Duxford Wednesday 1st August:
With the final stages of Duxford’s B-17 assembly underway, it has been getting difficult to find material to update this thread. Although there are a few finishing touches remaining (chin turret, one elevator, rudder etc), the 16 month project is now effectively complete. The last items on a very long list will be added as other work allows.
So it’s probably a good time to wind up this thread.
We’ve managed to post 1392 photos (yes, I counted!) since Bomberflight started this thread on April 8th of last year. I doubt any single aircraft restoration has had such detailed coverage on the internet, and the feedback from this forum and elsewhere has been very heartening. Many thanks to everyone who has added to the story of one B-17.
It should be remembered that the work on ‘735 was never meant to be a total restoration. A window in the IWM schedule permitted some major anti-corrosion work on the structure and a repaint was required afterwards. A very demanding deadline was met despite additional problems encountered along the way.
Looking to the future, ‘735 will take centre stage in the American Air Museum for the next two years, until a major re-organisation takes place in 2014 (Now there's an idea for a future thread...). Any additional work on the B-17 will be programmed for that time, and a decision on how to present the aircraft will be part of the planning procedure. My personal view is that a representation of a combat veteran will help bring the exhibit to life. The debate on nose art has been the main talking point both on this forum and elsewhere (everyone has an opinion, and every opinion is valid!). It’s no secret that IWM wants to put more emphasis on the personal stories behind the exhibits, so the next revamp of the AAM may mean fewer airframes and more background displays. Unit markings would therefore help tell the remarkable story of the 8th Air Force campaign and the people involved.
Make your views known and send money!
And this B-17 story would not be complete without mentioning the people involved with the aircraft over the last 16 months. A team of IWM engineers and a group of volunteers have worked hard to achieve a magnificent result, and without their help this thread would not have been possible. I would like to end with my personal thanks to all for their tolerance, good humour and encouragement in allowing access and providing information and context. IWM at Duxford don't have the resources to continually update all their projects, so I hope our unofficial efforts have helped bring attention to the important work they do.
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