Where's the Liberty Belle this winter ?

Sat Dec 22, 2007 2:28 am

Took this one of the CAF's Sentimental Journey at AirSho back in Sept. Does this mean they have the same problem/issue?

Sat Dec 22, 2007 10:29 am

Liberty Belle is wintering in Albuquerque, NM. Looks like they are working to clean up a lot of nagging problems to get her ready for the trip to Europe next summer, if it comes off.

Tail wheel retract mechanism still needs a little work, but until now it's been a low priority.

Chuck

Sat Dec 22, 2007 11:19 am

The Liberty Belle web site has some nice pictures on it now. I'd like to see some of the restoration...

http://www.libertyfoundation.org/

Sun Dec 23, 2007 8:53 pm

Some of the B-17s operators have unhooked their tail wheel retract system, to not risk having them get stuck in the up position. I think we do this with ours.

Mon Dec 24, 2007 3:18 pm

I have just finished rebuilding the tail gun(sorry,I cant spell chyanne) that will be going on Urbanas B-17.It had been involved in a dragging down the runway and let me tell you it wipes out alot of parts when this happens.The weight alone will wrinkle the skins all the way round it.I now have rebuild kits for these when the need arises.By the way Liberty Belle just got a new nose glass which should really enhance her looks as the old one was getting pretty tired.

Mon Dec 24, 2007 3:21 pm

michael luther wrote:Some of the B-17s operators have unhooked their tail wheel retract system, to not risk having them get stuck in the up position. I think we do this with ours.

I believe that Yankee Lady is one of the few that does retract the tail wheel. Norm said that they have a 'thorough maintenance program to allow it to be a non-issue', or said something close to that. I don't remember the exact phasing, but I *am* impressed by the organization.

Mon Dec 24, 2007 4:19 pm

Yankee Lady at MAAM WWII weekend, Reading PA. June 2007.
Tail wheel retracted.

Mon Dec 24, 2007 4:22 pm

Nice shot!!!