Shoo Shoo Baby restoration pictures- October 1981

[Richard W.]

I took these pictures at Dover AFB in 1981. My father had been with the 512th MAW in the Fifties, and was showing me the base. I recall that we just drove in without being stopped at the gate. (I suppose those days are never coming back.)

If I am remembering it correctly, the nose art was repainted by the same
man who had originally painted it during the war, Tony Starcer.



Everything was open for visitors. I think there was a sign saying that the mechanics were working while off duty.

[APG85]

Great pictures!!! Wonder why they painted the plane before final assembly? I see that alot in warbird restorations but it doesn't make much sense to me. In current (active duty aircraft) depot level maintenance, planes are painted after final re-assembly - one of the last things you do........

[Richard W.]

Yes, that does seem strange.

She was almost completely disassembled at this time. I recall that the engines were still in their individual shipping crates (from France, I suppose). Parts spread out all over the hanger.

Those guys in the 512th did a great job. I was looking at pictures of the final flight this evening. Gorgeous.

[Shay]

taken just the other day.....she's come a long way.



Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

Last edited by Shay on Sun Jun 11, 2006 9:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[phil65]

Nice
Thanks.

[SparrowV12]

I have some pictures somewhere taken from 1 of the 2 Mustangs that flew with th B-17 from Delaware to the AF Museum. If I can find them and figure out how, I'll put a couple of them up.

Sparrow

[Former Member]

Wonderful pictures Rich....THANKS!!!!!

John