Anyone thinking about a B-17 restoration?

DryMartini · Post by **DryMartini** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 11:12 am

If you are, now is the time to see what parts we are
making, and partner up to reduce your costs!

ww2John · Post by **ww2John** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 11:28 am

Hi Dry Martini,

I will assume that you are talking with the Urbana, OH group, with Don Brooks/Tom Reilly & with FHC?? Who else is really active out there at the moment?

DryMartini · Post by **DryMartini** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 2:09 pm

We are in contact with the other groups, including
"Lacey's Lady" (which I forgot on the original topic
thread).

I've heard from someone wanting to do a B-17 cockpit
a few months ago, and I though, "Well, what the heck - there
may be others out there". Which is why I posted.

Want to make yourself a B-17 cockpit display?

ww2John · Post by **ww2John** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:36 pm

B17 Display Cockpit ??

Oh, just one of my Warbird dreams...don't tempt me too much.

(for now, I'll just fly my little stealth Honda, under the radar screen...)

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 7:55 am

I have one in the garage, would recommend everyone having one of these, I have pictures if you would like to see it

OldBillB17F · Post by **OldBillB17F** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:12 am

Dave, could you post some pictures of your most recent cockpit work?

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:49 pm

Would love to but I do not know how to post them on here, If someone can let me know and will send them on

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 1:17 am

OldBillB17F · Post by **OldBillB17F** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 7:34 am

Dave, you're quite the craftsman. Very cool!

ww2John · Post by **ww2John** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 10:46 am

Can you tell us how you started this project? Is any of the "structure" original?

thanks, john

Post by **aerovin2** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 11:46 am

Whoa baby, now that is cool. I'd like to use those images in my next B-17 News update.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:27 pm

Guys,
The structure was made from photographs and having access to the B-17s Mary Alice and Sally B to get dimensions from.
It has taken a while to get to this stage but it is slowly coming together.
I was trained as a sheetmetalworker and I have access to a machine shop so this has helped a great deal, tracking down parts has been a major problem, but if you follow every lead, some work out but others draw nothing.
I have all the windows and the instrument panel, and pretty much all of the internal items now.
I am in the process of making the seats, DryMartini has been a great help to this project, he has supplied drawings and photographs that has made things easier for me.
The throttle consul was actually quite easy to make with the correct drawings, all the levers move but I missed out the pulleys and linkages inside, as I felt their was no need to go that far.
I have loads of photos of the project coming together and anyone wishing to use these to help promote what I am doing feel free to do so.
You never know some people might want to donate some parts.

DIK SHEPHERD · Post by **DIK SHEPHERD** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 2:33 pm

Looks absolutely great. Now that you have, what are you going to do with it?

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 11:50 pm

I did not really think that far ahead, I started to make parts because as I looked at was what was needed, I thought that I could have a go and stretch my skills.
I would like to display it so more people can view it, my children want to play in it, my wife wants me to get rid of it (takes up too much room).
Will have to insure it but would not have a clue as to how much it is going to be worth.
I managed to get the control columns connected so both control wheels turn and move together, same with the rudder pedals.

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Anyone thinking about a B-17 restoration?

Anyone thinking about a B-17 restoration?

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