P-47 Dottie Mae progress anyone?

[AvroAvian]

Is this a light and does it protrude into the lead edge of the rudder?

Having an educated guess, I would say it is the rudder trim jackscrew. The rudder trim tab control rod would be connected to it.

This restoration is a sight to behold. I miss the newsletter that used to be sent out. Good to see some current progress photos though - thanks for posting jschillereff!

[mike furline]

Is this a light and does it protrude into the lead edge of the rudder?

Having an educated guess, I would say it is the rudder trim jackscrew. The rudder trim tab control rod would be connected to it.

This restoration is a sight to behold. I miss the newsletter that used to be sent out. Good to see some current progress photos though - thanks for posting jschillereff!

Now I get it, the turnbuckle ends looked like a lightbulb. Didn't make much sense for a lightbulb to be located there.

[Ken]

Part of me hoped this airplane could be preserved as found and kept as a time capsule. That said, I am thrilled to see the quality of the work and depth of the restoration. It will be a real tribute when she returns to the skies. Keep these awesome updates and photos coming. I vote for a sticky thread with all previous threads merged!

Ken

[gary1954]

So... how much of the aircraft will be original, it looks like a ship right out of the factory. I'm just askin'....it looks Awesome and I hope to hear her run and fly one day

[51fixer]

So... how much of the aircraft will be original, it looks like a ship right out of the factory. I'm just askin'....it looks Awesome and I hope to hear her run and fly one day

The vast majority of the exterior skins are new.
The great majority of everything inside the skin is original.

[Chappie]

Fantastic! Cannot not wait to see an original combat veteran fly.


Chappie

[eallen]

I am sure someone will chime in on this with better info but I remember another "Dottie Mae" message board topic or perhaps it was a Warbird Radio interview with Jeff that they planned on keeping the original parts that were not being used on the restoration for a display on the history, recovery, restoration of the plane etc. Hats off to another fine restoration coming out of that shop!

[APG85]

Part of me hoped this airplane could be preserved as found and kept as a time capsule.

Ken

I agree...

[Dan Johnson II]

More folks get a chance to see it and hear the story of it's recovery and restoration if the prop is spinning and it's flying.

Just my opinion of course

[DaveM2]

Best scenario might have been if it could have been traded to one of the National Museums for a non combat example....in a perfect world.
Nevertheless, every effort is being made to keep as much original material as possible and what isn't being used in the restoration is still being kept for display, so that is something at least.

[PbyCat-Guy]

wow, that looks amazing.... can't wait to see it fly

[flightsimer]

Very beautiful restoration!



Did you notice, does the canopy come back to a rather sharp point on the trailing edge? I can't tell with the tape being there.

I recently found a canopy in our rafters and I believe it was either the original or a replacement canopy we had for either our previous P-51 or P-47. I haven't gotten it down yet to find any numbers, but based off that picture, it looks to be just like ours.

[jschillereff]

I believe the canopy comes back to a point, I can't remember for sure though, sorry.
Jason

[Jesse C.]

Sorry, but I think there are enough time capsule birds already. Time to restore some and get them flying.

I like seeing planes on their gear and in their element. Crash dioramas just look too hokey for me. Reminds me of the Caveman ones I saw as a kid when they took us on school tours to see them at the History Museum. Too goofy looking and a waste of space.

These folks are doing a great job bringing Dotty back and she is going to look gorgeous in the sky!

Your mileage may vary!

[ktst97]

No news for a year now ?