Hobby King 1875mm B-17G Flying Fortress V2

[davegee]

Everyone should have a few of these ;)

Hi George: long time follower and contributor on HobbySquawk here. My friend Dan Gross who also lives near me in northwest Wyoming suggested I check with you regarding some details of the HK 1750mm B-17F/G.

I'm thinking about buying one, but I would want to at a minimum put a retractable somewhat scale tailwheel in it, and maybe improve the scale look of the main gear struts and possibly print up some scale looking hub caps on the main wheels.

Do you have any advice you could give me on the above ideas on the model? If I can't come up with something to get the tail wheel retractable, I'll probably pass on it. I would still like to make one of them though, painted in the colors of either my dad or father in law who both flew them out of England during WWII.

Thanks for any advice.

Best,

Davegee

[F106DeltaDart]

Hey Dave, I don’t think George is active on the forum any more. The easiest solution for the tail retract is likely to buy the one out of the FMS P-51: https://www.fmshobby.com/products/14...ng-gear-system and grab a FMS servo for tail steering. I used the one out of the FMS BF-109, but it’s long since discontinued. This is mostly the same though. You’ll just need to make a small plywood tray to hold the steering servo in place and do a bit of foam carving. It’s worth the effort! Still the best foam B-17 on the market. I modded in the old Freewing B-17 retracts for the mains and it makes a nice upgrade in appearance, but they are also near impossible to find.

Another mod that helps the look is to loose the oversized stock props that overlap. The 8x6 Master Airscrew 3 blades are great for this with a bit of sanding to round the tips. Still more than enough power on 4S.

Hope this helps a bit!

[davegee]

Hey Dave, I don’t think George is active on the forum any more. The easiest solution for the tail retract is likely to buy the one out of the FMS P-51: https://www.fmshobby.com/products/14...ng-gear-system and grab a FMS servo for tail steering. I used the one out of the FMS BF-109, but it’s long since discontinued. This is mostly the same though. You’ll just need to make a small plywood tray to hold the steering servo in place and do a bit of foam carving. It’s worth the effort! Still the best foam B-17 on the market. I modded in the old Freewing B-17 retracts for the mains and it makes a nice upgrade in appearance, but they are also near impossible to find.

Another mod that helps the look is to loose the oversized stock props that overlap. The 8x6 Master Airscrew 3 blades are great for this with a bit of sanding to round the tips. Still more than enough power on 4S.

Hope this helps a bit!

Hi F106DD: thanks so much for that info. I did correspond with George years ago, but with time passing I can see that he might have wanted to pursue other interests.

I have a stash of P-51 tail wheel assemblies as well as some extra parts for my 1.6m FMS P-47D razorback. I could use some of that hardware to set up the retracting tail wheel. So, I see a path to completion going that direction. I could use a Y cable coming from the rudder to the tail wheel servo and then back up to the receiver. Same for the tail wheel retract. I could Y them up with the main gear retract lines and then to the receiver.

A few questions/requests:

1) Is it possible for you to take a photo of the underneath of your beautiful B-17 showing how your cutout looks for the tailwheel retract? I'd like to do as little as possible "surgery" to that area if I had a little better idea how to go about it as you did.


2) Do you know of any third-party sources to purchase STL files for some parts of this airplane? For instance, wheel covers that look more scale like yours would be great to add onto the stock airplane. Also, I see in the nose section your plane you have the updated cheek windows that the G model used to put a machine gun on each side instead of having to put holes in the plastic nose cone of the airplane. That is something that would be a good add on for this model to update it to a later model G.

3) how do you transport this HUGE airplane to and from the field? I have a short bed pickup truck, I would need to remove the wing from the fuse, but is it a real hassle to reconnect wires from the fuselage to the receiver (sometimes attached to the top of the wing) at the field?

Thanks in advance for any comments you might have on my questions!

Best,

Davegee

[F106DeltaDart]

Hi F106DD: thanks so much for that info. I did correspond with George years ago, but with time passing I can see that he might have wanted to pursue other interests.

I have a stash of P-51 tail wheel assemblies as well as some extra parts for my 1.6m FMS P-47D razorback. I could use some of that hardware to set up the retracting tail wheel. So, I see a path to completion going that direction. I could use a Y cable coming from the rudder to the tail wheel servo and then back up to the receiver. Same for the tail wheel retract. I could Y them up with the main gear retract lines and then to the receiver.

A few questions/requests:

1) Is it possible for you to take a photo of the underneath of your beautiful B-17 showing how your cutout looks for the tailwheel retract? I'd like to do as little as possible "surgery" to that area if I had a little better idea how to go about it as you did.


2) Do you know of any third-party sources to purchase STL files for some parts of this airplane? For instance, wheel covers that look more scale like yours would be great to add onto the stock airplane. Also, I see in the nose section your plane you have the updated cheek windows that the G model used to put a machine gun on each side instead of having to put holes in the plastic nose cone of the airplane. That is something that would be a good add on for this model to update it to a later model G.

3) how do you transport this HUGE airplane to and from the field? I have a short bed pickup truck, I would need to remove the wing from the fuse, but is it a real hassle to reconnect wires from the fuselage to the receiver (sometimes attached to the top of the wing) at the field?

Thanks in advance for any comments you might have on my questions!

Best,

Davegee

1. Sure, I can grab some later. There are 2 main options here: Tailwheel steering or castering. If you go with castering and rely on differential thrust for taxiing, you can have a less intrusive install with less weight. See this post for install details: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show...ostcount=15696. I went with servo controlled tailwheel steering which involved setting the whole assembly deeper so that I could hide the steering servo. Mine was more like this, but with a cover over the servo: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show...7#post37833060

2. Free scale wheel files here: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=51270965. Extra detail bits here that I designed for converting one of my B-17s to a static model: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/vari...NjO2H7gXWym5wH. Take a look at the links in that description for the other detail parts.

3. I remove the wing for transport every time. I install the receiver on the top of the wing and added a multiconnector cable so that I could connect the 4 servos (Rudd, Elev, Tail retract, tail steering) with one lead: https://www.electrodynam.com/store/102.shtml

[davegee]

1. Sure, I can grab some later. There are 2 main options here: Tailwheel steering or castering. If you go with castering and rely on differential thrust for taxiing, you can have a less intrusive install with less weight. See this post for install details: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show...ostcount=15696. I went with servo controlled tailwheel steering which involved setting the whole assembly deeper so that I could hide the steering servo. Mine was more like this, but with a cover over the servo: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show...7#post37833060

2. Free scale wheel files here: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=51270965. Extra detail bits here that I designed for converting one of my B-17s to a static model: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various/1-18-rc-b-17-static-model-conversion-parts?srsltid=AfmBOoqd4K80LB1lQOV6ah3m5o0x7kwR8PKR LTWbkkNjO2H7gXWym5wH. Take a look at the links in that description for the other detail parts.

3. I remove the wing for transport every time. I install the receiver on the top of the wing and added a multiconnector cable so that I could connect the 4 servos (Rudd, Elev, Tail retract, tail steering) with one lead: https://www.electrodynam.com/store/102.shtml

Hey F106DD: this is great stuff! I think I'm gathering enough information to where I can probably pull the trigger on buying the airplane kit. I'm sure I'll have more questions for you, but this is a great start, and I am indebted to you for this super info to get started.

I did some research this morning with records I had for my late father in law. I have decided to use a paint scheme used with the 351st Bomb Group based out of Polebrook England during WWII. He flew several planes, none was specifically assigned to him, being a replacement pilot who arrived in late summer of 1944. For this trip he flew a plane called HEAVEN CAN WAIT on two consecutive days on two different missions. One was to Kaiserslautern on the German-French border, the other one was to Munich identification number 43-38799 YB-Q.

A small coincidence almost 70 years later, I flew troop transport flights from Baltimore to Kaiserslautern and back for a week, with one divert to Munich, due to icy runways in Kaiserslautern. Plane was packed with military personnel and families, about 400 people each leg.

Cheers

Davegee

[F106DeltaDart]

Very cool Dave, and thank you for you and your father's service! Happy to help out.

[davegee]

Very cool Dave, and thank you for you and your father's service! Happy to help out.

Thanks, F106DD. Fred Wiese, my father in law for 44 years, flew with the 351st BG, survived 35 combat missions over Germany along with his crew, and lived to 102 years old, passing away last March. We were able to arrange for a 6-ship missing man formation fly-by at the funeral, which was very cool. Here's a few pics of him back then and recently, and the flyover last spring. I had wanted to do this project while he was still living, but life got in the way and it was never done. But I think I would still like to do this project, in his memory.

I really appreciate your help with questions that I have.

Cheers

Davegee

[Grossman56]

Sounds like a great tribute Dave, I'm willing to help if needed.

Grossman56
(Dangerous Dan)

[davegee]

Very cool Dave, and thank you for you and your father's service! Happy to help out.

Thanks, F106DD. Fred Wiese, my father in law for 44 years, flew with the 351st BG, survived 35 combat missions over Germany along with his crew, and lived to 102 years old, passing away last March. We were able to arrange for a 6-ship missing man formation fly-by at the funeral, which was very cool. Here's a few pics of him back then and recently, and the flyover last spring. I had wanted to do this project while he was still living, but life got in the way and it was never done. But I think I would still like to do this project, in his memory.

I really appreciate your help with questions that I have.

Cheers

Davegee

[f4u ausie]

Awesome stuff guys lest we forget

[davegee]

Awesome stuff guys lest we forget

Thanks, Craig. On the 6-ship overflight, I knew most of the pilots for years, especially the lead you see in the picture for over 40 years with the airlines. He flew F-14s before coming to the airlines. A few years ago, I asked Fred if he would like a missing man formation for his funeral someday, not knowing how long he'd be around. He replied "I'd be honored" if they would do that for him. The flying demonstration team is called the Flying Renegades, all former military fighter pilots and/or airline pilots who built their own RV-8 aircraft over a period of many years. Flying right wingman for my friend in the picture is a former astronaut, USAFA graduate, and test pilot Col. Steve Lindsey. He flew 5 space shuttle missions, three of them as commander of the mission.

They are now mostly retired after flying shows around the country for 11 seasons, most being in their late 60s or early 70s. They put on spectacular shows! When Fred passed, I asked my friend if we could work in a 4-ship (the standard formation size) and he got to work on it. When they heard the backstory of Fred and his service in WWII and Korea,others asked if they could join in. That's why we had six ships versus the standard four. It was a very moving and fitting sendoff for Fred. After the funeral, my wife and I drove crosstown in Denver to the airport to personally thank them for what they did. For veterans, they don't charge a dime, although I don't know if they'll do any more of these flying salutes. But, you never know...

Cheers

Davegee

[davegee]

Hey Dave, I don’t think George is active on the forum any more. The easiest solution for the tail retract is likely to buy the one out of the FMS P-51: https://www.fmshobby.com/products/14...ng-gear-system and grab a FMS servo for tail steering. I used the one out of the FMS BF-109, but it’s long since discontinued. This is mostly the same though. You’ll just need to make a small plywood tray to hold the steering servo in place and do a bit of foam carving. It’s worth the effort! Still the best foam B-17 on the market. I modded in the old Freewing B-17 retracts for the mains and it makes a nice upgrade in appearance, but they are also near impossible to find.

Another mod that helps the look is to loose the oversized stock props that overlap. The 8x6 Master Airscrew 3 blades are great for this with a bit of sanding to round the tips. Still more than enough power on 4S.

Hope this helps a bit!

Hi 106DD: I just ordered my HK B-17. It ships from LA, so it should be here in a few days via FedEx. While I await the delivery, I am going to start putting together a parts list of things I need to buy for this model. If I have any questions, I'll send them your way in the next few days. I've been in this hobby for 25 years, never had a B-17 which has always been one of my all time favorite warbirds. I remember seeing the Freewing B-17 that someone else had a long time ago. It looked pretty good, but the fuselage looked a little "fat" to me. It sorta turned me off to buying one, and no one came p with a better one other than what HK is offering.

Cheers

Davegee

[F106DeltaDart]

Sounds good! I’ll be on the road for the next few days at a scale heli event, but I’ll try to answer questions as promptly as I can. I remember thinking the same thing on the Freewing B-17. Was definitely shaped a bit strange, but had great looking scale gear.

I also realized that I never answered your question on how I did the cheek guns and windows. The forward part was all made of styrene, and the clear part was done with a small piece of clear plastic bent to fit. It was a rather crude solution, but looks ok from a distance.

[davegee]

Sounds good! I’ll be on the road for the next few days at a scale heli event, but I’ll try to answer questions as promptly as I can. I remember thinking the same thing on the Freewing B-17. Was definitely shaped a bit strange, but had great looking scale gear.

I also realized that I never answered your question on how I did the cheek guns and windows. The forward part was all made of styrene, and the clear part was done with a small piece of clear plastic bent to fit. It was a rather crude solution, but looks ok from a distance.

Good luck on the heli competition! I have more or less decided on a late model G painted up in colors of the 351st Bomb Group out of Polebrook called HEAVEN CAN WAIT. This is one of several planes that my late father in law flew during his combat tour. Being a replacement pilot and crew, they did not have a dedicated aircraft to fly at that stage of the war. Airplanes already had names painted on them.

I see there are different battery setups you can use on this airplane. I don't really have a big preference using one battery or two, but I would be interested what you use, or recommend?

Thanks,

Davegee

[Grossman56]

Make sure that the motors are hooked to the batteries in parallel so that half your motors don't die if the one battery dies. I had the Tigercat hooked up in stock config, one motor to one battery until I tried to taxi it with one motor, changed my mind real quick. With two 3600 batteries I had a fuel tank of 7200.
I was thinking of the not-so-stock looking L/G struts, what about the upgraded strut for the Tigercat or the P 38?

Grossman56
(Dangerous Dan)

[davegee]

Make sure that the motors are hooked to the batteries in parallel so that half your motors don't die if the one battery dies. I had the Tigercat hooked up in stock config, one motor to one battery until I tried to taxi it with one motor, changed my mind real quick. With two 3600 batteries I had a fuel tank of 7200.
I was thinking of the not-so-stock looking L/G struts, what about the upgraded strut for the Tigercat or the P 38?

Grossman56
(Dangerous Dan)

those are good points, Dan. I may need to run the wiring past you before I try to go out and fly it! I do know that it is like other planes with multiple motors. One side the props go one way and the other wing they go the other way so you don't have asymmetrical yaw. I'm looking forward to getting the package whenever it does arrive.

I"d have to look at the Tigercat and P-38 gear to see if it is possible to substitute. I hadn't thought of that idea yet.

Thanks!

Dave

[F106DeltaDart]

Stock, the motors should be wired up so that one battery powers the inner motors, and one powers the outer motors. That’s at least how mine was anyways. I use 2 4S 2200s in mine, and the extra weight of 4S balances out the weight of adding the tail retract.

If you are doing a late G, are you going to need to convert to the Cheyenne style tail turret? Would certainly be a cool mod. Can’t wait to see what you do with it!

As for gear, simply using a strut from most other modes won’t work easily. Any strut would have to go below the coil where it begins the rake forward (photo from RCG). You would need a really short strut. The main struts from the Eflite A-10 could work, but finding a set of the old Freewing B-17 retracts would still be the best and most scale looking path, as they are the only ones with scale geometry. I’d consider posting a wanted ad in the RCgroups classifieds and in their B-17 thread. Someone could have a set of of a crashed model or something.

[davegee]

Stock, the motors should be wired up so that one battery powers the inner motors, and one powers the outer motors. That’s at least how mine was anyways. I use 2 4S 2200s in mine, and the extra weight of 4S balances out the weight of adding the tail retract.

If you are doing a late G, are you going to need to convert to the Cheyenne style tail turret? Would certainly be a cool mod. Can’t wait to see what you do with it!

As for gear, simply using a strut from most other modes won’t work easily. Any strut would have to go below the coil where it begins the rake forward (photo from RCG). You would need a really short strut. The main struts from the Eflite A-10 could work, but finding a set of the old Freewing B-17 retracts would still be the best and most scale looking path, as they are the only ones with scale geometry. I’d consider posting a wanted ad in the RCgroups classifieds and in their B-17 thread. Someone could have a set of of a crashed model or something.

Thanks, F106DD: That is very good information and I hadn't yet thought of that. This particular aircraft came pretty late in the war, arrived in October 1944, and went directly to the 351st BG, 508th BS, in Polebrook England at that time. That is the squadron my father in law was in. He flew his 20th and 21st missions in that airplane. It survived the war, flying 62 missions by the end of it, but was then flown back to the ZOI as they used to say and was eventually unceremoniously scrapped In Arizona along with thousands of others the summer of 1945.

There is a name affixed to it in records I found: HEAVEN CAN WAIT. However, I have not been able to find any photos of the airplane showing the nose art on it. It was a popular name to give airplanes. I will probably have to just leave it off the airplane since what I have seen on other aircraft photos the nose art varies widely from plane to plane.

I may wait on a few mods like the Cheyenne tail turret while I get a few flights on it and give it some more thought how to do that, as well as the cheek windows and gun placements in the nose.

I'm also going to so some searching for some Flightline B-17 retracts just in case someone has a few and is willing to sell them. We'll see...

Take care,

Davegee