B-17G Champaign Lady Restoration

[390BG]

Inboard (rear) wing spar.

[390BG]

Vertical going on for final time:

[390BG]

Fitting seats in cockpit.

[b17warbirdguru]

Marking the lines for the continuation of the 401st tail stripe.

[Airlift48]

It's all beautiful work, no doubt. My question is: When this birdie finally hits the skies, how much of it will be original Boeing produced parts?

[lmritger]

Paul, that immediately jumped out at me too... armor plated seats!!! Holy crap, that's awesome!

May seem a small thing to some folks but that indicates a remarkable dedication to accuracy. Well done team, keep up the GREAT work!!!

Lynn

[peter]

The workmanship and attention to detail in the cheek gun mounts alone speaks volumes for the dediciation to authenticity that this group is doing.. She will be absolutely stunning when complete!

[aerovin]

It's all beautiful work, no doubt. My question is: When this birdie finally hits the skies, how much of it will be original Boeing produced parts?

I doubt that any part of it was built by Boeing. It is a compilation of several airframes built by Douglas and Vega. Beautiful work especially considering what they started with.

[Airlift48]

Ok, now you're splitting hairs.

God help me, I forgot where I was posting..

So, let me rephrase..... Once this birdie hits the air, how much of it will be original factory parts vs. reproduced parts?

(Im not disparaging the work AT ALL, you folks are skilled beyond my capablities..way beyond)

[DH82EH]

Kevin,
I really liked Scotts reply to your question.
I took it to understand that it doesn't really matter.
You do what it takes to put her back in the sky.
His reply cleverly avoided the old "original vs reproduction" pitfall / can o' worms.

Nothing flying 70 years on is 100% original.

Andy Scott

The Lady is looking fantastic!

[Airlift48]

Im not trying to start an argument, Im just curious what is left of the 'original' airframe. Having maintained 4 engine transports for nearly 20 years, I understand that parts need to be replaced. Im just curious about sheet metal.

Our C-54 has its original sheet metal, with the exception of some cowlings and engines/mounts, etc. The tail is the original, the wings are original..etc.

So I ask, how much of the sheet metal/airframe is still the original produced metal? Was any of it still good?

Again, Im not knocking the project or the work, its amazing. Im just curious is all

[Iclo]

So I ask, how much of the sheet metal/airframe is still the original produced metal? Was any of it still good?

I followed this project on internet since its beginning : considering they started from completly crushed componenents (waist section broken, turttle desk smashed and "flattened " and they build from scratch the radio room section, etc
I guess only small parts could be used or some structural part.

This project is incredible and honestly I don't know if it's a restoration or a reconstruction.

[aerovin]

So I ask, how much of the sheet metal/airframe is still the original produced metal? Was any of it still good?

Just based on photos of the fuselage through the process, I'd say that about half or more of the underlying longerons and formers are original, as are many of the bulkheads. Some of it has been new built. I think all the fuselage skin is new. Watching the wings come together, it would look to be about half and half new built/original.

Perhaps someone who has worked on the project since the early days will add some definitive information.

[aerovin]

(Duplicate post)

[Airlift48]

See. That wasn't so hard. So about half new build and half original. Still pretty impressive.

What differences/improvements have been made on the new stuff vs. old stuff? Improved alloys? Better fasteners?

Some materials can't be sourced anymore (I think) how do you overcome those kinds of obstacles on a project of such magnitude?

KK