Project Description

As part of the renovation campaign for their Amarillo, Texas FBO (Fixed Base Operator), TAC Air* commissioned Pacmin Studios to create a massive, 1/5 scale B-17G Flying Fortress for the lobby. This 14.8-foot-long (4.5m) model with a 20.8-foot (6.3m) wingspan was to serve as a tribute to the city’s history as a WWII training hub for B-17 mechanics. The model was designed to be suspended from the ceiling in a banked flight pose, greeting every pilot and passenger who enters the facility.

* TAC Air’s FBO locations were acquired by Signature Aviation in 2022

The Challenge

There were multiple challenges with constructing such a large and important model. At 1/5 scale, this B-17G was a giant piece of hanging architecture that needed to be structurally sound enough for overhead suspension while remaining mathematically accurate to the famous Memphis Belle B-17G Flying Fortress it was modeled after. The model also served a commemorative purpose for the local community: honoring the veterans who trained at Amarillo Army Air Field. That meant every detail had to withstand the scrutiny of those who knew the real aircraft.

The Plan

Fabrication took place over several months, following a plan focused maintaining structural integrity and historical accuracy. We engineered a lightweight but durable airframe with hook attachments capable of being safely suspended in a dynamic “banked” position. For the livery, we combined historical accuracy with custom meaning: the serial number on the yellow stabilizer was customized to reflect the date TAC Air was established as the FBO at Amarillo, Texas (November 1, 1993) and our graphics team worked with TAC Air to develop nose art complete with the nickname of “Amarillo Star”.

The Process

Our team created and used custom molds to create the body of the aircraft. Because a model of this size is visible from both the lobby floor and through upper entrance windows, every surface had to be flawless. We meticulously applied an iconic olive drab and neutral grey scheme, finished with hand-applied silk-screened graphics for the livery. Once complete, the model was delivered in a customized crate via truck. Pacmin team members met the model on site to work with TAC Air staff for final installation.

Custom cut molds to use for a large 1/5 scale B-17G bomber aircraft model by Pacmin Studios

The raw fuselage for a 1/5 scale B-17G Bomber at Pacmin Studios

Pacmin Studios painting the right wing of a 1/5 scale B-17G Bomber for the FBO at Amarillo, Texas.

A closeup of the engines of the 1/5 scale Boeing B-17G model aircraft for the Amarillo, Texas FBO at Pacmin Studios

The fuselage of a 1/5 scale custom aircraft model of a B-17G Bomber being painted at Pacmin Studios

A closeup look at the "Amarillo Star" nose artwork for the B-17G aircaft model created for the Amarillo, Texas FBO by Pacmin Studios

An overview of the finished 1/5 scale Boeing B-17G Bomber aircraft replica created for the FBO at Amarillo, Texas by Pacmin Studios

The left front half of a large B-17G model at Pacmin Studios before it makes its way to be installed at the FBO at Amarillo, Texas

The disassembled 1/5 scale Boeing B-17G Bomber aircraft replica created for the FBO at Amarillo, Texas in a crate ready for shipment

1/5th scale TAC Air B-17G model aircraft being unloaded by Pacmin Studios and Amarillo, Texas airport employees

Men install a 1/5 scale model of a B-17G in the lobby of the Amarillo, Texas FBO.

The Win

The Amarillo Star is more than an eye-catching lobby centerpiece, it is an emotional landmark. Upon installation, the model immediately began drawing stories from visitors, including the children of veterans who operated and worked on B-17s. bringing many to tears. By delivering a replica that met the rigorous emotional and technical standards required by the environment in which it would exist, we were able to prove that a model made with intention can act as a powerful bridge between a brand and its surrounding community.