A Lesson on Plexiglas noses, Specifically the B-17 this time...

[Sharkmouth]

I recall several of my first model meets where I brought my 'creations' so I can learn from others. I did but sometimes I got the damaged DNA (Dumb Nerd Ass) fool point out things but not offer solutions.

I worked on an ancient (1962 mold) B-17 I was able to get dirt cheap (I was a kid) and it was actually my second time building it. This time I removed all the boiler plate rivets and carefully filled in gaps and completed the kit with decals from SuperScale/MicroScale #72-23 (I did say ancient) with the markings of Lt. David Mack’s B-17F named Witch's Tit coded 42-5382 PU-E of the 360th Bomb Squadron based at Bassingbourne, UK. I giggled when I saw the dcals and had to buy them and then the kit.

Anyway, the fool came by an insisted I hadn't painted the fromaes on the nose. I mentioned that they were plexiglas and not painted. As a kid, I couldn't properly explain that I saw that it was unpainted in some photographs but one could see the rubber gasket on the replaceable bombardier's panel. Anyway, from the excellent coffee table book I bought,

I came across two photos I could show have shown to this person, who soured my feelings about model meets for decades:

Adding the rubber gasket to the optically flat and replaceable bombardier's panel:

 

[moon puppy]

Saul get's his revenge after 50 years.

 

[Sharkmouth]

Saul get's his revenge after 50 years.

It wasn't the only time someone was telling me that my eyesight and research was poor without providing proof or context. It wasn't conducive to my feeling about model gatherings. You can also understand my choice to create my own reference library and be able to back up what I present.

 

[Rhino]

Some people don't deserve a whole Dickhead coin.

You get a Gold Star!

 

[Paulw]

This must be the same as the Marauder with their 2-part nose glazing.

 

[Sharkmouth]

This must be the same as the Marauder with their 2-part nose glazing.

Flak-Bait has its original nose:

Mississippi Muskrat:

A look at Mild and Bitter...

 

[Rhino]

The first B-26-MA Marauder, 40-1361, Built in 1940, before her maiden flight. Look how clean and lovely she is!
No dorsal turret had been fitted to this airplane yet.
Later B-Model Marauders and on, did indeed have more support for the long, streamlined nose glazing.

 

[moon puppy]

I always wondered what caused that wear aft of the plexiglass on Flak Bait but not others.