AERO VINTAGE BOOKS
B-17E Desert Rat: Most Recent Update
Main Desert Rat Page
The Most Recent Update of the Restoration of B-17E 41-2595
The Restoration Log in Words and Photos
The History of Desert Rat (B-17E and XC-108A s/n 41-2595)
How You Can Help: Needs/Disposal/Contact Information, Etc.
Back to the Main Aero Vintage Page
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September 2010
The forward fuselage under gradual rebuild. Because the nose was chopped off, it needs to be structurally reattached. This has been a slow process as efforts have been diverted elsewhere. However, Mike Kellner notes his plan to finish up the nose section as the next big focus. Note the fuselage jig holding everything in alignment. That jig was the creation of Ray Moore down in South Carolina. The jig is a "transformer;" it will become a B-17C jig once the Desert Rat fuselage is completed. (Photo by Scott Thompson) |
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September 2010
This is the right forward window in the nose with the new window frame structure clecoed into postion. (Photo by Scott Thompson) |
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September 2010
Details of the fuselage jig and how it is attached to hold the sections immobile as they are fitted back together. The fuselage keel was replaced and forms the basis for allowing the nose to be reattached. Two important longerons located at the 10 and 2 o'clock position, have also been either replaced or slated for repair. (Photo by Scott Thompson) |
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September 2010
The framed B-17E nose piece came to the Desert Rat project coated in thick orange paint; no one is quite sure why. However, it is now being rebuilt for installation. (Photo by Scott Thompson) |
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September 2010
Interesting take on the forward wing attachement fitting on the right side of the fuselage. The wings were cut off with a welding torch, damaging but not destroying the fitting. Parts can be salvaged and worked into the restoration. (Photo by Scott Thompson) |
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September 2010
The aft fuselage section is largely structurally complete. Mike and his crew replaced the large cargo hatch in the left waist area several years ago. Now the section is awaiting being rejoined to the forward fuselage section before wiring and controls can be installed. (Photo by Scott Thompson) |
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September 2010
The interior of the aft fuselage shows the extensive structural work that was required to rebuild the section. Still a long way to go but further work on this section will await the joining of the fuselage. (Photo by Scott Thompson) |
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September 2010
On of the horizontal stabilizers being rebuilt. Much of the underlying structure was usable but the skins are being replaced. This part took a trip to the Thunder Over Michigan show a few days after this photo was taken. (Photo by Scott Thompson) |
Main Desert Rat Page
The Most Recent Update of the Restoration of B-17E 41-2595
The Restoration Log in Words and Photos
The History of Desert Rat (B-17E and XC-108A s/n 41-2595)
How You Can Help: Needs/Disposal/Contact Information, Etc.
Back to the Main Aero Vintage Page
Updated: