Swamp Ghost Poll

JDK · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 2:21 am

So here's the question. You may select any two options.

The facts (and discussion) are here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=45818

The discussion would perhaps be better there - this is just a poll.

Regards,

Steve Nelson · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 5:13 am

I want to see her conserved as-is. I selected "on her gear," only because as mentioned elsewhere she's the only surviving B-17 with the early Bendix remote belly turret, and it would be a shame to hide that unique feature in a diorama setting.

SN

JDK · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 5:18 am

Thanks Steve. Regarding the turret, it would be an option to show it in a separate display stand next to the aircraft, which would actually be better, enabling the public to see both the interior and exterior parts of the unit.

Regards,

kalamazookid · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 6:21 am

I voted for conserved "as is" but would support any method that conserves all of the original airframe. I too would prefer to see it on it's gear, if it's structurally possible with what survives. If not, I believe that conserving the original material of what was actually there and part of history is more important than another rebuild. My preference is to preserve the history that is there, rather than attempt to recreate it (not that there's anything wrong or less impressive about that- just a preference).

I think Hawaii is a great place for Swamp Ghost. She will be seen by the many tourists who visit the islands, and will be displayed alongside a number of other historic aircraft.

marine air · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:49 am

I think there are "enough" B-17s already flying. Maybe more flyable B-17's than owners that can afford them at the moment. The swamp scene would be cool. THe Val at Chino looks great.
But, then again, its "all there." so It could be put back on its gear, with smaller planes sitting underneath it on display. It wouldprobablyhave to be repainted,sheet metal work, newprops etc.

The Inspector · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 9:07 am

marine air wrote:

I think there are "enough" B-17s already flying. Maybe more flyable B-17's than owners that can afford them at the moment. The swamp scene would be cool. THe Val at Chino looks great.
But, then again, its "all there." so It could be put back on its gear, with smaller planes sitting underneath it on display. It wouldprobablyhave to be repainted,sheet metal work, newprops etc.

+1 didn't we just have a big hair pulling contest about the Egyptian P-40 and how to display it? Most of whom (myself included) feel it should be displayed 'as found' Same here, show it as it sat for over 65 years as a tribute to those early combatants in the Pacific theatre and those combatants still unrecovered from those long ago battles.

Wildchild · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:24 am

Steve Nelson wrote:

I want to see her conserved as-is. I selected "on her gear," only because as mentioned elsewhere she's the only surviving B-17 with the early Bendix remote belly turret, and it would be a shame to hide that unique feature in a diorama setting.

SN

Didn't that turret get destroyed on landing?

george · **Joined:** Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:20 pm **Posts:** 435

A problem with displaying them "as is" in a diorama or static display is that Swamp, as well as the Lady and the Hawk, have all had major theft of parts, been torn to shreds by "visitors", and endured decades in the elements, so they are not as when they crashed. Restoring them to the look and condition they were in on their last flights would seem a respectful, authentic depiction. Why display victims of theft, severe vandalism and 60-70 years of weather deterioration when they could be flown to thousands to tell their stories the way they appeared on their last day in the war.

The Inspector · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 12:26 pm

The 'swamp' part is actually pretty easy to replicate. just swing by a buddies model train pike or a ship diorama and look @ the polymer 'water' in a bottle that can be made to simulate anything from a mud puddle or mill pond to a cataract.

cg51 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:40 pm

The Inspector wrote:

The 'swamp' part is actually pretty easy to replicate. just swing by a buddies model train pike or a ship diorama and look @ the polymer 'water' in a bottle that can be made to simulate anything from a mud puddle or mill pond to a cataract.

I have some, its called realistic water

JDK · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:43 pm

As of now, the poll reads:

Option - Percent Votes% - [Number of Votes]
Left in the PNG swamp as a tourist attraction 3% [ 3 ]
Displayed in a PNG Museum 3% [ 3 ]
Conserved and on museum display in Hawaii in a swamp diorama 35% [ 30 ]
Conserved and on museum display in Hawaii 'as is', or on its gear 33% [ 28 ]
Rebuilt to 'as new' static condition 15% [ 13 ]
Rebuilt to fly 10% [ 9 ]

Wildchild · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:51 pm

"Whoever voted for it to be left in the PNG deserves to be shot in the foot"

A slightly edited quote from Top Gear.

But still, that would have been the worst thing in the world for her.

JDK · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:59 pm

Wildchild wrote:

But still, that would have been the worst thing in the world for her.

Actually, the worst thing was to be left on a dock, which happened, luckily only for a while.

PinecastleAAF · **Joined:** Fri May 25, 2007 4:50 pm **Posts:** 1028

The B-17 in Black Cat Pass is still a viable tourist attraction

Chappie · **Joined:** Wed Dec 19, 2007 9:40 am **Posts:** 987

KEEP'EM FLYING!

Warbird Information Exchange

Swamp Ghost Poll

Who is online