Best B-17 restoration?

[mjanovec]

Of the B-17s that are currently airworthy and show up on the airshow circuit, which B-17 do people think that the best restoration...including interior restoration (i.e. most authentic interior, most components original to the type, etc.)?

Just curious what people think...

[bryang]

Of the b-17's I ve seen ( 9 flying ones---yankee lady seems very complete and original inside and out---------and the tallichet memphis belle gets the award for most ww2 authentic on outside---that plane is kinda greasy and dirty, just like you'd imagine after a mission---although most of them inside and out look pretty good

[RickH]

909?

[bryang]

your right about that---sentimental journey does have the operational equipment working forgot about that----your know the fact is all of the flying birds are pretty complete-----

[Xrayist]

I have never had the pleasure of seeing it, but I heard that Sally B is essentially the same today as it was when it was delivered right after WWII. I would think that that fact would make it pretty much the most accurate flying B-17. Just my humble opinion.

[Wolverine]

Beaten up inside, bad glass... No-- Sentimental Journey is not in good shape. Unless its any better this year than it was last year. Having had two B-17s in Kansas last September, I have to say that Thunderbird is definitely better than Sentimental Journey.

That said, the USAF Museum's B-17 is probably the best example. From what I understand, they restored it to the best condition possible.

9-0-9's pretty good too.

I've never liked the CAF restorations that much. Most have been in pretty bad condition (Yellow Rose, FIFI, Sentimental Journey--to name the most prominent). Their LB-30 has the wrong nose.

When Doc flies, its going to be very original (armor plating, etc). (slightly off topic, just comparing it to CAF restorations).

Don't get me wrong, I like the CAF and all. I just don't like the restoration quality.

[Ollie]

Having only been near two B-17s, that is near enough to compare them, I must say that "Pink Lady" is in much better shape than "Sally B".

And "Lady" has working turbos, those of us fortunate enought to attend Legends this year all remember the wonderfull break she did!

[V1VRV2]

Of the 11 I've been in and 4 I've flown, heres my vote;

Best flyable restoration - USAFM's Shoo Shoo Baby. Dover AFB Restoration team took a known combat vet, that they received as a shell, and stuffed it with every known authentic B-17 gizmo the the USAF "system" had remaining at the time. End result - time machine.

Best flying restoration - YAF's Yankee Lady. Globe Air Auction pick up, carefully rebuild over time with eye for class and detail. While not a 100% 1945 military combat showpiece, it's a perfect blend for todays IFR system and the ability send the endless lines of tours thru her on the road.

Runner up Sentimental Journey. Remember, she's been doing this quite longer than most, and it still is a stunning machine.

I must comment on the B-17 I'm most familiar with, Fuddy Duddy. Another Globe Air goodie, when aquired in 1986 by the NWM (Geneseo Division), it was the best of that lot, and possibly at the time. the best canidate for a world class restoration. Financially impossible at the time, it went right to work on the circuit, where it's been (on & off) ever since.
As a low TT , late G block Douglas build aircraft, with all of it's original airframe systems (turbos, emergency brakes, etc.), little sheet metal replacment, she's a straight as they come.

As an aside to Ollie, I'm sure that you are aware that the turbos in Pink Lady are only used for take off, high altitude ops, and usually available for go-arounds. They would not normally be used (or even on)
during the break.

Just my opinion,

Rob

[Wolverine]

Remember, she's been doing this quite longer than most, and it still is a stunning machine.

Sentimental Journey? Stunning? I beg to differ, sir. She is a very beat up bird. When she comes to town in a couple weeks, I'll check again, but I was not impressed. Externally, she looks fine, but internally is a diffferent story completely.

Sorry if I sound too mean, don't mean to at all. After all, I do agree with you on Shoo Shoo Baby

[aerovin]

Of course, for Shoo Shoo Baby, the paint is completely incorrect as that airplane was NMF in AAF service. Understandable given the skin condition, but probably not what would be done today. I think that the Museum of Flight B-17F is probably as good as Shoo Shoo Baby, at least the same category. As for flyers, there's a difference between best condition and best restoration or most authentic. I'd think that both turrets would have to be operable to be an authentic restoration.

[TimAPNY]

The last time I toured Fuddy Duddy I was very disappointed (2001). The Ball turret was just a shell that had in framework on the inside. There was just plywood running from the rear hatch to the Bombay bulkhead.

Yankee Lady, 909 are beautiful aircraft.

[chasd25]

Saw Sentimental Journey a few years back, and thought it was pretty nice looking. Some maintenace was going on at the time so I did not have a chance to look inside.

She was all polished up, and looked quite nice. Here are a few of the pics from my visit.

Charlie

[Wolverine]

Good to know SJ's nose has been changed.

Yeah...
Thunderbird did have a wierd nose.

My main problems with Sentimental Journey are that the top turret is bad (paint, glass), there is a lot of rust inside especially in the tail and ball turret), and the ball turret didn't seem right. That said, if I were making a movie and had to use the inside of a B-17, I'd pick SJ, as she looks like she's been through combat (However, I'd fix the navigator's desk ).

I'm not an expert on paint, so I won't go there.

[Nathan]

I'd have to say B-17E "Swamp Ghost" is the most original, intact B-17 today .

As for flying.....even tho Fuddy Duddy lives in the next town from me she would not be my first choice to pick. But the paint scheme is spot on I think.

Movie Memphis Belle is the best in outside apperance. I also like the way she looks. Nice and dirty with oil streaks and paint chipped . When I was younger 6 or 7, I got to go inside this airplane. It was like being in the movie. At one point I was in the radio room and I was surprised to see the same gun that "Danny" used in the movie with that round mount. That was ARESOME to see. Since he was my favorite charictor in the movie, it was quit special for me!!

As for interior, I'd go with Yankee Lady.

Cheers,
Nathan

[jhor9]

I've had a ride in Collings 909 also Aluminum Overcast both are in pretty good shape, although there is seating arrangemenys for 7 paying passengers.

My biggest kick was when I had a ride in Don Whitingtons restored B-17 at Executive airport in Ft Lauderdale, FL about 6 years ago. I had about 15 minutes in the right seat at the controls. It was a big thrill after 50+years