DIORAMA - WAIST GUNNER B17 - "FLYING FORTRESS".

NOTICE!!!: I will be uploading updates of some parts, to optimize the prints; you will also find a list of all parts in English, German and French in PDF that you can download now - 27-04-2023

Efran.

WAIST ARTILLERO, is my new and enthusiastic project; after several months of work it is ready for you to enjoy it my dear Modeler friends !

This diorama is basically composed of a waist gunner and a fuselage section of the legendary WWII B-17 Flying Fortress (flying fortress) Bomber, developed by Boeing Aircraft Industry from 1938.

Parts:

For flying effects, it is supported by a pedestal base, which includes a pair of through holes on either side of its base, for bolting it to a wooden base or other material you consider; this securing is to create firm stability of the diorama. The wooden base can have any geometry you wish or arrange, in my presentation suggests a circular one (diameter of 210 mm approx.).

It also has slots on both sides to insert a wire of 2.5 mm thick or 3 mm, which will support the attacking fighter. The wire can vary in shape as you wish to disguise or condition it to your design.

It also includes, an optional small base to install a wire; that you can make your creativity work from another perspective; if you wish.

Accessories- Cabin section:

Includes, gunner's oxygen bottle for the high altitudes of flight, there is also the communication radio that allowed to talk to the flight captain and his mates, ammunition boxes to supply the flexible belt or flexchute, some boxes are closed and others are open, also sets of shell casings and bullet belts to decorate the scene.

A wooden box supplying flexchute or flexible tape of bullets; also with bracket support and fastener for the box.

Flexchute (bullet tape), is a part to install inside the slot of the Browning M2 and the wooden box.

Tube holder for the Browning M2- 50 caliber machine gun.

Bullet casings and ribbons for free printing and enhancing scene details.

"Open metal case" and ammunition are separately, you can print as many of it as you require and as your imagination desires.

The waist gunner is a single piece and in his hands he wields the handles of the Browning M2 to attach it to the rest of the machine gun. His parachute is a separate piece and also to attach to our character's uniform (see images).

The oxygen hose and communication line, is a special piece to be printed taking into account that it must be attached to the gunner's mask and the oxygen bottle together with the radio (see images).

Browning M2:

A piece dimensionally modeled according to your information and with photographs and referential drawings of each detail, it is clear that many flight units customized the installation of these weapons inside the B-17 Bombers, we have taken the most standard design to standardize our diorama, with this same criteria we have added all the accessories that you will find here.

Browning M2 body alone; differs from the model that is attached to the gunner that in the hands of the character are the grips of the machine gun, it is a completely free piece and applies to other projects (see images).

Optional fighter (junker 109 fiction model):

Since I started this project I did not have a 3D model of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 or the Luftwaffe, in my archives. So I employed this custom model to recreate the scene, but finally decided to leave it here and it is only optional.

I have had this model in reserve for some time, but making some adjustments, it was ideal for my diorama; it does not exist as a real model of the Luftwaffe, is a fictional design and inspired by the fighters of his time, taking the tail of Junker - Ju 87 "Stuka" and the nose of Messerschmitt Bf - 109, I had as a result the "Junker 109" that I have named it.

"This model is optional", if you want to use it, you can put all the insignia and camouflage you like, I leave to the creativity of each of you, to apply your knowledge of aeronautical modelers and look like a real fighter of the time.

The files for this model are sectioned for easy printing; as there is also a solid model of the body, for those who decide to make a single realization.

The scale is 1/62 (178 mm long) based on the 11 meter length of the Ju-87; but if you have a real model, you can substitute it... however you do it, I'm sure it will look fantastic!

Fuselage catwalk:

This piece mates over the circular section profiles, with the pictures you can help you to install it.

Recommendations: for the amount of details it should be a resin print, but you could make some combinations with filament print.

The scale of the diorama is 1/135, taking as reference the length of the B-17 (22.66 meters.), the recommended scale for the attacking fighter is in 1/62. But you can make your variants.

Most of its accessories are free-printing, which will allow you to employ it in other projects, starting with the waist gunner and its Browning M2 machine gun; and perhaps this is the best thing about this project!

All 3D models are optimized as files so you can modify to the scale you want without losing definition.

I could not spare words for this project, as it adds up essential elements in all its composition, but I am sure you will enjoy every part of it, putting, once again approves, your artistic talent and imagination; of that I am sure!

As always; all our model has the guarantee "product customization" that allows you to request some modifications according to your requirements. Just contact me to gladly assist you with your request.

You can also visit me at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063495065042

https://www.instagram.com/efran_napart/

Thank you!!!

Efran.

Update!!!: new improved part files, to optimize printing (see images).

resin printing or filament printing