When finished, this is a project worth the time and money. There were a few problems: there was lots of trimming to cut and sand, there wasn't a color chart to detail all the items contained in the interior of the model. The kit did not include the top turret canopy and when I requested one to be sent, I never received an answer. Check all the sprues carefully especially the clear plastic ones. I wanted to paint the surface aluminum, but I wasn't pleased with the finish and went with the olive drab exterior.

The model is BIG!! It is a challenge to build because it is so big. Painting is also a challenge and can be difficult when painted assembled because of guns and turrets, so plan accordingly. The model is beautifully done. It really should have cut-a-ways to show the beautiful inside detail. With the exception of the radio room. All that it is, is two tables and a chair. No radios or anything simulating radios or any sort of equipment. Just a bare room. There is a lot of duplicate items, so stay organized. The turrets are beautifully done and fun to build. The only complaint is the nose turret glass is foggy out of the box. It is not crystal clear like the rest of the glass. Don’t know if this was by design or a flaw in the factory, but every one online I saw had the same thing. The directions, although good, fail in some areas and you have to go to your modeler know how to figure it out. DO NOT SKIP AHEAD!! (Except for the turrets) I made the mistake of skipping ahead and paid the price. Usually, you can work on the wings while you wait on things. In this case, you can only do so much before you screw up like I did. You can work on the wings, but cannot glue them together as they glue ONTO the supporting bracket that goes through the AC. That and the moveable flaps cannot go in if the wings are glued…(one of my mistakes) Some of the interior instruction could be better. There are some gray areas that you have to figure it out and there are some parts that go nowhere...And I looked!! The rear turret ammo feeder is a little tricky. No explained well in my opinion, but again, you have to rely on your modeler know how. The model is made to have the ball turret in a stowed position. You cannot extend it without modifying it beforehand. So if you want to have it in the air, you will need to get a rod to be able to extend it and have it move. Not hard to do, but you need to do it BEFORE you assemble the fuselage. The side gunners positions, the flexible ammo belts will break hold when flexed to attached to the guns. The have the rigid option but it was too late for that as I put the guns in last because of painting and fear of them breaking. So I removed them. Not a big issue as this will be a ceiling hangar..but if there were crewmen, I would be upset. The model is VERY tail heavy, so even a static display you will need to tie the nose down or work some weight into it. Wish they would have put crewman in this model. (But there is a B-17 crew available online for like 100.00 that would fit) All in all, a great model, especially if you have the room for it. I actually bought two of them and will use my advice here when I build it again!!