B-17 Flying Fortress/44-83735 ~ the Duxford resto thread

[shrike]

Not to mention that Boeing had as much success as a maker of cheap (plywood) furniture early on as it did with airplanes

[The Inspector]

From examples on display @ the MoF, there wasn't any plywood in Boeing built furniture. Plywood didn't come into wide use in furniture until after WW2 and was replaced by pressboard (sawdust, glue, binders and heat/pressure) that you currently find when you go furniture shopping @ Ashley.
And I'm pretty sure stuff like ammo storage and such fell under 'GFE' in the contract specs.

[p40b#284]

I would have thought that plywood is a lot easier to replace at squadron level, for any line upgrades, new nav aids etc. Different skillset and a lot easier to work with under limited conditions.

Mosquitos were made from plywood as well!

[the330thbg]

What about from a 'weight' standpoint. Less weight of the aircraft.. more bombload.

Plywood was used extensively throughout these bombers. Not just on the B-17, but on all of them.

Was aluminum just used for more critical applications?

Last edited by the330thbg on Fri Nov 04, 2011 11:17 am, edited 2 times in total.

[The Inspector]

'yeah, with that metal instrument panel, we'll be able to carry an additional 1/4 pound of bombs if you skip that second cup of coffee'

What IS your issue with anything Boeing?

[CAPFlyer]

Hey 330... since you're so hot on composites, why are you panning Plywood, the ORIGINAL composite...

BTW, Plywood has better vibration dampening for similar strength to metal in these kinds of applications. As such, use of Plywood, in addition to removing many grounding issues, makes a lot of sense for a aircraft instrument panel. So much sense, that some homebuilts still use plywood panels.

[the330thbg]

Plywood has better vibration dampening for similar strength to metal in these kinds of applications. As such, use of Plywood, in addition to removing many grounding issues, makes a lot of sense for a aircraft instrument panel. So much sense, that some homebuilts still use plywood panels.

Well after you cut through all the B.S. and peoples childish sour grapes attitudes.., you have to dig really, really, really deep through all of that.., but finally a 'sound' answer.

[The Inspector]

Are you running for office? Because that was a very non comment comment and a fair attempt @ misdirection.

But I'd guess that the real answer as to 'why plywood?' maybe that's what was in the specifications in the original contract. (darned it! There I go being logical again!!)

And, actually the Wright Flyer was the original practical composite aircraft. Wood fiber encased within tree resin are the original composite compounds

[the330thbg]

But I'd guess that the real answer as to 'why plywood?' maybe that's what was in the specifications in the original contract. (darned it! There I go being logical again!!)

YOU are clearly a legend in YOUR own mind!

Awesome!

Last edited by the330thbg on Fri Nov 04, 2011 3:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[the330thbg]

Always good to hear from you Jim !

I think I found a way to live the dream

You certainly have, mate!

[390BG]

Trivial point, but if you look at the Boeing drawings, the frame for the instrument panel was originally aluminum (prior to B-17G) - and the "G"s were made from plywood. Also - it is the frame, not the actual front panel (with the holes for the instruments) that is plywood.

[bomberflight]

A quick update from Hanger 5 at Duxford ......

Preperations are underway for painting the inner wing sections



with new filters being fitted to the air extraction system ......





No word yet on the paint scheme ~ we have to be patient for a little longer !

Meanwhile cleaning continues ~ these shots are of the wing trailing edge section .....





Another update coming soon

[Ken]

The wooden parts don't surprise me any more than marginal rivet edge distances in a non-structural area. As was said, the airplanes were not meant to survive a year, nevermind 66 years.

Bomberflight, any idea if the gear struts will be serviced (or permanently fixed) to display the airplane in its proper attitude once reassembled?

[N3Njeff]

Please tell me you guys listen to Glen Miller while your doing this

[The Inspector]

Ken,
I agree but it's just 45 years of conditioned training that causes me to raise a flag over things I know aren't correct, call it a character defect of always trying to make the product better and safer. 'If you don't have the time to do it right, when will you find the time to do it over?'

N3N Jeff,
I was hoping for some AC/DC (Bon Scott stuff)