B-17 restoration rumors

[DryMartini]

So, what do you know?

The Schiffer's in Urbana
Don Brooks' Dyche Lake recovery
The Rat

"Swamp Ghost" <-- ?????
Paul Allen's B-17 <-- Currently up for sale?

I've heard a rumor of a B-17C restoration
that is just getting started.

[ww2John]

While visiting Flying Heritage Collection in May, one of the docents indicated there were questions as to whether the B17E would remain in the collection, or for how long it would, or whether it would be restored to flight. Nothing said that was that specific, but that there were at least those three (unsolicited) options being spoken about by the docents.

Having reported that, I should also report that the restored B17E components on display seen during the guided tour were, by all appearances, done to very high standards of workmanship and authenticity, IMHO.

They showed part of 1 wing, the vertical stabilizer, the complete tail gunner position and a very small part of the forward fuselage.

I can show no pictures out of respect for their photo policy, which is as many pictures as you want for your personal enjoyment, but no publication in print or web site, etc. without prior express permission.

I will say that everyone on our tour was treated very well by all the docents and the tour was worth the time and effort to get there.

Your list of restorations is missing the Boeing Bee which is still under restoration. I had the chance to visit the Bee in Seattle, thanks to a friend who made arrangements with security and got permission for me to visit the Bee in a large Boeing building down the street from the museum.

While the largest amount of restoration was completed several years ago, and the a/c was flown to its present location, the terrific group of volunteers, at this point mostly veterans, are still hard at work finishing the interior restoration work that is not related to flight status. While this aircraft is not destined to fly again (museum policy I am told), the aircraft is currently maintained in airworthy status. It is also very authentically equipped with the proper military equipment.

And to Dry Martini, hope all is going well with the Desert Rat team; another great group of B17 people doing some really hard restoration work.

[DryMartini]

Paul Allen's B-17 restoration is first rate.
It should be for all the money that was spent on it.
Of course, as I understand it, they have a bombay and
a tail gun enclosure - and most of the original aircraft
that flew in a few years ago.

As for Boeing Bee - I had considered that already
restored as it had flown, although it is being brought back
to factory fresh condition from what I read on the WIX board.
Mike (owner of The Rat) had flown with Bob Richardson
in that plane many years ago. He still talks about Bob
"wrenching" that bird around the air.

[DIK SHEPHERD]

So, where is this "C" model you're referring to?

[DryMartini]

I was wondering if you were going to catch that.



Supposedly, the 'C' model's location is here in Illinois.

[DIK SHEPHERD]

Are you going to be a bit more specific?

And why is it not on Scott's listing?

[Chuck Giese]

Don Brooks' Dyche Lake recovery

Hi Dry,

The correct spelling is 'Dyke' Lake. I believe you're confusing it with a certain stadium....

Chuck