Bomb aimer’s position
I think HKM have gone one step further with the B-17 and the detail in the bomb aimer’s position is I feel all you need given what will be seen through the nose glazing. I love the small seats for bombardier and navigator and the wooden ammo boxes add hugely to the effect too. I gave the ‘wood’ a well-used, scuffed look given the ‘Lace’ had a long operational history. There has already been some debate about the ammo belts with some loving them others like me, not so much. I think they look a little clumsy and awkward and decided that I would leave them out of the front office.
The Norden bomb sight is a little beauty and not too far off the real thing. Its attachment is a little flimsy so fit it just before the nose glazing to avoid knocking it off! When on the ground the Norden was always covered in a canvass bag. This is an option using Magi-sculpt or your favoured medium. I left mine in pre-flight mode.
Waist Guns
The waist guns are adequate but there is a great deal of simplification in this area, the bungee cords for the guns as well as the significant ‘droop’ of the ammo belts are all missing. There are a lot of wires in this area too as well as other bits and bobs. As I said earlier I think if I were to invest in aftermarket sets I would do so in this area as the windows are clear if inaccurate for the ‘Lace’, look at the photos of the real aircraft later and you’ll see what I mean. As it is it’s adequate but no more and I am sure there will be some real masterpieces in this area from guys better qualified than I.
With everything now pretty much buttoned up inside the main fuselage halves you can see the detail is good but only a representation of the real thing. To be fair to HKM any more cost in these areas would be largely nugatory as about 75% of the interior will disappear once everything is together. I for one am not the type to expend effort because I know it’s there! Still I do think that the peek through the glazing in the appropriate areas will give a nice impression, and for me that’s good enough.