Buy These B-17 Model Kits NOW… Before They're Gone!

If you're at all interested in building up a plastic scale model B-17 "Flying Fortress" kit in 2024... you ought to buy one now!!
Tom Hanks' & Steven Spielberg's much-anticipated miniseries "Masters of the Air" is slated to come out on Apple TV on January 26th, and when that happens, you can bet that the iconic B-17 will become the "must-build" model kit of 2024.
Be sure to pick up that B-17 kit you've been eyeing now... before they're all gone!
1/72 Scale Kits
Academy B-17E: tinyurl.com/4f...
Academy B-17F: tinyurl.com/bd...
Revell B-17F: tinyurl.com/yz...
Revell B-17G: tinyurl.com/yc...
Airfix B-17G: tinyurl.com/mr...
1/48 Scale Kits
HK B-17F: tinyurl.com/4d...
Revell B-17F: tinyurl.com/zy...
HK B-17G (Early): tinyurl.com/bd...
Revell/Monogram B-17G: tinyurl.com/2p...
1/32 Scale Kits
HK B-17E/F: tinyurl.com/yk...
HK B-17F: tinyurl.com/bd...

[@rogerredford6242]

I have a 1/48 scale Revell B-17 Memphis Belle. Years ago, while I was living in Solvang, CA, I read in the local paper that Capt. Morgan was going to be the guest speaker at a Vets club in Atascadero, CA, an town North of Solvang. I quickly built the kit and left a section of the starboard wing in grey undercoat. I got to meet Capt. Morgan and he signed the wing, an 8 x 10 of the whole crew, and a DVD of the Memphis Belle documentary. What a special night. I've kept all the memorabilia all the years and have a B-17G kit just waiting for me. Can't wait to see the series.

[@mattdaugherty7865]

I remember as a kid watching my older brother build a B-17 kit after watching “Thousand Plane Raid” and “The War Lover”. Then one Christmas my dad (Santa) got me my very own Monogram 1/48 B-17G. Like you, these kits have a sentimental place in my heart!

[@beertruk2429]

It was Twelve O'Clock High for me. The TV show, not the movie. I didn't get to watch the movie more than a few years later. But I have never built or owned a B17 kit. Have built a Airfix Halifax kit.

[@mantune666]

The only question is: will there be enough space to display them all at home and how will this effect my relationships with the missus :D

[@SpruesNBrews]

Haha I can't speak to that, my friend... but let's just say these kits certainly aren't discreet! 😅

[@Hey_MikeZeroEcho22P]

That, Sir....... is an Un-ENDING War......

[@matthewrosengren2813]

@@SpruesNBrews. When I first saw the official trailer, I thought I died and had gone to heaven! I love anything and EVERYTHING about the 8th and 15th air forces’ roles during the War. I’ve built my fair share of Forts and Libs over the years and have ZERO plans on stopping, in any way, shape or form! I personally focus on 48 scale as it’s that happy medium. Small enough to not take up an entire ceiling (yes, I hang mine up) but still big enough to show interior detail. I can’t wait to watch the movie! Just subbed!!! Cheers

[@Beniah107]

Buy the kit and ask and answer that question in the future, when it matters… 🤔

[@cdfe3388]

I built the Revellogram Pro kit of the B-17G with the Cheyenne tail in 1/48. I had a pinup of my wife made up, sent it off to the custom decal guy, and now a B-17 of the 381st BG hangs from the living room ceiling with my wife’s name & pinup on the nose, her initials for the 3-letter ID, and her birthday for the tail number.

[@larrydrozd2740]

I recently picked up the vintage Monogram 1/48 Clear sided B-17 on ebay. I added all the Eduard photo etch detail packs for it. Its been fun so far with all the details, especially since they can actually be seen in this kit when put together.

[@StellarGryphon]

I actually just picked up one of the Airfix British B-17 kits! My local hobby shop had them for 50% off which was crazy, so I knew I had to grab it! Also, you mentioned one of the B-17 kits having raised panel lines. Perhaps you could do a tutorial on how to deal with those?

[@BBBILLY86]

My grandfather flew in B17s. 8th USAAF. Can't wait for this series.

[@dave8599]

Those prices are crazy high. I used to pay about 8 bucks for that revell 1/72 kit.

[@Chilly_Billy]

Good advice. I saw the same thing occur with firearms. Before "The Lost Battalion" with Rick Schroeder aired, it was hard to give away a U.S. Model 1917 rifle. Afterwards, the prices easily tripled within a year or two. I also saw it happen to M1 Garands after "Band of Brothers" and S&W Model 1917 revolvers after "Fury." Not as much as the so-called American Enfield after Lost Battalion but they did go up quite a bit. I've been meaning to get the Airfix 1/72 for some time. Looks like I better get moving.

[@SpruesNBrews]

For sure - happens with everything!

[@LordGrumpus]

When I was a kid I saw Memphis Belle and have been obsessed with the bomber ever since. So much so that two years ago I started snapping up the old 1/48 b-17F kits. I don’t like the G model , I like my seventeens chinless and green.🤓I’d say I have at least 25 or so stacked in my wall of shame. 🤣 can’t wait for the show! Bring more love for the mighty 8th! 🎉

[@mtfgamma6257]

one of my very first kits when getting back into the hobby about 10 years ago, was also a B-17G, but I was a glutton for punishment and started with the Revel B-17G in 1/48th. Poor choice that was, Built the old girl up as El Lobo II of the 457th BG, it was fiddly and I was just getting back into the hobby from 15 years of not doing it, so I sucked, hard. But she was mine, and I loved it. Ended up getting broken in the move from Utah to Nevada, and sadly had to toss her....but maybe I should look into some 1/72nd B-17s (smaller place) and have another El Lobo II in my life. I have a personal connection with B-17's Grandpas brother flew them for the 8th Air Force, not sure which bomb group or what bomber, my grandpa never said, but It still makes me feel connected to the Forts.

[@Jordan-F92]

Currently working on the Academy Memphis Belle B-17! Plenty of aftermarket photo etch parts and upgrades for it. Highly recommend it. But I’m also partial to the Belle

[@danieljohnson1177]

The monogram b-17g was the first kit I airbrushed when it first came out in the 70s thanks for the flashback to my teenage years and my favorite aircraft 😊

[@OldGrayCzechWolf]

Too late, I already got a stash of B-17s, bought a kit of each variant E-G. Thanks for the warning, at least I avoided the Christmas rush.

[@kentbarnes1955]

I have built the early Revell kits, many many years ago...and yes...one of them was a model build in my early building career 40 some years ago. Nice basic kits. IF I choose to jump on the B-17 bandwagon (after MOTA releases)...I'm sure I'll lean to the HK kits (and probably the 1/32 versions)...because...I have a sickness that makes me turn my building projects into "projects" that require an actual Project Manager to complete them (full disclosure...I'm a PM in my day job). Thanks for a fun video.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Haha there ya go! Can't leave it at work... I hear ya 😉

[@chrispacer4231]

I have 2 ( two ) old REVELL 1/72 1/76 B-17 Memphis Belles in the stash… They are both complete kits Original issue 1969, the original classic REVELL BOX ART… I like collecting the old BOX ART kits… We as modelers own a piece of HISTORY when we build models ( or collect kits ) I enjoy your channel, this it a very interesting and informative video… MISTER, you have my LIKE 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 Looking forward to seeing the movie Masters of the Air… might have to break out one of those REVELL B-17 I have in the stash… Have a great weekend everyone… 🤓CHRIS 🇺🇸

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ohh very nice! Sounds like a great stash 👍

[@Theover4000]

I'm hoping to take time in 2024 to actually build some models for the first time in 10+ years.. Maybe I should grab a B-17, then!

[@Mrlonely237]

I LOVE THIS NEWASTERS OF THE AIR SHOW

[@brinsonharris9816]

Have the 1/32 B-17F & G in the stash. I never have time to build. The hobby has morphed into collecting kits that I open, inspect and then stash. Same w B-24 & Lanc. Maybe someday.

[@chrismickunas8130]

For you builders in the US, Revell B-17G 1/48th… watch Hobby Lobby and their 40% and you are getting it around $20 or so. Several years back they had them mismarked at the store in my town, I got 2 that were priced at $24.99 then 1/2 half off, they had 2 left, I bought 2.

[@michaelkeogh8454]

I recently picked up an Academy B/C model.

[@michaelkiehn9254]

The HK B17s are great, I have built a bunch of them. Interestingly the construction is essentially the same between the 1/48 and 1/32 scale versions. I'd go as far as to say that the 1/32 version doesn't even have that much more detail than the 1/48 scale version. The 1/32 version is actually easier to display as it comes with a wall mount in the box and so you can hang it vertically saving shelf or ceiling space. I want to build another B17 now... 🤣

[@andrewswatland4622]

I’ve got the Memphis Belle on my shelf. It’ll be my first build of 2024 😊

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh fantastic! Enjoy!

[@InSidious1805]

Been working on the HKM 1/48 G for the last two years and I’m barely getting the waist guns in. I added allot of scratch built detail and I got to tell you if it wasn’t a request build for a buddy who’s dad flew one during the war I probably would not add that much detail because it’s almost negated by the limited visibility. Then after a few years some company puts out a nice bombardiers section resin kit that would have been a game changer. It’s been interesting for sure and the kit has its flaws but he chose it primarily because of the rivet detail. Thanks for the heads up might scoop up the same set or a 1/72

[@joemoore4027]

The old Monogram 1/48 B-17G was a great kit to build when it first appeared. We were all watching the TV series "12 O'Clock High " and we all wanted to build one ! The kit at the time was top notch as for quality and looked great. It still looks good if it's a first run edition ! Old timers will remember Sheperd Paine's build tips of the kit that came in the box ! As you said the 1/32 scale HK kits are huge but, the prices are just outlandish. It's just one of those B-17 kits you just can't stop thinking about and now you made it worse ! Now where's my credit card....

[@assman9092]

you can still find them and pretty cheap too. i picked a used monogram b-17g for $25. The old monogram kit has good detail for its age. I wouldnt get to crazy with inside detail bracuse you wont see it anyways.

[@peloi111]

It's crazy how the first kit that you build impacts you for the rest of your life. Now we see this man wearing a WW2 pilot leather jacket and a captain hat on KZbin. How much of an impact in his life can building a B 17 scale 1/48 as his first kit as a child have on one's life, it's crazy.

[@StephenCole1916]

Glad I have my 1/32 HK B-17F sitting in my stash. 😀

[@razor2260]

I have a b17 … but I’ve missed a few parts at the front cockpit… now I gotta make it look like a damaged b17 a bigger project to do 😅😅😅 b17 F 1/72

[@mattjohnson7369]

Bought the Airfix B-17G from Andy's a couple of weeks ago, I have been eyeing it for sometime and figured with Masters of the Air releasing soon it will likely go out of stock. This adds to my collection (er stash) of a Revell 1/48 B-17F and a 1/32 B-17G (I want this one to be modeled somewhat at least like Sentimental Journey). We really need a C version though in any scale.

[@panhead55]

I have up to ten mothballed 1/48 scale, B-17 kits. I’ve been sitting on them for years and hope to start on one within the next year.

[@joseluiscastanorestrepo]

Well, I have the Memphis Belle from Academy and the B 17 G from Revell, waiting their turn to be assembled. I got them last year, because I love WWII heavy bombers.

[@tankman1814]

I just finished building the tamiya m3a2 half track it would be nice to see a build on it, on this channel!

[@michaellemaire5380]

I'm already set as I have the F's and G's from HK in 1/48 and 1/32. I had the Revell F and the Monogram G back in the day and built them but they became casualties of time (mainly because they were not up to par with what I was doing at the time I got rid of them). I had re-scribed another Monogram G years ago before it went back into hibernation and then the HK kits came out, which in my mind, made the project redundant.

[@williamfotiou7577]

Damn, you are correct. That model is out of stock everywhere, especially 1/48 scale.

[@martinazariancriminaldefen3081]

This is a great video! Exactly what I was looking for. An in depth multi-scale product comparison of a particular product. I build 1/350 scale ships but always loved building planes, too. Hope you more of these comparison videos. Excellent work!

[@dennisgraham3087]

I already have the Revell B-17G, since i had Built it in the past. So i enjoy building it.

[@HidalgoBln]

Thanks for the advice, bless the scalemodelling god, I already have 3 B-17's ( 1 Academy, 2 Revell) in my storage 😅

[@jaymoney2112]

You forgot the legendary monogram clear b17 one of the best versions for a option to see inside

[@scottwatrous]

6 Months on I'm curious how the supply situation is going. I think the 1/32 is as small as I'd want to go: with the amount of detail inside a B-17 you'd want it as big as possible.

[@richardtallent8175]

That Revell 1/48 kit from 1978. Was original from monogram. Thank you great video. Also, I got the academy 1/72 B-17F.

[@asdf9890]

Thanks for the heads up. I just got back into the hobby, I built the 1/48 Monogram kit as a kid and remember it as my favorite at that time. Been wanting another, maybe the Airfix I think. someday HK, someday…

[@setoredan]

I have a B-17G model (never worked on) 1:48 scale from the ProModeller Line. I see it was made/released by Monogram. I really hope I can see this built sometime. I bought it, I can't even remember when now, maybe over 20 years ago. Just been wanting to get back into modelling as a hobby even though I am getting up there in the years.

[@scottkut6622]

I am seriously crushing on the AF hat and sherpa flight jacket! I was gifted a Revell B17 kit-Memphis Belle kit for Christmas a few years back. Building it was true torture. Blah. Once it was painted it looked okay...but it has soured me on the B.17s. Thanks Hank. Always enjoy your vids!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Haha thanks! And I'd say give one another go... maybe the 1/72 Academy kits. I think you'll dig 'em!

[@spacecadet60]

Thanks for the heads up, I have the same kit. It's been collecting dust for a couple years or so, still in the box. I even have some aftermarket decals for it.

[@jonbell3020]

That was the one I’ve been looking at getting.... thinking I’ll go for the Airfix G now.....

[@scottkut6622]

it was a lot of putty, sanding, re-scribing... it reached the point where it became a chore and not enjoyable. @@jonbell3020

[@sansabark]

If that last kit isn’t big enough for you and if you don’t mind working in balsa, Guillow’s has a B17 in 1/28 scale.

[@whos-the-stiff]

I have the HKM 1:48 B-17F, haven't started building it yet, gathering my aftermarket parts first. Going to go with the Nine Little Yanks and a Jerk decals. My only gripe with the model kit is, you have to cut out the astrodome and I then discovered that the instructions don't mention building the astrodome, so I bought an aftermarket astrodome, for some considerable price only to then find the astrodome IS included in the kit, it's just not mentioned in the instructions. Hope this is my only misstep with this kit.

[@darkwood777]

I have 2 B-17s, 2 B-24s, and 2 Lancasters in my stash - all in 1/48 scale. I have another B-24 on preorder. I just need to find time to build, but I hope to knock out a couple of them in 2024.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oooo great lineup!

[@darkknight1340]

I Have recently added the Airfix 1/72 B-17G and the HK models 1/48 B-17F to the collection also hoping to obtain the HK models 1/32 B-17F to build as "Picadilly Lily" from 12 o'clock high.

[@j.4332]

The 1/32 B-17 are awesome.I did "A bit o' lace" of 447th.

[@rafaelj.benero4880]

Thanks for the advice! Looking forward on building one of these 1/48 scale planes!...

[@TheSaturnV]

This channel should have twice as many viewers with this much high quality content.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ahh you’re too kind! Thank you!

[@lewistaylor1965]

Clever video and worth a thumbs up...I hadn't thought about the fact these kits would be bought up in a couple months so thx for the heads up...I already have the revell 1/48 a couple years...Getting round to all the scribing and replacing canopy sh!t has kept me on newer kits since I can knock out in a couple weeks...

[@modeltankguy]

kool beans hank thanks for the heads up ill be sure to grab ,e a few older ones to build keep them coming

[@monkey555500]

top advice ive always loved the b-17 i built the revell 1/48 memphis belle and it was a great kit at a good price....i see what you mean with the tv series coming out.....found a 1/32 b-17 e/f kit for £258 at jadlam racing models uk

[@DCS_World_Japan]

I'm surprised by the lack of marking options in B-17 kits. I can't find a single kit or aftermarket decal set representing any squadron in the 401st BG.

[@ef7andapp170]

We are well stocked at the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum gift shop...and I've got a 1/48 scale F model Revell kit in my stash. Bring on the series!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ahh there ya go! Very nice to know! 👍

[@megandarling2215]

I have the Memphis Bell B17F from Sprue Brother Models

[@MuskyJaeger19]

I sure hope we get to see more than B17's in the show on the American side. B24, P51, P38, P47, so on and so forth.

[@derf-vr1fc]

Wow, the crusher hat looks good!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!!

[@michaeldrapes8446]

Good thing I have 4 1/72 B-17’s in my stash. Hasegawa and Academy.

[@SpruesNBrews]

There ya go!! Nice!

[@CabbageRoyale]

February here, all B17 models are out of stock. All modeling supplies and paint are gone as well. Please send help.

[@michaeldye5257]

Not a problem for me, I got 6 1/48 B-17s 2 Fs and 4 Gs and I got 3 1/72 2 Gs and a D all hung up by the way.

[@MGB-learning]

Great video! I stocked up already except for the 1/32 scale sizes.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Nice!!

[@barryquayle4033]

Hasegawa have issued many examples over the years of the 1/72 F and G variants - what is your opinion of these kits compared to the Academy and Airfix?

[@vincentcervantes7215]

Great information Hank. Thanks for the heads up!

[@sgtango4310]

I didn't even know the HK kit existed. I'm gonna have to get one

[@SpruesNBrews]

There ya go! Enjoy 😁

[@josephlo9579]

Thank you! What a through informative video!

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm so glad to hear it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@toweroftrollgaming]

I have a monogram pro kit and just monogram kit both are 1/48 scale. I'm even getting the after market decals for 909 and Texas Raider.

[@SpruesNBrews]

What a great plan - sounds like a lovely project 👍

[@chrisvoinier-eu6gj]

To me, the B17 is the thing that i can only attempt after I get 10 years of experience under my belt....because who wants a mediocre Fortress in the case?! But maybe watching the first episode in January will change my mind...

[@SpruesNBrews]

I say give it a shot... practice makes perfect! I'm currently refurbishing an old fort that I built years ago. She needed some serious upgrades... and she's already looking much better now! You can always revisit kits down the road 👍

[@seegurke93]

Wish there was a new 1:144 range of ww2 bombers and transport planes in 2023 quality, like Eduard etc. I want to have more big planes but in small scales so I can show them all once they are build. That said, I have some 10 or more 4 engine bombers here but no clue where I am supposed to display them once they are done since I have like 3000 or more other kits still in the stash.

[@SpruesNBrews]

That's the real challenge, isn't it! We all need more space!

[@freddiemac1438]

What’s the best B17 1/72 kit for a novice builder?

[@georgecoventry8441]

Academy.

[@freddiemac1438]

@@georgecoventry8441 thanks so much !

[@SpruesNBrews]

Agreed! Academy would be my recommendation 👍

[@freddiemac1438]

@@SpruesNBrews just ordered it!! Wife won’t be happy / so all your fault!!

[@spacecadet60]

Academy kits are great, but I've had some issues with their decals being a little on the thick side. I usually went with aftermarket ones.

[@coletoliver3977]

There is also a pro modeller kit which I heard is good

[@ericng5707]

Hasegawa is re-releasing their 1/72 B-17F in February 2024.

[@Hey_MikeZeroEcho22P]

Yeah, 'S&B'..... You're correct about peeps buying kits after a movie has been produced... Although, NOT a Movie, the two (2) Wars in Ukraine and Israel...I have seen kit owners buying Russian and Israeli tanks as well as reference material and accessories (PE, paints) for those type of kits!! And as far as your selection of B-17s...Ahh.......da B-17, I must have had three (3) of those 1/48 kits in my life, all gone, BUT ALL Great Details!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

You're definitely right about modern world conflicts driving kit sales as well... crazy world we live in!

[@Hey_MikeZeroEcho22P]

@@SpruesNBrews I Also liked that pic of you with your early kit...... I WISH I had a pic of my 'Blue Angels' F-4 four (4) plane set, that was MY first kit, after watching them perform at Pt. Magu, NAS!! HEY...Wouldn't that be Pretty Cool ..... for your 'Subs' to submit Their "First's" pics of their models and a little story about it!!

[@ChuckMahon]

You are spot on!!!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!

[@thoughtengine]

I would much rather have 1/144 or 1/300, but there is nothing available in Australia without having to pay postage from fantasyland...

[@dazzjazz]

I’m about halfway through building the HK 1/48 scale B17. I have reasonable skills and experience on building models, but this kit is frustrating - poor fit in many places for example. I’ve had to use a lot of putty. The machine guns are poorly implemented and some of the instructions are confusing. Overally it’s good but for that price I’d expect it to be a lot better.

[@seanfoster3052]

You forgot Meng's Egg kit! B-17s will sell like hot cakes. Going by the trailer, I wouldn't be surprised escort P-51 mustangs will do well as well

[@inclusivemodeldesigns16]

German fighter kits as well as US fighters can be included as well?

[@81artmonk]

I've had nothing but issues with reveal model kits. Pieces not fitting properly and especially the canopies being too small for the model. I've thrown away at least 2 models that were beyond being fixed due to molding issues

[@mriguy6]

Currently building Monogram’s kit and throwing a lot of aftermarket at it.

[@mikejungferman4744]

I'm so glad I got one 15 years ago, I would never, nor could I ever, pay that much money for a little box of plastic , it's sad , just because modeling has blown up the manufacturer thinks it's ok to jack up prices 200% wtf , I'll never ever see a photo eched part, makes me sick

[@2eREPPARA]

Aussie combat vet l’m looking to get into model making but don’t understand the difference in scale sizes,can you give me any help please

[@davidheaslip4413]

I went to the Tamiya store in Bangkok ,, they did not have any B-17's .

[@razack0404]

Hope they make a higher call a film

[@gsr4535]

Hank, question. How do you keep the dust off of your models on the shelf? What's a safe way? Thanks!

[@hl1796]

since i already got a B-17, but I not gonna lie, i do want to buy a M4 Sherman kit after watch Fury

[@SpruesNBrews]

I couldn't agree more!!

[@herbies182]

I would love a 1/32 B17 and the Lancaster. But jesus the time spent to build em up would be long and where would you put them?

[@thoughtengine]

Maybe lobby the furniture manufacturers to start making coffee table display cases again?

[@ChallingerScaleModels]

loving the B17 content 👍

[@larrybrown1824]

What's a stash without a B-17 kit??? Nuttin... LOL Mine currently is the HK 1/48 F model. I have the old Monogram kit hanging above my desk.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oooohhh enjoy! That'll be a fun build!

[@datamek]

Kit producers will surely ride on this b 17 popularity wave...

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh here's hoping! 🤞

[@80GhostDog]

I started building tanks from World of Tanks. There's a lot of models in 1/35 scale. And no problem with stocks...

[@KeithFletcher-po4wy]

When are you going to do the A34 Comet paint job.

[@lebaillidessavoies3889]

You forgot the B17 F/G from hasegawa in 1/72....

[@kevinkelly6524]

Nice video on a classic subject!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks very much!

[@manondemaagd4019]

Just wondering, do you know of anyone that does custom decals?

[@mikec2810]

As always thanks for the info Hank!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for watching!

[@tpaul802]

Didn't Doog give up on the HK kit?

[@lappin6482]

1/32 scale 🤯🙌

[@SpruesNBrews]

Crazy, right??

[@blizzdog3881]

HELP!!!! I am getting ready to put together the revell B-17F scale 1/48 Memphis Bell together and I can not find a pre-cut mask for it if you know where I can get please let me know. Thank you!!!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Take a peek at spruebrothers.com - they generally carry a decent assortment of pre-cut masks!

[@Brian-WolfmanJack99]

Does this all mean that they are coming out with better kits?