B-17 My Gal Sal might need a new home...

cptsmith · **Joined:** Sun Feb 05, 2012 6:59 pm **Posts:** 70

Getting Sal flying would still be quicker than getting the Labrador B-17 or Liberty Belle back in the air.

groundpounder · **Posted:** Sun May 06, 2012 11:18 am

I have always wondered about this restoration. It seemed to me that the idea of plopping it on the floor in a diorama type display was just a silly idea after all of that work. Second to that, why do all of that work in a half arsed manner ?? The idea of using pop rivets seems very short sighted and even a bit niave to think that it would be acceptable in any way. After sitting for so long with nothing being done i think that the best idea would be just to bolt it all together and display it indoors somewhere. Just my 2 cents.....

bomberflight · **Posted:** Sun May 06, 2012 11:42 am

I've tried adding two and two together and think the answer might be the best outcome any of us could wish for this airplane ......

Now we just have to show a bit of patience until there's an official announcement :drink3:

Kyleb · **Posted:** Sun May 06, 2012 12:54 pm

groundpounder wrote:

I have always wondered about this restoration. It seemed to me that the idea of plopping it on the floor in a diorama type display was just a silly idea after all of that work. Second to that, why do all of that work in a half arsed manner ?? The idea of using pop rivets seems very short sighted and even a bit niave to think that it would be acceptable in any way. .

A gentleman had a dream and the ability to fund it. He chose to restore the airplane to static configuration, because his dream was to commemorate those who had served with a static display.

I hardly think it is appropriate to denigrate the effort.

aerovin · **Posted:** Sun May 06, 2012 4:21 pm

Here is a cockpit view from August 1999 when the airplane was still in storage. I suspect new structure may have been involved in the creation of a static display.

"Pop rivets" implies running down to Home Depot and fixing a piece of garden furniture. This was an impressive and very difficult build-up from the ragged remains of a fuselage. Kudos to Gary Larkins and his team and Bob Ready and his team for what they did.

whistlingdeath77 · **Posted:** Sun May 06, 2012 5:30 pm

massachusetts or connecticut would love to have this plane! as well as the other states....... :lol:

AHancock51 · **Posted:** Sun May 06, 2012 5:53 pm

whistlingdeathcorsairs wrote:

massachusetts or connecticut would love to have this plane! as well as the other states....... :lol:

Were in the market for a '17 as well!

Steve Nelson · **Posted:** Sun May 06, 2012 9:26 pm

Quote:

"Pop rivets" implies running down to Home Depot and fixing a piece of garden furniture. This was an impressive and very difficult build-up from the ragged remains of a fuselage. Kudos to Gary Larkins and his team and Bob Ready and his team for what they did.

I think pop rivets were only used because they're easier, quicker, and cheaper. Since this was intended strictly as a static display, they're perfectly adequate. And you're right, they did a magnificent job restoring the interior to its original condition.

SN

groundpounder · **Posted:** Mon May 07, 2012 8:20 am

Kyleb wrote:

groundpounder wrote:

I have always wondered about this restoration. It seemed to me that the idea of plopping it on the floor in a diorama type display was just a silly idea after all of that work. Second to that, why do all of that work in a half arsed manner ?? The idea of using pop rivets seems very short sighted and even a bit niave to think that it would be acceptable in any way. .

A gentleman had a dream and the ability to fund it. He chose to restore the airplane to static configuration, because his dream was to commemorate those who had served with a static display.

I hardly think it is appropriate to denigrate the effort.

My point was simply that if you are going to build a new aircraft why cut corners on something like rivets? Surely, considering all the years that this FABULOUS aircraft has been stored it could have been put together in less of a hurry, using the appropriate fasteners. No intention to belittle the mans effort was intended, i was just working on the theory that if you don't have the time to do it right, where will you find the time to do it twice?? Again, no insult was intended.

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Mon May 07, 2012 2:40 pm

hagkid91 wrote:

whistlingdeathcorsairs wrote:

massachusetts or connecticut would love to have this plane! as well as the other states....... :lol:

Were in the market for a '17 as well!

Theres only one B-17 you guys are allowed to have.. er I mean re-aquire. :wink:

cptsmith · **Joined:** Sun Feb 05, 2012 6:59 pm **Posts:** 70

I would think solid rivits would also be cheaper than pop rivets and time wise would be about the same (need 2 people instead of 1 to install though).

cptsmith · **Joined:** Sun Feb 05, 2012 6:59 pm **Posts:** 70

I also have a good idea of where it's going, but I'm not at Liberty to say right now.

Kyleb · **Posted:** Thu May 10, 2012 6:21 am

cptsmith wrote:

I would think solid rivits would also be cheaper than pop rivets and time wise would be about the same (need 2 people instead of 1 to install though).

You need two trained people, air compressors, rivet guns, bucking bars, ear protection, etc.

With poppers, you need an $8 pop rivet puller and your 7 year old can do it when he's not busy writing his name on your walls in spaghetti sauce.

APG85 · **Posted:** Thu May 10, 2012 8:03 am

Kyleb wrote:

With poppers, you need an $8 pop rivet puller and your 7 year old can do it when he's not busy writing his name on your walls in spaghetti sauce.

cptsmith · **Joined:** Sun Feb 05, 2012 6:59 pm **Posts:** 70

Riviting is not that difficult, remember they had women building these things!

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B-17 My Gal Sal might need a new home...

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