why is b-17 swamp ghost to be relegated to as found diorama

[Milmart Militaria]

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor video series on our Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress. Restoration Specialist Syd Jones takes a close look at battle damage on the fuselage of Swamp Ghost.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3vrduQ ... e=youtu.be

[TAdan]

The PAM's reply addressing a question about the extent of the work that will be carried out:

"Pacific Aviation Museum Aloha ... At this point our restoration team has been focused on preservation. As you can see in this photo they've created custom support stands, as the airframe can no longer support its own weight. The fuselage is extremely delicate. The long term future of Swamp Ghost will be determined by the success of our fundraising efforts, but a complete restoration is not likely as so much of her story lives in the swamp."

Preserved and indoors? Sounds good to me.

[Mark Allen M]

Good amount of fundraising skill on their part as well

[p51]

Preserved and indoors? Sounds good to me.

Yep, me too.
It's a shame that there aren't any good B-17 restoration candidates which are PTO combat vets but I think the fame of this specific airplane is in the fact it stayed so long in that swamp. I think an 'as found' stablizing display would be far better than a complete restoration where so much of the original material of the plane was modified or lost.
Before it was known that the "Lady be good" was damaged badly after being removed from the desert, I had said the same about that plane, too.

[lucky52]

Just a question out curiosity,once the wings are bolted on would it be strong enough to stand on its gear(if the gear could be lowered)?

[p51]

Just a question out curiosity,once the wings are bolted on would it be strong enough to stand on its gear(if the gear could be lowered)?

Would you be willing to risk that? I sure wouldn't.