Boeing C/B-17 conversion program.

[SigfanUSAF]

OK, I went off the deep end this week.

When the Soviets began shooting down the C47s and C54s being used for the Berlin Airlift at a staggering rate, the newly formed USAF contacted Boeing about a recycling program for surplus B17s. Boeing engineers quickly came up with a design, and subcontracted groups out to begin scrounging B17 wings and empennage parts. The fuselage was a novel roll through design, with a ramp in the rear and a hinged cockpit section much like the Waco gliders of WWII. Wings were thoroughly inspected, and recovered when needed. The Wright Cyclones were rebuilt, and new, stronger landing gear fitted. The vertical stabilizer was shortened and substantially strengthened to support the "T" tail horizontal stabilizer. Unfortunately the "Berlin Crisis" was over before the first aircraft was accepted by the Air Force in 1949. However this novel aircraft was quickly and cheaply produced, and found itself serving well into the 1970s with AFRES units.

I've got my eye out for a cheap B29 for the nose section. I'm using the nose gear and half of the main wheels from my 1/48th Herc and props from the Monogram P-61.

A lot of sanding, panel line scribing etc in my future.....

[sandiego89]

Brave job!  keep it up.  If you want a true roll through design, you may want to re-consider a lower or higher wing placement as the B-17 has a hefty wing spar going through the fuselage.  Or alternatively you could say it has a new center spar replacement that goes above and below the freight floor (but this would have a high weight penalty).  Please not a criticsim, just a thought.  Like the concept a lot.     

[Captain Canada]

Wow....what a neat idea ! Always cool to see somwthing completly different.

[PR19_Kit]

That's some SERIOUSLY thick tubing you've got there! 

I hope a metal landing gear for it is on your shopping list.

[Captain Canada]

I forgot to add, I think the tailplanes would look better down lower, but I guess you already made the decision when you chopped of the vertical stab ! Still, it's a neat idea either way.

[Go4fun]

Nice use of PVC tubing. I've got to watch this.

[SigfanUSAF]

Excellent suggestions! Too late to move the wings though

[Tophe]

Wonderful model...

[Captain Canada]

Gorgeous....it just looks right ! Love the round fuselage. And for sure, excellent use of a pice of PVC pipe !

[sandiego89]

I vote PVC-17 as the designation 

looking good!

[SigfanUSAF]

I vote PVC-17 as the designation 

looking good!

That's the Navy designation

[Dizzyfugu]