I am very glad to see this statement.
Copied from their website.
IMO I think that is just the right approach to take.
Quote:
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.
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