B-17D

[DIK SHEPHERD]

Didn't the "MY GAL SAL" project have some extra wing sections?

And, wasn't there a recent blurb on the WIX forum about some wings in a storage yard that came from South America?

[DryMartini]

Outboard wing panels are a dime a dozen.
Well, OK, several hundred thousand dimes.
I'm wondering about inboard wing sections.

[DIK SHEPHERD]

I located some wings in PNG.

[DIK SHEPHERD]

Has anybody heard from DryMartini lately?

[DryMartini]

Just got back form vacation late last night.
Getting through emails now.

[DIK SHEPHERD]

I hope you had fun. Now, get back to work.

[DIK SHEPHERD]

Any updates on the Dyers Lake B-17?

[DryMartini]

You mean the Dyche Lake B-17 of Don Brooks'?

Just that it is mostly disassembled, and little in the
way of work is being done, as there is a big effort
to complete the P-40 right now.

As for completing the bird as a 'D' model - it won't
happen. It's targeted to be a B-17F, painted as
"Miss Carey", Mr. Brooks' father's plane.

[hang the expense]

Right now I am making and endless number of parts for this bird.All the nose frames and stinger for the tail.

[DIK SHEPHERD]

I recently talked to one of the individuals that acquired the Colorado bar B-17 hulk, as they are looking to rebuild it to a (supposedly) flying aircraft.

Again, I ask the question - wouldn't it be easier, and cheaper, to use this airframe as a basis for creating a B-17D?

The aft fuselage needs to be built from scratch anyway, so why not do a "D" instead of another "G"? The nose and cockpit area needs restoring, so why not do it as a "D" instead of another "G"?

The money saved on NOT rebuilding another "G" model would probably be substantial. Just think about it, NO chin turret or cheek guns to have to find and restore. NO top turret to have to be found and restored. NO belly turret to have to be found and restored. And NO tail turret would have to be fabricated. And that's not even considering the systems needed if they wanted to operate them.

Wings still have to found and restored, or built from scratch, but if "G" wings can be found they can be used for a "D".

Who really needs another B-17G, anyway. I know, everyone's going to say everybody does

It's like talking to a rock.

Anyway, just some of my thoughts on the subject.

[DryMartini]

Dik,

Did you suggest this to that individual?
If so, what did he say?

As for a new tail section, it would NOT be easier or
cheaper to make an early model tail section, for two
main reasons:

1) There are later model tails around that can be used
as a guide. A 3D guide makes things MUCH easier, and
gives a factory-build model off which to make a jig.
Yes, "Swoose" is out there, but it is not readily accessible,
and I doubt the NASM would allow anyone to put the tail in
their shop for a year or two.

2) Parts are being made currently for late model tails.
Ribs and bulkheads are available, as are tail gear
mechanisms. Tubes and stringers can be made.

If someone had 60-11 dollars and no day job, an early
model would be easy. For me, I have a job, and about
$3.98 to spend, but I'm still trying to make the "C" come
alive. It will just take a l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-ong time.

[DIK SHEPHERD]

So, has anything been accomplished towards the end goal?

[hang the expense]

Personally I love the idea of converting one of the late model trash into a more proper B-17.Its takes vision and a whole bunch of money which I dont suppose is in big supply amoung all of us.

[aerovin2]

Okay, gents, the posts that I just deleted went over the line. Please don't do that. Some opinions should be kept to ones self, especially the patently offensive ones.

[aerovin2]

so you are condoning dik wanting xxx then i see where your values are at. and you are asking ME not to come back???

Okay, my turn to apologize. I went back and reread the referred post, which was apparently quoted in a later message and I missed the reference. You are correct...and that message should have been deleted immediately. It is gone now, and I will continue to delete any such offensive messages. I don't need or want the political comments here.

Again, looks like I blasted my delete key in the wrong direction. Sorry for any confusion.