NMUSAF restoration update-Memphis Belle

[mustangdriver]

Just got back from Dayton and thought I would update you guys on what is all going on with the different subjects. The first is the Belle. On all of these I will just post the pics, and you guys can make your own decisions. The Belle's turrets are nearing completion and are 100% complete and will be operational.

[Nathan]

Its gonna take 10 years to complete? Looks like they did alot already!

[APG85]

Great pictures!!! And the Swoose...?

[mustangdriver]

She was moved in the fall of 2005. They said 7-8 years from that point. The Gen. has recieved more help then once thought so that more of the people from the WWII Generation may see her.

[steve dickey]

Hi again Chris, in that first photo(second also the same?) Is that inside the wing and what part, do you have a broader photo of that area? Alsowhat type of media blast did they use on the interior? Thanks.

[mustangdriver]

Well they started removing the paint with plastic and this nasty pink remover that works really good, and is better for the enviroment. But I can't remember what it is called. Above that, I am not sure.

[Owen Miller]

Thanks Chris, tremendous stuff!!

I envy your knowledge/access!!!!

Thanks,
Owen

[APG85]

The turrets look fantastic. This will be a beautiful restoration when complete. Thanks for keeping us up to date...

[Pat Carry]

Great pics Chris. Great progress is being made there!

[mustangdriver]

THanks guys. You can't tell but in the first two pics of the wing sections, they have been really given a nice restoration. While doing this, an original repair was noticed. After research it was founf the repair was a wartime repair of battle damage. The repair was left in the restoration as it is part of the aircraft's history.

[Django]

Thanks for this and the swoose and A-25 updates!

[retroaviation]

Hi again Chris, in that first photo(second also the same?) Is that inside the wing and what part, do you have a broader photo of that area?

Steve, that is the trailing edge of the inboard portion of the wing.

[Holedigger]

Very cool pics. Thanks and keep em coming! Could have used some of those pics last year!

[mustangdriver]

Wow! I love that art work.

[Holedigger]

I should have waited until the museum was done with their interpretation of "Belle" would have saved me an immense amount of research time! Of course that would have been several more years from now! Though since I finished it, I found a pic of her supposedly right after her last mission (which is the time frame I aimed at) and there is NO snake under the port waist gun....guess I'll delete it! Still looking for corroboration of that bit.