Rivet counter B-17

**ARMORMAN** · #1 03-13-2018, 08:58 PM

I have been asked a question by a friend: Is there a rivet accurate B-17 kit out there?

**whulsey** · #2 03-13-2018, 10:14 PM

Thinking about that just makes my head do the Linda Blair trick.

**Rubenandres77** · #3 03-14-2018, 06:11 AM

I believe the most accurate ones are John Dell's. He researched a lot and produced beautiful kits.

The other one available is Maly'z 2012 computer designed kit, which also has a lot of good detail
in the graphic section. Nice panel and rivet lines.

If what you are looking for is rivets, don't even care about the other options available.

Those two options are the way to go if you wish to have accurate rivet lines in a B-17.

But take into account this:

Most of the kits' graphics are drawn by looking at multiple photos of several different aircraft.
And, sometimes, depending on the model, or specific block, slight differences may appear from
plane to plane. That means that unless you have the 1:1 subject available to check, it will be
almost impossible to say if the kit is really "accurate" in every detail.

But John's and Maly's are fine approximations.

**MichaelS** · #4 03-14-2018, 06:19 AM

Mebbe not the most accurate but she sure is purdy!!! My 1:300 S&P Memphis Belle.

Seriously check here for a nice one in 1:100

Home Page - PRmodels

**fleetsailor1981** · #5 03-14-2018, 11:01 AM

Generally when someone asks for a rivet accurate model, they mean a model that is accurate down to the last rivet. Not just that the rivets are lined up. This is particularly true in model railroading where these people are called rivet counters, of which i am one. I even have a club shirt with that instead of my name

**John Dell** · #6 03-14-2018, 11:58 AM

I am a bit of a rivet counter myself. When I was working on the B-24s for Fiddlers Green I remember asking Chip if he had a rivet diagram for the B-24. He looked at me like I had three heads. I strive to make my models as accurate as possible.

What details are your friend looking for? Perhaps he knows of something I don’t. I’m always on the lookout for new info.

**murphyaa** · #7 03-14-2018, 12:07 PM

One of these days I want to take a picture of the underside of an Airbus wing as I'm fueling it. From 2 or 3 feet away, they look smooth. Once you get within 12 inches though, you see lines and lines of rivets about every 6 inches from front to back. The paint covers them until you get really close, and look at the right angle.

**ARMORMAN** · #8 03-14-2018, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fleetsailor1981

Generally when someone asks for a rivet accurate model, they mean a model that is accurate down to the last rivet. Not just that the rivets are lined up. This is particularly true in model railroading where these people are called rivet counters, of which i am one. I even have a club shirt with that instead of my name

So why isn't your handle here "Rivet Man?"

**pilot12** · #9 03-14-2018, 04:56 PM

OH MY GOSH thx Michael, didn't know a free B-17 existed

**elliottsprings** · #10 03-15-2018, 06:15 AM

You can't go wrong with any of the John Dell B-17 kits . . . they are fantastic and the graphics are head and shoulders above other designers. He is accurate down to the smallest detail, including small oil stains, exhaust stains and scale colors for the size. As a bonus, he always throws in bonus figures, ammo cans, oil cans, ladders, tool boxes, chests and bomb lifts . . . try one . . . you'll be hooked. The same is true for his B-24s, even the older efforts on Fiddler's Green . . . I just built a couple of those and they are super.