Update on B-17D 40-3097 "The Swoose"

aerovin · **Posted:** Tue Aug 08, 2023 4:29 pm

One more update, this one of the B-17D at the restoration facility at the NMUSAF. I had the chance to take a close look at the airplane and the progress being made on the reassembly and preservation of the sole-remaining intact early shark-fin B-17.

https://www.aerovintage.com/2023/08/07/b-17d-40-3097-update-august-2023/

Chris Brame · **Posted:** Tue Aug 08, 2023 6:19 pm

Still think the now-surplus bathtub gun position would be a big help for the folks at the B-17C Project...
Thanks for the great update, Scott - appreciate all the photos. Did the museum mention anything going missing from the plane while it was in storage?

JohnB · **Posted:** Tue Aug 08, 2023 6:30 pm

Doesn't look much different than it did when I saw it there in 2011.
Of course, they had just started it when they devoted their resources to the Memphis Belle.

Scott, PM me if you'd like photos. Back then, it had more paint.
Also have some in progress shots of MB.

hurricane_yank · **Joined:** Wed Apr 02, 2014 9:33 pm **Posts:** 399

JohnB wrote:

Doesn't look much different than it did when I saw it there in 2011.
Of course, they had just started it when they devoted their resources to the Memphis Belle.

Scott, PM me if you'd like photos. Back then, it had more paint.
Also have some in progress shots of MB.

I agree...I know the Belle took their time but I am beginning to doubt whether I will ever see this done.

quemerford · **Joined:** Tue Jun 17, 2014 4:19 pm **Posts:** 1394

This is one example of when a polished metal finish is appropriate: I hope they can polish where possible and conserve where it needs to be done. The work being done on The Swoose and Flak Bait should serve as the benchmark for those whose idea of 'restoration' is to replace everything and polish it to death.

StangStung · **Posted:** Wed Aug 09, 2023 12:18 pm

quemerford wrote:

This is one example of when a polished metal finish is appropriate: I hope they can polish where possible and conserve where it needs to be done. The work being done on The Swoose and Flak Bait should serve as the benchmark for those whose idea of 'restoration' is to replace everything and polish it to death.

No doubt. The P-38, P-61 and even the JRS-1 at NASM are great examples of "dust it off, display it."

First, you are preserving the artifact rather than destroying its provenance.

Second, you are seeing the real thing, not some modern imagining of it.

Pat Carry · **Posted:** Wed Aug 09, 2023 9:24 pm

Thanks for the update Scott

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Update on B-17D 40-3097 "The Swoose"

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