1/72 Airfix B-17 Flying Fortress Model Kit Tutorial Build

A quick, out-of-the-box build of the famous B-17G Flying Fortress from the newly tooled Airfix model kit.

[@fabioseva1]

When I was a kid, I built dozens of aircraft models. One day the wind brought down the shelf and broke all of them. Almost 30 years passed and I’ve built a Gundam during the quarantine. My wife saw how happy I was and bought me a Saturn V and a Star Wars starfighter for birthday. Now I’m here looking for serious paint job. Let’s do this! Thank you!

[@richarddewitt2072]

Go big with Airfix 1/24 Hellcat.

[@cuebj]

Ha ha. I had a dozen WW1 and WW2 planes, all painted very well, hanging from my bedroom ceiling. One day brother and I had a pillow fight and forgot about the planes. All came down and broke from 1 sweep of pillow. Never got back to it but nice to watch in lockdown while recovering from heart attack

[@countalma9800]

Very impressive!! B-17 must be one of the most stylish planes ever built. WWII military aesthetics overall are very stylish. Horrible time to be alive, but somehow they had a sense of style.

[@chesterfield5704]

I just ordered this kit. I hope mine looks 10% as good as this!

[@user-ni2zo5zo3c]

David R Lentz, Columbus, Ohio, USA Mr. Tinder (so I infer from your video’s title), I just saw a build presentation much as yours from “Model Cat Boris” (channel), albeit his kit being a new mold from Revell AG/GmbH; this is nothing like the Revell (USA) kit of this esteemed warbird as I recall from my youth!); one must see it to believe it! Well, I can say much the same about the Airfix kit you bring to us in your visual demonstration. Your exquisitely wondrous talents in imparting to a model of relatively small scale such multifarious examples of verisimilitude and fidelity, especially your deftness of painting as to astound all, merit the highest commendation. Additionally, I watched Gary’s Stuff” (channel) for his particular approach in building this Airfix assembly model of the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress USAAF Heavy Bomber in this scale. His style, a quiet, straightforward manner, whilst distinct to some degree from yours, still underscores your keen-minded passion for excellence with his. As a boy, I had taken great delight in the astounding eclecticism and variety of the firm’s kits, though I had noted their crudeness of fine detail; I had a sense that this was a function of the state of the art, though I knew nothing of casting molds, and the demanding skill to design, engineer, and build them. I recall with immense satisfaction having built models in this scale of the Avro Lancaster RAF Mk I Heavy Bomber, recognised for its cavernous bomb bay, the Handley-Page Halifax RAF Heavy Bomber, a steady performer, Short’s Stirling RAF Heavy Bomber (I greatly enjoyed the tow tractor with its train of laden bomb trolleys; they are why I had built the long aeroplane aground, displaying it undergoing servicing prior to nocturnal, secret sortie somewhere over Nazi-held Europe), de Havilland’s Mosquito Light Bomber, renowned as “the wooden wonder” racing across Germany’s skies regardless of the hour, and Vickers’s Wellington RAF Medium Bomber, known for its geodesic construction (I cannot recall the designation mark number of the latter four); I built each of the four in flight, their stations within fully manned, as long has been, and still is, my preference (well, of a sort: I lacked both the resources and the skill to motorise the propellers, toward realistically displaying them in such a manner). Please tell us more of your interests, and your aspirations in this context you yet wish to attain. I have in mind numerous ideas for model building, and dramatising through dioramas, on the land, or on the seas, or in the air above, events they would depict, though I lack the means to actualise them. I come to KZbin to watch videos, and smile in wistful enjoyment; this is my way to have a measure of enjoyment and fun, if only wistfully vicarious. You and the others for a time give me merriment and satisfaction midst difficult circumstances, for which I thank you all.

[@panzerabwehrkanonepak-4080]

I never knew watching someone else build, (and not even LEGO) would be so entertaining.

[@garysimpson3900]

As a child I made Airfix models here in the UK so really enjoyed this. Such attention to detail, she really looks like a seasoned old "War Bird"

[@lordred4116]

Fantastic video, attention to the smallest detail is astonishing. I used to love making airfix models nearly 50 years ago, you have inspired me to have a go again!

[@ericgillis1658]

Excellent tutorial. This is getting me back into models. Thank you!

[@chrisbarrett1006]

Nice job on the build. Airfix has really improved on their kits. I think they are now up there with quality kits.

[@gerry1337]

Great model and many thanks for the techniques especially your weathering and wash methods. Thanks

[@GryphonArmorer]

Great video, and beautiful job on the B-17. I wouldn't have done anything differently. Thanks for sharing your work and tips. 👍👍

[@hansstopfer878]

In my childhood I also built the B17 in scale 1:72. Was then still shown without an open bomb bay. I liked it so much, that I later wanted the B17 from Monogram in the scale 1: 48. Bye Hans.

[@TheSoundOutside]

Nicely done. Absolutely authentic. Looks like you've been around the block a few times.

[@S2Sturges]

Extraordinary eye for details..! Excellent work, thank you!

[@skykeg8307]

Excellent and very informative video Craig. I’m going to try the Airfix B-17 now after watching your outstanding tutorial.

[@Acesinaction]

So glad you found it helpful - it's such an improved kit and looks great in the end.

[@jerrymccrae7202]

Nice job. Love the weathering.

[@huckfinn9225]

Fascinating artwork. The boys back at the hanger would be proud.

[@sjcsjc1378]

Great stuff, I enjoyed how you presented your work

[@-sailboatmodel]

Hello! Good video. Wonderful model of the legendary aircraft.

[@johnjosephbarnes1953]

Absolutely outstanding build. Love your paint work. Plus I have picked up some great tips.

[@alstokes3883]

Incredible job!! I love it!!

[@STEAMBOLTANNIE]

Very Very nice..and I like the fact that you explain things as you go and are giving info too..THANK YOU!

[@Acesinaction]

Thanks for watching!!

[@catabaticanabatic3800]

Nice work. Thanks for the effort taken to share it.

[@allandavis8201]

I use the four graded sanding blocks that you demonstrated whilst rubbing down your black basing, they are cheap and very effective for a wide variety of things, you can also get them in a finger shape making them even more versatile, they are designed for nail art originally but work really great for getting a super smooth finish. Thanks for sharing your work, superb. 👍.

[@Acesinaction]

Send a link for the finger shape sanders - I'd like to check those out!!

[@STEAMBOLTANNIE]

I know I have commented before but I have watched this again and all I can say is WOW... lol. You should start a school or tutor I would sign up in a second...GRATZ AND WELL DONE, MAGNIFICENT.

[@patrickokc]

Phenomenal skill and talent, learned several new techniques. Thank you sir! Subscribed 👍

[@tigertanktoo]

I enjoyed watching this build. Great looking B-17. I subscribed to your channel. Good luck and will be looking at your other builds soon.

[@MGB-learning]

Outstanding work

[@huatongleong3674]

Awesome technique and skills! Been building models for the last 60 over years but I think you are superb! Excellent 👍👌👍

[@jayrohumbertoguzmanvalenci1351]

Beautyful work, with the metallic modulations. It's Wonderful.

[@user-nr6sh4os2o]

16:20 After applying matte paint, it is good to scratch the surface. Application of traces of operation. Paint is not always natural. The method is already well tested. The model is Perfectly assembled! Handmade! like!

[@galex6639]

Shut up Russian

[@michaelc9310]

i like the post it note mask trick, I have watched a hundred hours of builds and I have never seen that done.

[@angelreading5098]

Really love your presentation highhlighting the colours like that,great model building from a master and a good teacher,learned a lot sir thank you for sharing your work.

[@trigmachine]

Cracking video, I've just started this build its a great help

[@dcairns61]

Amazing weathering work!

[@kennethgammon9303]

The four holes behind each engine are not engine exhaust. They work with the holes in the front of the wing to vent the air/fumes inside the wing in case a bullet pierces the fuel tank.

[@micrometer1484]

Good catch. The engine oil exhaust at those vents does not flow from the center of the holes but at the spaces between them.

[@acdii]

Actually they are the vents for the oil coolers and for the superchargers intakes, when the superchargers are not being used, the intake air is vented out the back through those openings. It is amazing how much plumbing is in the wings. The self sealing tanks are not vented to atmosphere either, would make them too vulnerable to explosions from tracer fire. Any discharge coming from those wing vents would be oil from the coolers and superchargers, they do leak oil from the seals. I am working with a group restoring a B-17E and got first hand look inside the wings.

[@welshpete12]

I remember walking into a hanger in the US . And there was a B17 ,sitting there . That looked just like that , called , "At last we got here ". :-)

[@luvadea78]

....at least....

[@camomiletea6708]

Thanks for a great informative video. I have not made a model kit since I was a kid and your great video with a lot of information and techniques is inspiring.

[@robadams8057]

So does that mean you're going model-shopping?

[@camomiletea6708]

Maybe.....

[@cloutierrichard6134]

And I thought I was a good modeler....awesome work...thanks for the tips

[@alvinprettyman1802]

watching was almost as much fun as making my own ... thanks for posting

[@eddiecarrick2424]

taking it to another level

[@davidmorin3816]

you paint like i do, but i been doing it over 50 years, great job!!

[@ashpitcher3]

Lovely modelling!

[@beerbeer8520]

Thank you for sharing this video. It's been a huge help for me especially making my own one. You inspire me :)

[@cjtinder355]

Hey Mark - thanks for the comment! Much appreciated!

[@arohk1579]

Very cool looking bird, love the detailing :).

[@PDauto]

great model painting class mate thanks for taking the time :)

[@marcelocury4999]

Just awesome!!! Congrats from Brazil!

[@SprueFascinationChannel]

Nice trick with sponge Craig, video quality is superb! Subscribed.

[@muchasgracias6976]

Great build and some nice skills on show. Never could get on with Montex masks myself as for me they don't have enough adhesion and let the paint bleed under them.

[@russellgosselin3325]

Nice video editing and demonstration of various weathering techniques. Thanks for sharing.

[@driverslqqk7940]

You are a real good model builder you did an excellent job and taught me many things about building models in general beautiful work on a beautiful airplane

[@Acesinaction]

Thank you very much!

[@Georges-MILLION]

Félicitations pour cette réalisation ! Merci du partage . Congratulations for this achievement ! Thanks for sharing .

[@modeltankguy]

great looking bird keep them coming

[@Duececoupe]

Stumbled across, watched, liked and subscribed!! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻

Very nice and clean work. I will be looking forward to the next your videos :)

[@romanutd]

Brilliant job,very enjoyable vid.

[@Jeff-cv4qn]

Excellent work!

[@Dalesmanable]

This is like night and day to the Airfix B17 I made with the available enamel paints 50 years ago. How the World has moved on.

[@jettjaguar8150]

stellar work , amazing

[@mattiascavero2312]

Great build and really nice paintjobb👍

[@brucemcnally3924]

Absolutely superb!

[@armandopadilla2102]

Que Belleza.... Congratulations!!!!!

[@saxonstacker1078]

Wow. Top build. Learnt heaps on paint techniques. Thanks for sharing. Subscribed.

[@user-co4rs7ob1t]

Неплохая модель...моделист тоже не подкачал!!!Приятное видео....никакого негатива.Все по делу!

[@backdraft57]

Very cool, very informative! Thank you

[@renzorocchi367]

Lavoro stupendo!

[@dangpham4909]

Wow! you are so good. So, professionel.

[@gianluigimarino8264]

Great work friend!!!! Compliments!

[@mickboakes7023]

Absolutely amazing. Unbelievable realism.

[@janarvidsson1205]

Realy Nice Built

[@missouriteebomb6337]

excellent assembled !

[@codelicious6590]

Beautiful.

[@raymond7880]

I like the 'in-picture' 'call-outs'. No guessing what's what.

[@oceanvibesphotography8395]

Hay mate will be doing anymore models great build

[@robbiestephens49]

Great build

[@-sailboatmodel]

Very beautiful model.

[@John-mh6mi]

Great job

[@stevenbyrd71]

Very well done sir!

[@Four-of-Six]

@ 13:00 mins. The stains on the upper surface of the wing usually are on either side of these vents, not behind them because the clean air from the intercooler path keeps the area behind the intercooler vents clean. There are no exhaust streaks there. But you've done a nice job!

[@reaganpage6229]

Absolutely correct! Clean air in, clean air out. Such an oft-repeated error. Otherwise, great job!

[@phillipfleming518]

sweet job!!!

[@STEAMBOLTANNIE]

O M G...your left handed...good for you..well done

[@Roosterfox]

Fantastic build I’m under pressure to build one for my eldest son as it’s his favourite WW2 bomber have jus subscribed as I have only just stumbled on your channel

[@tonyromano6220]

Super build!

[@acdii]

Been looking for detailed techniques like this. Nice video and I like that you point out what colors you use. Looks like an order for Vallejo paints are in order. Running out of Model Master which is no longer made.

[@imtoys23]

Very nice job !!!

[@lpjmodels]

Great work !

[@arleighburke9095]

Very nicely done! One slight nit however - there shouldn’t be soot streaming from the intercooler vents on the wings…. virtually everyone makes this mistake.

[@kimandersendk]

Looking awesome

[@germanmemer1434]

The b17 is my most favourite bomber ever

[@jerrymccrae7202]

For all the great detail they really need a clear side.

[@damianmullan8239]

Very nice build

[@harryhumstone3149]

One thing I can say you are good.

[@apistofreak1]

Badger Airbrush Primer (Also rebranded as Mig Ammo One Shot, UMP Primer and at least one other brand (I can't remember at the moment). It is very similar to Vallejo Primer but responds very well to sanding.

[@kirbgurtez1996]

I Thought your color choices were excellent in weathering. I was amazed at the slight shade variation you achieved at the lateral fuselage region above the wing root, totally authentic looking. So what was your build time for this kit~ ?

[@eddiecarrick2424]

fantastic so clever

[@36Marciano]

awesome vid!

[@DansModelBench]

NIce build mate.

[@gustavovasile1495]

ESTUPENDO, MAGNÍFICO, COLOSAL, PARA QUÉ AGREGAR MÁS!!!

[@Tenderification]

wow ! great to see this !

[@ianturnermusic2739]

Spectacular.