I am looking forward to checking up on this build. Always been a fan of the shark tails.
I have an Academy B-17 B in my closet. I built their B-17C/D many years ago. I saw this model in a hobby shop in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. I wanted one. I found one here and did my best. Not only did I build the stuff inside the fuselage, I painted it with the actual colors the instructions called for. I was VERY pleased with it.
A former girlfriend didn't feel like helping me move. All I asked her to do was hold the model in her lap while we drove to my new apartment. During the move, contractors smashed it while it was still at the old place. When I know I'll have a safe spot for it I'm giving it a shot. I'm really glad you're doing this plane. I'll be taking notes!