Hi Bill,
The history of this B-17 is well documented in chapter 6 of the Haynes Owners Workshop Manual
She was operated from 1952 thru 1972 by the French Institute Geographique National ( IGN ) and then parked and used
as a spare source for the other B-17's in the IGN fleet ( which included removing the undercarriage )
When the B-17 that was to become Sally B was purchased from IGN by Euroworld in 1975 ~ Mary Alice ( then named "La Duxford Belle" )
was also purchased as a derelict hulk in 1975 for spares. It arrived in sections by road at Duxford the same year.
The B-17 was purchased by the Imperial War Museum in 1978 for restoration as a static exhibit. A huge undertaking that required sourcing
most of the WW2 interior fittings to make it look complete. I'd say that more than 80 pct of the WW2 interior kit now in place was missing when
the IWM took her on in 1978.
I'll be covering why "Mary Alice" was selected as the paint scheme during the previous restoration ~ if you can't wait 'til then ~ take a look
at the chapter from page 182 in Claims To Fame - The B-17 Flying Fortress by Steve Birdsall and Roger Freeman
I'm hoping to photograph the interior as the refurbishment continues over the next few months and I'll share those images here.
Mary Alice hasn't flown since 1972 and given her history as a spares source ~ it would never be a good candidate for an airworthy restoration.
This is not to say that the work that has been done ( and is being done now ) is not to the highest possible standards ~ because they people
on this project are motivated professionals. With assistance from supervised volunteers like me.
I think we are all keenly aware that the work done now
has to be good enough to last the next 30 years ~ or longer.
The whole point about the American Air Museum at Duxford is to conserve airframes in a building that can sustain them for as long as possible.
They help to tell the history of American air power and educate future generations about the significant part it has played in the freedom of Europe.
There is some surface corrosion on the skins exposed so far ~ and I hope to show you that as it's treated on this thread.
The one thing that is paramount in my induction as a volunteer in health and saftey at all times when in the hangar and working on or around the airframe.
Thanks for your thoughts about me and the team though !
Another picture post will follow soon
_________________
Blue Skies .....
Peter
Consolidated by US state ~ see if there's a heavy bomber tour stop coming to an airport near you ......
http://www.bomberflight.infoWarbirdapps on facebook ~ every day a new image from my personal journey thru the world of warbirds .....
https://www.facebook.com/Warbirdapps