[Tundra04]

Mustangdriver, how far along is the 'Memphis Belle' in the restoration process? Any idea as to when she'll be done?

Thanks in advance!

[mustangdriver]

I will not hijack the thread either, but I will comment real fast on the update. The forward fuselage has been stripped of paint inside and out now. Same with the turrets. The top turret is almost back together. Most of the stock F model B-17 parts have been located, but some things are still missing. The wings are being stripped down as well. There is alot of corrosion in the rear fuselage, but the reat of the aircraft has surprised us by not being as bad as what we thought. I am going to take a stab at a completion date and say 2012. We now have 4 zero timed engines ready to go for her along with the props. The goal is when it is finished, for it to be the finest restoration of a B-17 ever. If you have ever seen Shoo Shoo Baby in our museum, you know that this will be a great looking restoration. Shoo Shoo Baby and Memphis Belle will both stay at the NMUSAF and be displayed there.

[tank nut]

Hey mustange driver, thanks for the little movie, cool of you to post that.

[Tundra04]

Thanks a bunch Mustangdriver...Can't wait to see her, I'm sure it'll look fabulous, much like the rest of the aircraft up there...

[STARMAN 352ND]

Yes you guys got a little off topic in the Corgi thread...So i made one for ya here.
Have fun boys.
JP

[mustangdriver]

Here are some recent pics. These are from the WIX, and are not mine.

[mustangdriver]

The top middle pic is of actual WWII flack damage, that will be left as is.

[Cardinal]

You guys are doing great work there Mustangdriver! Past, present and future generations will appreciate your efforts .

[STARMAN 352ND]

MD...... I see by looking at the fuse of the Memphis Belle's Nose art area...It's bare metal all around it..
Are they going to leave the orig nose art on there or re- paint it too?
JP

[mustangdriver]

No, they were just leaving that for display purposes. That is not the original nose art. That noseart was painted by Phil Starcer(Tony Starcer's nephew) during the clean up during the 90's. Thanks for the great comments. I can't wait to see her in one piece in the display building.