Home                                                                                            Back to the making of the film                                                                        Aeroplane photos

The B-17 models.

In addition to the five real B-17’s used in the filming, there were also five large, 1:6 scale models made for filming and crashing sequences. The two flying models were made by the Model Effects team at Watford, chosen after being seen for their work on the B-29 in “Empire of the Sun”. Unlike the traditionally built B-29 model, these were a combination of GRP, balsawood and plywood.

 Originally, the team were asked for one model, but after discussions of what was required, they advised making two flying models “Just in case!”. In addition to the two flying B-17’s, there were also three GRP models for ground props. The models were used to make up the numbers of aircraft, and also for scenes where it was impractical or not safe to use the full-size.

 The models spanned a little over 17 feet and weighed over 100 pounds, being powered by King 70cc horizontally opposed twin cylinder engines. These engines were chosen for their torque to drive scale three blade props. The flying models construction used a moulded GRP fuselage made from a wooden master pattern. This pattern was then taken by the studio, and had thin aluminium panels applied in the scale positions, so that this detail would be transferred into the mould for the static models.

Traditional model construction using balsa, spruce and plywood was used for the wings and tailplane. It is just as well the static examples didn’t have to fly as they weighed over 300 pounds each. The finish on the balsa was very traditional/old fashioned tissue and dope, chosen as the models would probably break up more realistically in crash scenes than a stronger modern finish.

 Futaba 1024 PCM radios were used to control the models, with three receivers and nine battery packs to drive the Becker 20Kg torque servos. Ken Binks was the test pilot for the first flights, made at North Weald airfield. There was some initial doubt about the landing gear standing up to the landing loads from the models, resulting in them being carried to the runway for take off rather than taxiing or wheeling! From a gradual climb out, the first B-17 wheeled around the sky in a most convincing manner, despite the fact that the scale props dropped the RPM much below the engines best torque RPM. The landing approach was also realistic and solid, brought about by the size and weight of the model, and the landing gear held out no problems!!!

 The safest scenes were filmed first, which included the five real B-17’s in addition to the five models. They are all seen together during the take off sequence where ten B-17’s can be seen cab ranked along the peri-track leading to the active runway. The five models were placed on an elevated platform, on which was built a scale peri-track, with real grass planted either side. The real B-17’s were lined up in the distance, and by careful positioning of the camera, the sizes of the models and full-size are the same.

 The next scene was the final “Belle” landing on one engine. While there were stories of real B-17’s making it back on one engine, there was no way the models would fly on one. Pete Aston, one of the Model Effects team hit on the idea of fixing static dummy props to the cowls, immediately behind the flying props. With the camera cranked at the appropriate speed, even though it was over cranked to slow the action, the rotating props can’t really be noticed, just the static ones.

 The crash landing scene at the beginning of the movie saw one of the models landed on one wheel on a raised scaffolding runway, which allowed the camera to get to a scale eye level. The script called for the model to touch on one wheel, gently drop its wing, slew around and then explode. When Ken actually landed, he touched down a bit hard and the wing dropped straight away. Once the wing tip touched the ground, there was little he could do to control the direction the model slid. The B-17 curved straight towards the camera ( and it’s operator!! ), missed the safety netting and crashed off the edge of the platform, breaking the models back and severely damaging the port wing. Fortunately the film crew got the shot they wanted. The rest of the scene, with the B-17 sliding on its belly, was done by towing one of the studio B-17’s on a rope.

 A simple scene which went wrong involved one of the studio B-17’s burning in the foreground of the shot, and one of the R/C models taxiing past in the background. The smoke became a bit thick obscuring the view of the taxiing model, and it weather-cocked into the burning B-17. The balsa, and dope airframe was quickly destroyed by fire!

 The damaged model was later repaired and spent some time in the model museum at Goosedale, Nottingham until the museum closed. It’s current location is unknown. The original fuselage moulds survived, and were used more recently to produce several more B-17 models, which have been seen on the UK model display circuit over the past five years.

 Post Script

 The only photo’s of the model filming I have are copyright of the model magazine that they feature in. As a result, I have included some pictures of my own scratch built radio controlled B-17 model, completed in 1995. It is the same scale as the models used in the “Memphis Belle” film, and should give you an indication of the size of the models used.

 My B-17 “Hang The Expense”, is based on only the forth B-17G to be built, rolling off the Boeing production line in September 1943. It was assigned to the 100^th Bomb Group at Thorpe Abbott's and was given to 2^nd Lt Frank E Valesh and his crew in October 1943. It was destroyed in a take off crash at the end of November, while Frank and two friends were taking two Red Cross girls for a joyride!!

The photos below are of the model\ mentioned above: