My Epic Urbana B-17 Flying Fortress Odyssey

[Shay]

Ok all you Nancys can pull your panties out of your cracks.

I changed the title, but the point was to grab everyones attention and bring some recognition to this Flying Fortress.

Shay
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Semper Fortis

[Matt Gunsch]

When you post a subject line with the words crash or down, there are a number of us on here that own, operate or take care of Warbirds. My first thought is did I lose a friend today ? I have alot of friends that fly Mustangs, T-6s and Bill with the Spitfire, also others that fly B-17s, B-25s. So when I see a post like that, I take it personal. Unless you have lost someone close to you in a warbird crash, you might not, but I have, and it is not fun having to ID your best friend and pasenger, and tell his wife that he is not coming home.

If you want to take it as I got my panties in bunch, so be it, but when you are in aviaition and warbirds, you don't say crash or down, unless you mean it.

[tom d. friedman]

some real methodical detail going on.... right up to the cockpit roof structure!! you don't see any 17 restorations with that work needed!!!

[Shay]

some real methodical detail going on.... right up to the cockpit roof structure!! you don't see any 17 restorations with that work needed!!!

Tom when they're done there won't be an original rivet left in it. Everything is coming apart getting redone and put back. It's fascinating as well as mind boggling on a aircraft this size. I'll never complain about my 66 GTO I'm working on.

That's what i don't think most people get. They see and aircraft in the museum or at the airshow but they don't realize the complexity of the beast and the efforts of the who work on them. My hats off to you all.

Shay
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Semper Fortis

[tom d. friedman]

i agree, your right on the mark shay!!

[Bill Greenwood]

Shay, read the 2nd post by Matt,I think it says very well what we felt when we saw your headline. Your feature was well done, I'd guess you didn't put much thought into the ramifications. A B-17 loss could be particularly hard, it could have a crew of 5 and perhaps 5 or so innocent non warbird riders, even women or kids, not to consider that it is oneo of the planes we'd least like to lose with both historic as well as economic value. Anyone who has been in this field 5 years are so has lost friends, some of us even family members. I dread Mon morning during airshow season. But even if it is not a friend, even if it is a stranger in a plane that's not rare or historic, we feel the loss because warbirds, any aviation for fun is part of a family.

[ZeamerB17]

I'm assuming this is gonna be a flyer??

Dave

[retroaviation]

Looks like one heck of an undertaking! I wish them the best. Shay, what kind of equipment do they have to work on the airplane, such as sheet metal tools, jigs for the structure, etc.?

Gary

[Shay]

Just so everybody is aware. I have privately apologized to those who have voiced their anger with me and cincerly hope they accept it as genuine. I would also like to extend that apology to everyone here that took offese to my earlier title. It showed a lack of compassion for those in the Warbird community and class on my part. And honestly that's not who I am, so again I'm sorry and it won't happen again.

That being said:

I'm assuming this is gonna be a flyer??

Dave

Dave yes she's gonna be a flyer

Shay, what kind of equipment do they have to work on the airplane, such as sheet metal tools, jigs for the structure, etc.?

You know I actually did look at some of the equipment but appearently I failed to take pictures of them directly. You might see them in the background of some of me pictures. It looked to me(and don't kill me on the names) like they had presses, angle benders and larger shearers to name a few. I'll remember to take some snaps when next I go back.

They asked me "do you have any experience working with aluminum?" and of course I replied "No but I am taking Gary Austin's online course in aluminum working. He'll email me my certificate in May. " Just kidding of course. I did tell them young and strong and willing to learn. And when it get's to that point I'll be more than happy rely on my skill sets and work on the electrics, electronics and wiring of the Fortress if need be. I got no problem chasing electrons all day. but until then put me to work with what ever you need.

Shay
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Semper Fortis

[B-29 Super Fort]

Shay: Did they say how long this project might take. I realize money plays into it, but this is a very complex restoration.

[Shay]

Shay: Did they say how long this project might take. I realize money plays into it, but this is a very complex restoration.

Ya know what...I did ask the question about a timeline, but I don't recall a specific answer given. I imagine at this point it might be hard to say when with a project this large. I could be wrong (and I hope I am I hope it's earlier) I would say 6 years. But I'm a novice enthusiast.

A lot of good stories being told in that hangar. I was asked if I ever heard of a B-25 up in Columbus. I told them no and they told me that's because it's burried under the runway at the airport.

I think it'll be awesome once restored and flying. The Ohio country side will make a nice England-esk backdrop for photos. Especially on the foggy mornings. Just need a Spit, Hurri or some Little friend to escourt her.

Shay
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Semper Fortis

[Richard W.]

Wow! I feel sorry for anybody still on a dial-up modem that opens this thread.

Awesome photo-story, Shay. Thanks for sharing it.

[K5DH]

Great photos, Shay! Thanks for sharing them with us, and please be sure to keep 'em coming. That is one enormous undertaking, and I wish them all the best. The B-17 is a very complex airplane, and it looks like they're really doing it right. Do they have a web site?

After looking at all of the restoration-in-progress photos that have been posted lately here on the WIX, it looks like I need to quit my job at Raytheon and become a salesman for Cleco fasteners!

[Iclo]

Their website
http://www.b17project.com/index.php?opt ... &Itemid=26

With a Web Camera to follow their work in real-time.

Shay:, Thanks for sharing these pictures with us.

[Former Member]

Great pics Shay....thanks for sharing them!!

John