Stored Fort in Brazil

[george]

I find this a little sad. Although disassembled, looks to be in excellent condition. Apparently has been stored in this shed/hanger for years. Wonder if this G has any future.

Found here:

http://members.cox.net/b17brian/b17/Rio/index.htm

[DaveM2]

George


I believe it is stored in the Brazilian Air Force Museum, so no need to worry too much.

Dave

[jet1]

....that beats the hek out of the way we treat some of ours.

[T J Johansen]

They apparently have another one sitting outside at Recife.

http://members.cox.net/b17brian/b17/Recife/index.htm

T J

[Jesse C.]

Any histories on these? They seem to be in great shape.

[mustangdriver]

....that beats the hek out of the way we treat some of ours.

And how is that? We have some on outdoor display, so do they. They have one dismantled in storage, so do we. But we have many on static display in beautiful condition. then we have the group of Forts that are operated by museums and owners that bust their butts to keep them flying. Oh I know I know the AMVETS B-17 at Tullare, and the one at Barksdale. I wil bet you any money that they will get more attention(and soon) than either of these two will get.

[Pat Carry]

Any histories on these? They seem to be in great shape.

According to Scott Thompson's excellant resource book "Final Cut", the one in storgage in Rio is 44-83718. She was operated by the USAF as a SB-17G thru 1955 when it was transferred to the Brazilian government who flew it until 1968. At that time it went on display for awhile at Natal,Brazil and later placed in storage for the Museu Aerospacial in Rio.

[Pat Carry]

Any histories on these? They seem to be in great shape.

Also according to Scott Thompson's book "Final Cut" the one at Recife,Brazil is 44-85583. She also served in he USAF as a SB-17G untill 1951 when it was transferred to Brazil. This Fortress was withdrawn from service in Brazil in 1968 and was placed as a gate guard at Base Aerea de Recife where it remains today.

[Jesse C.]

So these are pretty much stock machines with no goofy mods or wakcy cargo doors. Cool!

I wonder why no one has tried to pry them out of the hands of the Brazilian Air Force?

[Second Air Force]

Thank you for starting the thread, George. I'm glad that the airplanes are still intact and taken care of by the folks in Brazil.

Scott

[John Lane]

I was down there in 09 and saw the B-17G in question. The fuselage, engines & props being stored in a hangar next to the museum. The wings are being stored outside laying on top of each other! They indicated this would be restored as a rescue ship but didn't know when they would be started! I have to say they have quite a collection of aircraft in Rio and they do it with all volunteers as to which are made up of retired Air Force mechanic's and active duty personal on their off days.