Memphis Belle restoration update June 2009

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 10:04 am

RickH wrote:

James, I'd bet all of those original hoses and such have long since been replaced anyway. I know that all of the fuel tank plumbing, including some hard lines were cut at the wingroot during the diassembly for one of its many moves. This was done probably 25-30 years ago.

Rick is right the wiring and plumbing was cut during the restoration and moving around that took place in the 1980's. I do not think that they are going to do the engine run. The engines and all systems will indeed be complete, but it has more to do with the need of having to reclean all of the tanks and lines before moving it to the main building than anything else.

sgt hawk · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 11:06 am

I am facinated by the quality of restoration on the turrets. Will they be operational? Being a B-17 weenie "The Belle" is like my Mecca. To see this restoration in progress is a real treet and it's a bonus that we have Chris on the inside. Much thanks goes in his direction.

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 11:21 am

Thanks very much man. The turrets will be fully operational. It is an honor to even be near these aircraft.

Steve Nelson · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 1:36 pm

Quote:

the waist windows slid forward so the gunners had a clear field of fire. Never seen that detail in any other photos before

That was a feature of the E/F. The B-17G had various styles of fully-enclosed waist guns..I'm sure it was less windy, but I don't know if it made it any warmer.

SN

the330thbg · **Joined:** Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:06 pm **Posts:** 2713

probably added about 10mph as well!

Mike · **Joined:** Tue May 04, 2004 8:54 am **Posts:** 3331

Is there any truth in the story that it will have to be scrapped as the paperwork surrounding the transfer to the NMUSAF has been found not to be in order.................?

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 2:30 pm

I'm here to talk about aircraft. If you want to start another thread and have fun bashing then go ahead, but keep it out of my thread please.

Brad · **Joined:** Thu Apr 29, 2004 10:30 pm **Posts:** 1131

Mike wrote:

Is there any truth in the story that it will have to be scrapped as the paperwork surrounding the transfer to the NMUSAF has been found not to be in order.................?

Maybe it still belongs to the war assets administration and has to be returned to storage here at Altus AFB!

lmritger · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 3:23 pm

mustangdriver wrote:

I'm here to talk about aircraft. If you want to start another thread and have fun bashing then go ahead, but keep it out of my thread please.

C'mon Chris, that was kinda amusing... we don't want it to turn into another crapfest, I agree, but he WAS on point...

Thanks again for the pics and status update- I can't wait to see her with a PROPER paintjob again! They preserved Tony Starcer's original "Belle", didn't they?

Cheers,

Lynn

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

warbird1 wrote:

I heard a rumor that the NMUSAF was going to scrap the Swoose because the paperwork and transfer of title from the NASM was incorrect.

Mike wrote:

Is there any truth in the story that it will have to be scrapped as the paperwork surrounding the transfer to the NMUSAF has been found not to be in order.................?

Apparently, some people here don't read the whole thread before posting. You're a day late and a dollar short. Try being original next time. :lol:

Misterg97 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 3:42 pm

Great pictures Chris ... it was a pleasure visiting with you last friday .... Haven't forgotten the clips taken from a B-17 in '44 ... will get them together and email them.

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 3:44 pm

I just am tired of all of the fights in some of the threads. Tony Starcer's Belle was gone back in the 1950's. many differnt people have repainted it, and the last to do it was Phil Starcer the Nephew of Tony.

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 3:45 pm

Misterg97 wrote:

Great pictures Chris ... it was a pleasure visiting with you last friday .... Haven't forgotten the clips taken from a B-17 in '44 ... will get them together and email them.

Same here. IT was great getting to meet up with another fellow WIXer. I look forward to meeting up again. I enjoyed our time very much!

Taylor Stevenson · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 4:53 pm

Makes me sick to see the P-82 with the NMUSAF, just sick.

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 5:14 pm

I have not heard what the plans are for the P-82, but I do not feel sick about it being in Dayton. It is indoors, and is going to be given a full restoration. I know that there are all kinds of feelings about it, but it is where it is, that is not going to change, so let's just support the preservation of this aircraft.

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Memphis Belle restoration update June 2009

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