Restoration of B-17E 41-2595 "Desert Rat"

[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.

[PineCastleAAF]

Bravo! Thanks for the update Bill. One of these summers I hope to make it up to see it in person.

[DryMartini]

Neither snow, nor more snow can stop the Desert Rat team!

This is the stabilizer tip edge. The original was pretty mangled, and so we made this:


And this is where it will live after trimming and fitting:


We have the tail gun ammunition box covers:


Here is a shot of the (almost) completed boxes:


And an (almost completed) tail gun seat:


Another view:

[SPANNERmkV]

That is some beautiful work!

Looking forward to seeing DESERT RAT off our wingtip someday soon!

SPANNER

[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.

[PineCastleAAF]

So how goes things on the RAT?

[Chappie]

I'm curious as well. How's she coming along?


Chappie

[DryMartini]

Posted a few new picts in the posts below.

I'll add a few here, too:


The cockpit has been receiving some attention.
New side walls are being fitted.


The original BLK #7 was put back in, replacing the temporary wooden one.
New forms have been made, and this assembly will be replaced due to
extensive corrosion problems.


BLK #9 - Was able to save most of it.


Tail gear supports being fitted back in place

How's that?

[Chappie]

Incredible. Thank you. I know this may have been asked before, but will it be a bomber or a transport?


Chappie

[DryMartini]

Factory fresh B-17E.

[Chappie]

Factory fresh B-17E.

Fantasitc! Love to see warbirds restored to the way they appeared the day they rolled out the factory doors.


Chappie

[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.

[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:

[Dave]

Looking Good, so nice to see bits being added

[Chappie]

Great update! I'm enjoying watching the progress of this Fort.


Chappie