Fustercluck Posted December 24, 2008 Share Posted December 24, 2008 Ok, I'm researching for a probable later build. I have already read most of the info on this site. Here is a new question. On the IPMS Stockholm site, it says: "The cabin floor was made of varnished plywood. In high-traffic areas, floors were covered with black rubber mats anti-skid purposes - in the waist, the radio room and the top turret area. The floor in the pilot/navigator cabin was left in natural metal." So what color was the floor of the cockpit ? Is it varnished plywood with a black mat? Is it natural metal? That doesn't sound right. Am I missing something? As it stands, I was going to paint it black or Dull Dark Green, now I don't know. Anybody have any info? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve N Posted December 24, 2008 Share Posted December 24, 2008 (edited) The only wooden floors I'm aware of in the B-17 were in the waist area. The floors in the cockpit, radio room and nose compartment were metal, and either DDG or with the black matting. Here are some interior pics of B-17E "My Gal Sal." I believe she's been restored to 100% original configuration. As you can see, the floors have black anti-skid matting (I believe the light-colored areas under the pilots seats are protective covers added by the restoration crew, similar to those things the mechanic puts on your floor mats.) Cheers! Steve Edited December 24, 2008 by Steve N Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WymanV Posted December 24, 2008 Share Posted December 24, 2008 One other spot-there is a floor of sorts where you climb in the nose hatch and go either forward or aft. I don't think the area is much bigger than 3'x3' and there's a big hole in the middle of course but the floor around the opening is wood with some sort of anti-skid treatment. Now seeing that in a model is another matter Ken Quote Link to post Share on other sites
100th BG Posted December 25, 2008 Share Posted December 25, 2008 The actual cockpit floor, that is under the pilot's feet, was unpainted aluminum. The floor aft of the seats, around the top turret was plywood and was originaly covered with black rubber matting. The radio room floor and the walkways in the waist were also plywood and got the same treatment as the top turret area. Period photos sometimes show the matting in place, others show it missing with just the bare, unpainted plywood. The nose was mostly unpainted aluminum with a small piece of unpainted plywood on either side of the chin turret mechanism. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fustercluck Posted December 25, 2008 Author Share Posted December 25, 2008 Wow, you learn something new every day. Thanks for the info guys. the pictures are a great help, thanks. I knew somebody here could set me straight. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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