B-17 Projects

DryMartini · **Posted:** Wed May 14, 2008 4:13 pm

Quote:

The B-17 project that is "not public yet"... would a WIXER have to assume a PNG airframe here, or maybe Bolivia, or Greenland, or ...????

Where ever it originates from I'm just glad to hear there is another.

None of the above - It is a domestic project, planned on being a B-17F.
About as ambitious as the Greeley CO bar B-17 project, I'd say, but the
guy doing the work has his priorities straight, and he does some good work.

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Wed May 14, 2008 4:18 pm

Very good to hear another "chinless" B-17 will be around. I for one love the idea of a few G models being back dated to resemble a earlier version. More diversity i say in the species!

Now if only someone would build an all new D model nose and tail section and graft them onto an existing G center section and wings. Of course including new gun turret gondolas. :wink:

Mike · **Joined:** Tue May 04, 2004 8:54 am **Posts:** 3332

Do you think they'll paint it as 'Memphis Belle'?

(Ducks, and runs for cover)

warbird1 · **Joined:** Fri Sep 21, 2007 6:25 pm **Posts:** 2760

Mike wrote:

Do you think they'll paint it as 'Memphis Belle'?

(Ducks, and runs for cover)

Better yet, do you think the paint job will be funded by taxpayer dollars?

* Runs and ducks behind Mike*

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Wed May 14, 2008 4:31 pm

Uh oh!

warbird1 · **Joined:** Fri Sep 21, 2007 6:25 pm **Posts:** 2760

In all seriousness though, I seem to remember hearing about a project that was going to recover the last "sharkfin" version of the B-17 from a crash site somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Anyone know any more info on this?

SPANNERmkV · **Posted:** Wed May 14, 2008 4:32 pm

IF...

They'd put a TRIANGLE P on it (384th BG-H) I would send more than soda can money!

:supz:

hang the expense · **Posted:** Wed May 14, 2008 11:24 pm

Ha, gotta have the square D or J. I will supply the paint.

Nathan · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 7:05 am

Quote:

I have indeed seen and heard this aircraft portrayed as the real Belle on several events. It took place more back a few years ago. I am sorry but it's not the real aircraft

Maybe you heard that from an uneducated airshow announcer. Never have I heard the owners say that the movie Belle was the real Belle. :shock:

Django · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 7:59 am

It's ok... remember they were BOTH in movies. So maybe the real one should put "movie" on the side as well for William Wyler.

Second Air Force · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 8:41 am

warbird1,

As I recall, there is a movement afoot to build a C or D more-or-less from scratch. I believe the wings and center section were to be sourced from existing remains and the fuselage aft structure made from scratch. It's been said on WIX before, all you need are cubic dollars and most anything can happen. 40-2047 is sitting in the mountains of California near Tell's Peak. Google will bring up numerous hits that show how much of this airplane is left. I don't know if it could be retrieved or if it would be worthwhile to do so for other than small fittings and such.

Regardless of how it is done, I would love to see an early B-17 take to the skies again, not to mention having The Swoose restored and on display.

Scott

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 9:23 am

Nathan wrote:

Quote:

I have indeed seen and heard this aircraft portrayed as the real Belle on several events. It took place more back a few years ago. I am sorry but it's not the real aircraft

Maybe you heard that from an uneducated airshow announcer. Never have I heard the owners say that the movie Belle was the real Belle. :shock:

UMMM no, but let's keep all of this off of his thread. But it was by a crew member. Trust me.

Nathan · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 9:31 am

mustangdriver wrote:

Nathan wrote:

Quote:

I have indeed seen and heard this aircraft portrayed as the real Belle on several events. It took place more back a few years ago. I am sorry but it's not the real aircraft

Maybe you heard that from an uneducated airshow announcer. Never have I heard the owners say that the movie Belle was the real Belle. :shock:

UMMM no, but let's keep all of this off of his thread. But it was by a crew member. Trust me.

Perhaps the crew member was uneducated too? :lol:

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 9:33 am

He was one of the pilots. I was working on the aircraft at the time in the radio room, and couldn't believe what I was hearing! And it wasn't only him, and it wasn't only that day.

Nathan · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 9:35 am

mustangdriver wrote:

He was one of the pilots. I was working on the aircraft at the time in the radio room, and couldn't believe what I was hearing! And it wasn't only him, and it wasn't only that day.

Well thats sad.

I can't dought that not everyone is honest in the warbird world. Tis life I suppose.

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