Page 2 of 5
Latest Pictures
Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 4:03 pm
by DryMartini
Latest Images from the 'ole hanger.
This is a shot of the left stabilizer at Thunder Over Michigan.
At Thunder, we had people come by and sign the stabilizer skin. We were pleased that
this was warmly received, and this is a shot of just a couple of the signatures on the
skin after it was riveted to the ribs.
A good view of the stabilizer tip. Actually, not an easy assembly to put back together.
It is all aluminum, just like it came off the assembly line.
And here is the left stabilizer. We've just run the position light wires, and are ready to
rivet the final skins.
This is the right stabilizer, being clecoed together for fit.
Re: Desert Rat update?
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:53 pm
by PineCastleAAF
Bravo! Thanks for the update Bill. One of these summers I hope to make it up to see it in person.
Re: Desert Rat update?
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2011 11:42 am
by SPANNERmkV
That is some beautiful work!
Looking forward to seeing DESERT RAT off our wingtip someday soon!
SPANNER
Re: Desert Rat update?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2011 8:26 pm
by DryMartini
Some more pictures from a couple months ago.
I have some more on my phone that I have not
uploaded yet.
Quick update - The right stabilizer is nearly skinned. The new tip bows
look great! (See above pictures for a "tip bow"). Our new-found ability
to stretch form small parts in house will help tremendously.
The vertical stabilizer is currently in the blast booth. Needs some new
angles on the rear spar, and some repairs. Pictures forthcoming.
The right (far) and left (near) stabilizer, picture taken in early March
Waist gun mount plates, welded, cleaned, primed and painted.
Re: Desert Rat update?
Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 3:42 pm
by PineCastleAAF
So how goes things on the RAT?
Re: Desert Rat update?
Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2011 4:51 pm
by Chappie
I'm curious as well. How's she coming along?
Chappie
Re: Desert Rat update?
Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 4:51 am
by Chappie
Incredible. Thank you. I know this may have been asked before, but will it be a bomber or a transport?
Chappie
Re: Desert Rat update?
Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 1:21 pm
by DryMartini
Factory fresh B-17E.
Re: Desert Rat update?
Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 1:51 pm
by Chappie
DryMartini wrote:
Factory fresh B-17E.
Fantasitc! Love to see warbirds restored to the way they appeared the day they rolled out the factory doors.
Chappie
Re: Desert Rat update?
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 10:31 pm
by thomas
A piece is a require couple of dies and remember,you don't want to wear out your wrist from the shocks of the hammering.I am experiencing the result of many hard years doing sheet metal and its starting to tell on me.But what the hell give it a try.
New Rat Photos from 1/23/2012
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 7:54 pm
by DryMartini
Well, it has been a mild winter, and we're making progress. As of 1/23/12, the Rat's fuselage was
in ONLY 2 pieces - the front and the back! Mike and the gang successfully aligned the remaining three
rear fuselage pieces, and began replacing stringers and ribs. Bulkheads still need to be pressed
and replaced, but it's progress!
Here's a shot of the rear fuselage. It's a lot longer than it looks!
And another look at the porcupine:
New circumferentials aft of BLK 7:
Looking through the rear fuselage from BLK 6:
The dorsal fin getting some TLC:
Re: Desert Rat update?
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 1:28 am
by Dave
Looking Good, so nice to see bits being added
Re: Desert Rat update?
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 8:45 pm
by Chappie
Great update! I'm enjoying watching the progress of this Fort.
Chappie
