B-17G Champaign Lady Restoration

[390BG]

Same alloys- same fasteners. Built to the original drawings as closely as possible. Many extrusions still available, a few are not or they are extremely expensive for a small quantity. Sometimes have to take a slightly larger extrusion and cut it down, for example.

100% of the skin is new. Nose section new, engine nacelles new, radio room new, rear fuselage new (with the exception of a couple of bulkheads) Horizontal stabs are new. Most of the structure inside the vertical tail is original, but the fin is all new. Ailerons and elevator will be new. Rudder is original. Bomb Bay doors original, but new skin. Almost all the non-structural (or functional) items inside the airplane (guns, tables, floorboards, ammo boxes, seats, etc) is new.

A lot of the wing structure will be re-used after taking it apart, checking for corrosion and repair as necessary.

[Airlift48]

Wow. I mean.. WOW.

Thats a lot of new. It's just amazing the amount of work you guys have undertaken. I can only imagine what the cost for a nearly new build B-17 must cost, but from here, it surely looks like you're all doing a fabulous job.

Can't wait to see that birdie fly!

Good Luck!

[390BG]

[hang the expense]

My hats off to them all for the job they are doing on that bird. She is gonna be a beautiful bird when done.

[Zeus-cat]

[/quote]

The white part of the stripe looks a little cattywampus in the photo. I think it needs to be straightened.

[HBBates]

To "hang the expense"

Hi.. I've been trying to contact you via PM.. not sure its going out

[390BG]

Layout stars and bars.

Last edited by 390BG on Fri Jan 30, 2015 3:56 pm, edited 3 times in total.

[hang the expense]

Nice attention to detail.I am sure they will apply the correct size stars on the wings as well.

[APG85]

Just a question about painting and markings: On several restorations I've noticed the repaints and markings taking place during the re-build. Wouldn't it be easier to apply the finish coat of paint or the markings once the plane is fully completed and paneled up? This is how it's done with active aircraft undergoing PDM maintenance. Just curious.

[hang the expense]

Sometimes ya just cant wait.

[390BG]

[Warbird Kid]

Nice attention to detail.I am sure they will apply the correct size stars on the wings as well.

I sure hope so....

[390BG]

Plan is 50" circle on fuselage, 70" on wings.

[390BG]

Redo - borders were a little too wide.

[maxum96]

Love that picture