model airplanes? Options

[alligator]

I am planning on getting my boyfriend a model airplane for christmas because he's really into those, but I know practically nothing about them. I am going to get him a B-17 Flying Fortress from WWII. What are some good brands to get? And how big are the different scales? How much do they normally cost? The closest hobby store is pretty far from where I am so I'd like to know before getting in the car and driving all the way over there.

Thanks for any suggestions... I don't know if this is even the right forum but I couldn't think of anywhere else to put this.