Dottie Mae Web Page Updated

[Jack Cook]

It just keep getting better!!!
http://alliedfighters.com/

[TAdan]

I am very glad to see this statement.

Copied from their website. IMO I think that is just the right approach to take.

Indeed we (collectively) understand the historical importance of 29150 K4-S ‘Dottie Mae’ and plan (where possible & safe) to undertake the following.

To retain as much of the existing airframe as possible. Good condition to be cleaned and reused, slightly damaged to be repaired, new parts to be old-stock where possible and at the last resort to be new.  New material to be clearly marked as new to assist in any future rebuild/restoration.

To fully document the restoration and dispose of nothing.

Retain all original paintwork and significant and preserved stencilling.

Stock restoration but retaining flak repairs and completing ‘29150 to as she was on the last mission in May 1945.

The original R-2800, 18cyl engine is being assessed and it is planned to rebuild it.

The original eight .5’ heavy machine guns and ammunition feeds to be re-installed.

Original instruments, gunsight and canopy Perspex.

The original nose artwork has been preserved and is already on display.

Other fuselage skins bearing the names of the ground crew as well as ‘Dottie Mae’ will be removed and displayed. These shall be replicated on new skins.

Where possible Original decals and stencilling is to be retained where possible.

Original paintwork is to be retained, where possible.

Original skins to remain un-cleaned to preserve the patina of 90 missions. New skins to be weathered to match.

These are but a few of the items on the list, which ultimately will make this a challenging project unlike any other that we have done previously & in fact what we believe will be one of the most significant restoration opportunities in the warbird community today.

[Holedigger]

Good! Sounds like they are going down a very good path in holding on to her historical integrity. That IS a very hard thing to do in trying to make a 60 year old, crashed airframe, airworthy again. Kudos!!

"install original heavy .5" guns"
Good thing they didn't recover it in England, the "authorities" would have whisked them away and cut them up!

[Jack Cook]

I was hoping that ya'll would notice that.
It's nice to see Jeff put his name on something.
He deserves a lot of credit but accepts little to none

[Django]

Wow! Sounds like maybe our prayers were answered! Can't wait to see the results.

How are they getting the guns back? Weren't they confiscated by the local PD?

[The Inspector]

What a wonderful series of sounds to wake up to, I almost didn't leave ALLIEDS home page because of the sound track!! Whomever their web meister is GOOD JOB BUDDY!!!!!!!!

[lmritger]

Fantastic job on the website, although the constantly scrolling picture bar is a little annoying.

I am beyond thrilled at the stated restoration goals, especially with the comments about keeping the 90-mission patina... THAT will make this bird stand above all others when complete. I know it will take a LOT of time for Allied to pull this off, but I am absolutely positive it will be the most incredible aircraft imaginable when complete.

And for Chrissakes, don't race it!

Lynn

[Jack Cook]

How are they getting the guns back? Weren't they confiscated by the local PD?

I could tell ya but them they'd kill ME

[Steve Nelson]

Sounds like they're making the best possible compromise between preservation and restoration. I'm more than happy!

SN

[Chad Veich]

Sounds like a fantastic (and challenging) set of goals. Many years ago a gentleman by the name of Dave Platt showed up at the scale radio control nationals with a superlative model of the Dauntless. It was among the first ever competition models with a weathered finish and it caused a sensation. Weathering on R/C (and plastic) models today is common. I wonder if "Dottie Mae" will make the same sort of mark in full size restorations?