Update on B-17G Thunderbird at Madras, Oregon

[aerovin]

I just posted an update on the Aero Vintage News and Information page on the B-17G 44-85718 (N900RW), still undergoing heavy maintenance at Madras, Oregon.

https://www.aerovintage.com/?p=5837&preview=true&_thumbnail_id=5836

[AG pilot]

The plexiglass nose looks "aftermarket" to me. Is that an actual type used on B-17 production aircraft?

[phil65]

The plexiglass nose looks "aftermarket" to me. Is that an actual type used on B-17 production aircraft?

"The last external vestiges of its French survey modifications are windows installed in the lower nose section just aft of the plexiglass nose and the plexiglass nose piece itself."

Phil

[Jesse C.]

The plexiglass nose looks "aftermarket" to me. Is that an actual type used on B-17 production aircraft?

"The last external vestiges of its French survey modifications are windows installed in the lower nose section just aft of the plexiglass nose and the plexiglass nose piece itself."

Phil

I think he meant the Nose Cone/Plex, as the current one looks like it came off a Junkers product.

[phil65]

"and the plexiglass nose piece itself."

Phil

[aerovin]

All for the sake of a comma:

It should have been written as

"The last external vestiges of its French survey modifications are windows installed in the lower nose section just aft of the plexiglass nose, and the plexiglass nose piece itself."

[Archer]

[bdk]

Omission of the dreaded Sorbonne (Oxford) comma?

[JohnB]

Despite having all the editions of Final Cut, and seeing it in magazines for years, I had never noticed the non-standard plexiglass nose. Probably too distracted by the extra adjacent windows.
Great closeup photo.
And Jesse's previous comment is spot-on, it really does look like something found in a Ju-86 or similar.

While I appreciate its French history, I have to admit I'd change it if it were mine. After all, flying B-17s are rare enough that they should be shown to the public stock, representative of their glory days.

[maxum96]

Despite having all the editions of Final Cut, and seeing it in magazines for years, I had never noticed the non-standard plexiglass nose. Probably too distracted by the extra adjacent windows.
Great closeup photo.
And Jesse's previous comment is spot-on, it really does look like something found in a Ju-86 or similar.

While I appreciate its French history, I have to admit I'd change it if it were mine. After all, flying B-17s are rare enough that they should be shown to the public stock, representative of their glory days.

While I agree with you, 99% of the public will never notice.

[JimH]

Another thing to consider...A few years ago I want to say the replacement nose glass was upwards of $25,000, and the associated sheet metal work would add another significant amount to the job. That money buys a bunch of avgas, not too mention more down time.

Jim

[Mark Allen M]

You guys think too much and make it more difficult than it needs to be. Leave the plexiglass and windows alone.

Just paint it back to its days doing French surveys. See? Easy fix!

[JohnB]

Another thing to consider...A few years ago I want to say the replacement nose glass was upwards of $25,000

Jim

A local defunct veterans museum had a NOS (new old stock) one on display with a Norden bombsight and correct bombardier seat.
They would probably sell it for that kind of money.

In the '70s a local surplus dealer had a lot of surplus B-17 windows and flat bomb aimer panels. I suppose they got it from there.
I bet enthusiasts bought some of the stuff (I got a new K-13 gunsight for $5) and I bet some of it is still around in collections.

[lucky52]

I don't care what they do but it would be easy to paint over those side windows and it would look like they weren't there.As for the nose glass, only a very few will know that it is a non standard unit.At least it is a flying B-17.

[JimH]

We bought a spare for 909 after it started showing it's age. We bought a newly molded unit from Aero Trader. I have no idea how a NOS piece would have aged? There can't be too many of those around.

Another thing to consider...A few years ago I want to say the replacement nose glass was upwards of $25,000

Jim

A local defunct veterans museum had a NOS (new old stock) one on display with a Norden bombsight and correct bombardier seat.
They would probably sell it for that kind of money.

In the '70s a local surplus dealer had a lot of surplus B-17 windows and flat bomb aimer panels. I suppose they got it from there.
I bet enthusiasts bought some of the stuff (I got a new K-13 gunsight for $5) and I bet some of it is still around in collections.