I did not know what to expect when I started reading this book. I thought everything that could be written about the B-17 had been written. I was wrong.

This paperback book is written in an easy-to-read style. It does get technical at points, but it is easily understandable. The 256 pages are 9.25 x 6 of high-quality paper. It does contain almost 480 photos: many I’ve never seen before. So, with the preliminary information, let’s see what is inside of the book.

Developmental history starts well before the B-17, or Model 299, went to the drawing board. The stories that accompany the development are gold. The problems, drawbacks, and trials of developing an aircraft that was operating in the stratosphere at extremely low temperatures are each talked about. And the ways they were overcome or ignored.

Brengun has issued another delightful photoetched accessory set for small scale aircraft modelers. This particular set is designed for use with Mark One's offering of the German Bf-109, specifically the Bf-109G-10 model. [ Note : There is a detail set for the K model of the 109, as well.]

Typically these small scale (1/144^th) aircraft kits come with two complete models in the box and Mark One is no exception, nor are the offerings from either Armory or Sweet. Brengun provides detail bits for two kits. Those bits include photoetched pieces for the:

• cockpit tub
• two part seat
• rudder footrests / stirrups
• seat belts (four pieces)
• instrument panel
• trim wheel
• control column
• throttle controls
• side console details
• floor details
• resin center console (alas, w/o cup holder :))

Additional items are provided for the:

I didn’t really know this, but the Swiss have a long and distinguished history of serving as mercenaries in other country’s armies, especially France, from as far back as the Late Middle Ages all the way through the Age of Napoleon and beyond. The last vestige of this type of Swiss service remains in the Swiss guards at the Vatican today. In some ways, these mercenaries were the harbingers of today’s professional soldiers – men dedicated to a life of arms rather than the temporary civilian levies standard up until that time.

Eagle Editions has produced some of the most accurate decals on the market. Normally known for their Luftwaffe subjects, they have quite a collection of other aircraft as well, including the Spitfire. With new 1/48th subjects from Airfix, Eduard, and Tamiya these decals are perfectly timed.

There are decals for three aircraft that represent the evolution of the Temperate Land Scheme and the under-surface colors. One aircraft has the black and white belly, the next has the sky color and the following one has the Sky-Blue belly. The first one is flown by P/O Al Deere with the Kiwi emblem in front of the cockpit. The next is flown by Sgt. Bernard Jennings from No.19 Squadron and is typical of the Battle of Britain period. The final option has an American flavor, with a red spinner, flown by an American, P/O Hugh Reilley, flying with No.66 Sqdn.in the Battle of Britain. He was shot down and killed by Werner Molders.

History

Atlantis Models has released a PBY-5A Catalina in 1/104 scale. This was originally a classic Monogram kit, which debuted in 1955. On the older model there was some issues reported with parts alignment, I found none of that with this kit.

In the Box

• Instructions
  • There is a one-page instruction sheet. Illustrations for the parts and their construction sequence were very clear.
• Sprues: 2 molded in blue plastic
• Clear plastic: 1 sprue
• Decal Sheet: 1

Building the Model

Cockpit

The cockpit has only the upper half of a pilot and copilot no other detail for it.

Because there was no detailing in the cockpit and the waist gunner positions (they too had upper body figures only) I decided to paint those areas black and did not install the figures.

Canopy Clear Parts

Included Cockpit, forward gunners’ area and two waist blisters.