Official Build Thread for B-17E 41-2595 Desert Rat/Tangerine

[kidjim25]

Hi Everyone,

Here's another update to show how the nose just keeps trucking along. We've also gotten fairly far on the wings, removing all non structural items so that we can start the repair process in there as well.


wide angle shot of the nose


all skins and repairs done up to the top 1/3 currently under heavy repair/replacement. Once complete the entire front will be structurally sound for the first time since 1946


cockpit control box found only on E model aircraft. You won't see it on later models


our nose piece. It's missing a T shaped angle bracket that runs from the center top to the middle. Otherwise its complete.


heavy stringer/longeron replacement from bulkhead 6 to 10.


rivet line for that longeron replacement


last supercharger removed


said supercharger


wing tank removed. you can see the damage......


a long way to go but getting there

enjoy!

[Chappie]

Wow! Very exciting stuff! Is that PSP inside the hangar? Also, what is that classic car sitting there? Maybe a Pontiac?


Chappie

[N77657]

Thanks for the photos of the progress. I'm curious to know what the "cockpit control box found only on E model aircraft" is used for. Have you folks identified it's use yet?

Also to Chappie, what is PSP?

Thanks,
Bill K

[Pogmusic]

PSP - Perforated Steel Planking (Quick build runway material)

[kidjim25]

That is PSP! we have some of it down as flooring in the back half of the barn (wing and storage area)

as for the GTO it's not ours but is being stored/restored for a friend of Mike's

[Iclo]

In Normandy, you could always found lots of PSP in farms, etc

In our familly property, a unit of the Engineering Corps drops lots of them when they were stationned there. There were used to build fences, etc and are always there in the same place.

[Lightjug]

This is exciting stuff. Thanks for sharing!

Mark

[Chappie]

That is PSP! we have some of it down as flooring in the back half of the barn (wing and storage area)

as for the GTO it's not ours but is being stored/restored for a friend of Mike's

Cool car along with a cool airplane.


Chappie

[kidjim25]

So we've had some major advancements on the nose from the last time I posted a couple weeks ago.

Enjoy!


upper third stringers, longerons, and ribs all rebuilt and ready for riveting


new floor bracing installed from bulkhead 3 to 1


temporary floor installed so we can work inside the nose, but this is what the floor will generally look like


nose framing installed to test fit


view from the other side

Hopefully I'll be able to talk to mike tomorrow to get a better idea of all that's been going on
These photos came from our Facebook page so I haven't seen the new work in person.

[DH82EH]

Seeing the nose framing in place really forces you to visualize it as an "E" model.
I remember seeing photos of what Mike originally bought. You folks have come a long way.
You must have some real talented people on your crew. Keep up the great work, and thanks for posting!

Andy Scott

[hang the expense]

I have teased Mike for years about getting the nose back on that bird.'Bout time slacker! She looks KILLER by the way.

[peter]

Must be a real morale booster to see the nose going on even for a test fit! Well done!

[cooper9411]

It is really great to see your project coming together. The updates and pictures can do a lot to boost ones moral!!!!!

[DryMartini]

You may (or may not have noticed)
but the nose is unsupported by the jig.

This was a big moment, because the airframe had
sagged over the years, and Mike and the boys did
everything they could to make sure it was aligned
properly. Once the jig was removed, the nose did
not budge. SOLID!

[earnie]

very cool update on there facebook page,
wow this bird is looking good