Memphis Belle

Thu Jan 29, 2009 8:34 am

I would like to know how the restoration is going. How much has been repaired, replaced and a time line of when it will go on display.

Thu Jan 29, 2009 8:52 am

Right now the rear fuselage and tail stinger has been 100% stripped and taken apart. All corrosion is being repaired and it is strating to come back together. The top and ball turrets were completely taken apart, restored, and are now complete and OPERATIONAL. The wings have also been stripped and corrosion is being taken care of. 4 engines have been zero timed, and are ready to go along with 4 overhauled props. Landing gear has been restored. Most of the equipment has been located, but some is still being looked for. The time frame, that i heard has been bumped up though, and they are hoping for May 17th, 2013.

Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:03 am

Thanks for the info mustangdriver. It's great to have a guy with "inside info" on the museums projects as a member of the forum. You also take some great photos and share them with us.

Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:12 am

mustangdriver wrote:Right now the rear fuselage and tail stinger has been 100% stripped and taken apart. All corrosion is being repaired and it is strating to come back together. The top and ball turrets were completely taken apart, restored, and are now complete and OPERATIONAL. The wings have also been stripped and corrosion is being taken care of. 4 engines have been zero timed, and are ready to go along with 4 overhauled props. Landing gear has been restored. Most of the equipment has been located, but some is still being looked for. The time frame, that i heard has been bumped up though, and they are hoping for May 17th, 2013.

Thanks for the info. on her.Last time I was able to see her was at mud island. It was close to me there, but I am glad they moved her to a Museum that will take better care of her.
Thanks

Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:26 am

Mustangdriver is there a list of item that are needed? Could you post them? Thanks

Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:57 am

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/exhibi ... ntlist.asp

Here is the want list I found on the site.

Thu Jan 29, 2009 5:44 pm

Thanks for the update Chris. I was hoping there would be an update about the Belle in the Friends Journal which came yesterday but I didnt see anything about the restoration.

Thu Jan 29, 2009 7:12 pm

Saw her a few weeks ago..they're definately making progress, but still have a long way to go. As impatient as I am to see the Belle returned to her former glory, I'm more than willing to wait for the restoration folks to take as much time as they need to do it right.

SN

Fri Jan 30, 2009 8:50 am

mustangdriver wrote:http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/exhibits/restoration/wantlist.asp

Here is the want list I found on the site.

Thanks for the information.