NMUSAF Restoration update-B-17 "Swoose"

[Chris Brame]

While the Swoose is apart, is there any possibility of aiding the folks who want to build a replica B-17C with access to photos and drawings, or allowing them to make patterns?

Also, has there been any discussion on recovering the bathtub remains from the Tells Peak B-17C for the Swoose?

[Steve Nelson]

I will keep Kari busy

How about we run up the engines and test whether her clothes can stand up to the propwash...

SN

[warbird1]

I will keep Kari busy

How about we run up the engines and test whether her clothes can stand up to the propwash...

SN

She has nice turrets.

[mustangdriver]

While the Swoose is apart, is there any possibility of aiding the folks who want to build a replica B-17C with access to photos and drawings, or allowing them to make patterns?

Also, has there been any discussion on recovering the bathtub remains from the Tells Peak B-17C for the Swoose?

I would think that there is a chance of the first. If you shoot me a P.M. I can tell you who to get a hold of. As far as the tub, I have to say, that I really don't know.

[Warbird Kid]

While the Swoose is apart, is there any possibility of aiding the folks who want to build a replica B-17C with access to photos and drawings, or allowing them to make patterns?

I have been wondering this myself. Say you had a B-17G center-section and wanted to finish it as a C model, couldn't you essentially new-build the nose and rear section and have a very convincible Shark Fin Flying Fortress? Idea kicking around in the head.

[Steve Nelson]

That would be wicked cool!

Seems to me you could build a convincing D-model replica using G wings, shortening the forward fuselage, and building a new tail section. When I hit the lotto, I'll get right on it.

SN

[Nathan]

I think the size of the rear fuselages are a bit bigger on the late model B-17's then the early B-17's. I really don't think it would work.

[John Dupre]

While the Swoose is apart, is there any possibility of aiding the folks who want to build a replica B-17C with access to photos and drawings, or allowing them to make patterns?

I have been wondering this myself. Say you had a B-17G center-section and wanted to finish it as a C model, couldn't you essentially new-build the nose and rear section and have a very convincible Shark Fin Flying Fortress? Idea kicking around in the head.

Seems to me that you would end up with something neither swan nor goose! Sorry I couldn't resist!

I remember reading somewhere that there was something like 1,000 detail design changes between the F and the G model let alone between the D and G, so while you could build a replica that might look like a D there would be so many design changes that it really wouldn't be representative of the earlier model.

[JDK]

It is possible to stabilise an original scheme and metal, then layer that with a special wax based layer and then add a replica scheme over the top....

The 109E at the IWM Duxford has been done this way.

This was done with the Stars and Bars markings on the Enola Gay but they were in pretty good shape. Looks like the markings on Swoose are pretty bad. Probably not worth the effort...

Thanks APG, I'd agree. Are they even original?

I don't personally have details of how this is done, but I'm sure the NMUSAF does!

The documentation of this kind of restoration has to follow a detailed and painstaking path - thunderingly dull. A Mythbusters program about it would be cool. It would be great if a commercial program could be made as well. I do know you don't want to wade through the museum's documentation unless you want to lose the will to live. No Kari Byrons there.

[APG85]

Thanks APG, I'd agree. Are they even original?

I don't personally have details of how this is done, but I'm sure the NMUSAF does!

As far as the Enola Gay markings... The Stars and Bars probably aren't the original ones that were on the plane on August 6th. The plane had been re-marked for the Bikini Island operations - Operation Crossroads. At least I would assume they had been re-painted - just a guess though. I do know that the Stars and Bars that were on the plane at the time of restoration were covered with some sort of wax type film form preservation and then painted over with a fresh set.

[John Dupre]

Now that the Belle and Swoose have been bumped up in the schedule for restoration at NMUSAF and I agree wholeheartedly with that decision, both aircraft are too valuable historically to continue to languish while they wait. But, does anyone have any idea what aircraft were bypassed in the restoration line up? Will the schedule be restored to what it was before these acquisitions or is everything now up in the air?

[Pat Carry]

John, I'm sure either Chris or Jerry who both volunteer at the museum will be able to answer that question. Stay tuned!

Last edited by Pat Carry on Tue Nov 11, 2008 12:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[mustangdriver]

Now that the Belle and Swoose have been bumped up in the schedule for restoration at NMUSAF and I agree wholeheartedly with that decision, both aircraft are too valuable historically to continue to languish while they wait. But, does anyone have any idea what aircraft were bypassed in the restoration line up? Will the schedule be restored to what it was before these acquisitions or is everything now up in the air?

To be honest the big push was to get the beaufighter and some of the other projects like the YF-23, Mig-29, and a few others out before the restoration got real serious on the Belle. The main focus of the tema right now is mainly on the B-17's with a little more on the Belle. Then the A-25 and XP-75. Now after that there are a few X-planes and missiles to be restored as well as the C-99 which is getting attention already as well.

[Pat Carry]

Thanks for the update Chris. In other words there is enough work there for many years to come. BTW, did you get my PM of a couple days ago?

[mustangdriver]

I did, I was in the process of writting you back. That is a great idea.