would be a great addition, assuming you've got the room - I'm sure you're quite aware of just how huge these things are - it would be a helluva center-piece for a diorama...!! - JY

I don't have it it, and thus can't take pics But it's a somewhat popular Corgi bird in 1:72 I think -- I'm considering the FM version for about half of MSRP... I'm trying to "simplify" my displayed collection by getting rid of many smaller models and replacing them with one big 'un! I have a FM B-24 and B-26 already, and have owned a B-25, so I know what I'm in for in regard to size/weight and am generally familiar with FM's caveats. I was just curiouis if the B-17, particularly this model, was more grossly inaccurate or poorly made than "your average FM". I actually think the B-24 is quite nice.

I like the quality and detail of 1:72 but I just think the larger scales display better, and right now I'm trending towards having one 1:48 or larger model of a particular aircraft type than several smaller ones. (Props that is, as you may have seen I've been dabbling in 1:200 jets... )

I just don't know if I could actually bring myself to sell my Corgi 1:72 Forts -- even if I can't display 'em!

[Ara1]

I'd be interested to know the quality of the FM B-17 as well. I've heard mixed reviews.

[trex0770]

Originally Posted by PappyB

Looking for opinions from owners of this model -- the good, the bad, the ugly?

Thanks!

Pappy, I don't have the S&L but the father-in-law does and IMHO, FM actually did a decent job with it! The paint job was excellent and the dual nose guns was a nice touch. It looks like a pretty good "F" model....much better than the Memphis Belle.

I currently have the Nine o' Nine and Belle. The Nine is great, only gripe being the color is just a bit too tan instead of olive. The Belle is good until you get to the nose. The biggest (obvious) issue is the astral dome they've included in the nose and has turned many collector off to this offering!

I've also had the Carolina Moon and BoL and got rid of both b/c, at the time (a year ago), I was less accepting of the mold. Now (w/a less critical eye,they don't look as bad to me. Maybe FM has improved their paint/construction methods since that time?......then again there's the F-22.

Of all the FM B-17's I seen in person, I like the Nine and S&L the best. The FM B-17's, like all their other releases, are hit and miss when it comes to the 'Friday afternoon special' factor. Personally, I still like the FM B-24's better, particularly "the Squaw"!

I''ll see about posting some pictures of the Nine and MB.....I just have to dig the boxes out from under the mess I've go going again in the junk room.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by trex0770

Pappy, I don't have the S&L but the father-in-law does and IMHO, FM actually did a decent job with it! The paint job was excellent and the dual nose guns was a nice touch. It looks like a pretty good "F" model....much better than the Memphis Belle.

I currently have the Nine o' Nine and Belle. The Nine is great, only gripe being the color is just a bit too tan instead of olive. The Belle is good until you get to the nose. The biggest (obvious) issue is the astral dome they've included in the nose and has turned many collector off to this offering!

I've also had the Carolina Moon and BoL and got rid of both b/c, at the time (a couple of years ago), I was less accepting of the mold. Now they don't look as bad to me. Maybe FM has improved their paint/construction methods since that time?......then again there's the F-22.

Of all the FM B-17's I seen in person, I like the Nine and S&L the best. The FM B-17's, like all their other releases, are hit and miss when it comes to the 'Friday afternoon special' factor. Personally, I still like the FM B-24's better, particularly "the Squaw"!

I''ll see about posting some pictures of the Nine and MB.....I just have to dig the boxes out from under the mess I've go going again in the junk room.

Thanks Trex! Making me think about pulling the trigger now... AS for the MB -- the paint looks off on that one, too, the pics I've seen the camo looks "off". I have MB and BOL and 909 in 1:72... think I'll keep 'em no matter what I end up doing. But I think a few Libs will have to go to make some room.

I like the idea of the S&L in my display as right now all my 1:48 heavies are silver -- so it would be cool to have the contrast of the olive paint job on this Fort. I've not been a big fan of the corgi version but the paint on the FM version looks like it may be darker? Which looks better to me. ??

[PanCanal]

I remember selling my Sweet and Lovely because it had no nose guns in the front. Did they add these later? The cover on the box showed it with guns, but the model didn't have them. The corgi does have them. Thanks.

[KG_Jag]

Sorry--I only know about the Corgi version.

The S & L was my first 1:72 scale Corgi multi-engine bomber. It is a sweet looking bird.

Until recently Spirit of '76 also had it at a very sweet price. See my picks for February 24th:

2008 Die Cast Buys of the Week - Kampfgruppe Forums

Unfortunately, they are now sold out.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by PanCanal

I remember selling my Sweet and Lovely because it had no nose guns in the front. Did they add these later? The cover on the box showed it with guns, but the model didn't have them. The corgi does have them. Thanks.

really? If the FM doesn't have 'em, I don't want it either -- will have to confirm that Q.

[PappyB]

Well Sally over at Aikens was kind enough to check their stock for me and the model does not include guns in the nose, so it's out for me.