1:72 B-17F Flying Fortress landing flaps

Photo-etched landing flaps for the B-17F Flying Fortress in 1:72

A metal replacement for the landing flaps of a Boeing B-17F model in 1:72 scale from the Czech maker Eduard. It replaces the plastic flaps, which in a kit tend to be molded as part of the wing, and so opens up the possibility of building the aircraft with the flaps extended.

Flaps as a visible change of silhouette

Extended flaps are among the most conspicuous changes to the look of a parked aircraft. At the same time they reveal structure that a closed wing hides completely, so the model suddenly reads as a machine rather than as a molding. On a four-engine type with a large span that difference shows from every angle.

What to watch out for during the build

• Cutting the plastic flaps out of the wing is an irreversible step; measure it twice.
• Make the cut with a fine-toothed saw and level the edge with abrasive paper.
• Dry-fit the metal parts before you reach for the glue.
• Keep the angle of extension the same on both wing halves, otherwise the model looks crooked.

Whom we recommend the flaps to

To more experienced builders who are not afraid to cut into kit parts and who want to set a model apart from the ordinary display case. This modification needs a steady hand when cutting and careful thought when gluing, but it is rewarded with a far livelier look to the aircraft. If you have never done anything like it, it pays to practice the cut on a spare kit and only then to take a blade to the Fortress. Anyone who wants to be sure keeps a spare piece of plastic aside in case the edge of the wing needs leveling.