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

[aerovin]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Thanks for the update Scott