OV-17

[finsrin]

Found this already built 1/156 Aurora B-17 at a 2011 garage sale.  Was missing all props, one engine, landing gear, and most of clear parts.  Interesting that wings (4) were not glued to fuselage.  Pulled it out of built model stash to see if this rather rare OOP model might serve as 1/72 vrs a last trip to landfill.  To rare to send it there.

With no concept in mind, went looking thru stash and parts bins.  Upon seeing 1/72 Yak-6 kit suddenly had near perfect fitting engines.  Having just finished PBH-417, I thought those props might be a good fit - they are :)  Fortunately Yak-6 main landing gear were also near perfect fit.  With engines and landing gear it can be an airplane, but what kind, what mission function?  Got no concept.  After fiddle fumbling thru parts bins I stumbled on the OV-17 configuration piece by piece.  Then the associated briefing page to write.  Which tells all - sorta.

It will work with Slowy Jet to form a hunter-killer pair.  With IR sensor, telescope, laser designator in under body turret OV-17 can locate-designate targets and coordinate attacks with ground troops.  Turret is located near center of gravity to be steady as possible to enhance target acquisition and designating.      see attachments

Bill

[GTX_Admin]

  :)

[taiidantomcat]

HA! That is great!!

[Cliffy B]

Neato 

[Camthalion]

Nice one

[Tophe]

Good looking! A great addition to the B-17 family!

[FAAMAN]

 

[Brian da Basher]

That's truly a wonder to behold, fins! I really like the gray canopy framing and those cool engines with exposed cylinders!

Yes, a four-engine ground attack plane with a Gatling gun should[i/] be an Air Force priority!

Your imagination is just off the charts!

Brian da Basher

[finsrin]

Thanks for feedback all.      Needs paint or decal in tail area for contrast and other minor finish tweeks.
When models and parts migrate to another scale, unusual configurations can happen.  Especially when there is no configuration plan to start with.
For the first time I have a real plan for a build before the build starts.  B-17 based scalorama kitbash which is entirely mentally planned without browsing thru kits.  Ending up 1/72.  Will find if it works when kits are open and trial fitting starts.

[father ennis]

I hate to be the bad Apple here but I think there is something amiss.  To me it just looks like a B-17 with a funny cockpit. I think it's the color and markings. A different color scheme might fix it,I just don't know....??  Your concept is good and the execution is fine. I'm not trying to diss your work so please,don't take offense at my comments. The more I think about it the more I believe it's the color and markings.

[finsrin]

I'm onboard with you about that.  Understand zactly what you mean.
Adding camo or other non traditional B-17 colors might help.
When placed on flightline next to other 1/72 it shows better as to what it is.
Thing is,,, knowing what a B-17 looks like,,, it looks more like a B-17 than not looking like one especially when photographed alone.

Though the more I see it, the more I see an OV-17 than a B-17.
Kinda like looks of some cars grow on me over time.

[Brian da Basher]

I recall discussing a few projects with you, Bill. I seem to remember suggesting SEA camo and small national markings.

Whether I mentioned that scheme in regards to the OV-17, I'm not sure. Might be worth thinking about. You can also add those nice, big buzz letters on the tail too. I imagine listening to Eve of Destruction while painting would be inspirational.

Brian da Basher

[apophenia]

Excellent concept