Rebuild of B-17F 42-3455 "Lucky 13"

[Lucky 13]

I have been busy working on the jig and picking up fuselage parts.Here is the start of jig number 3Here are some photo's of the fuselage parts that I have pick up.This is what is left of 44-83316Here is the tail of 44-85813and this piece is off of 44-83542and here are a few other things I have pick up

[hang the expense]

Nice collection Ray.I remember coming across all that wreckage in the woods while I was still in the service back in the 80s.I'm glad you got it.

[KnockoutDropper]

Awesome start! Looks like you have a pretty sweet facility to build her in. Is that a waist gunner opening on the fuselage section with the orange stripe?

[Lucky 13]

Yes and here are a few more piece's that I finish today for the jig

[Lucky 13]

Been working on the jig today and now I am starting on station number.Tom can you make us a few more hour's in a day.

[jmkendall]

Ray, next to Tom you are my new B-17 Hero! Just don't tell Bill and Scott!

Seriously, that is an exciting project you are beginning. I recognize your name from when I restored Pontiac GTO's and Trans Am's. If this B-17 is of the same caliber then we are in for a treat!

[cvairwerks]

A question for you Ray. How do you go about establishing your hard locations such as water line, butt line and fuselage station on things like the removable uprights? Weld the assembly up and mill off or shim at the mouting plate to get the correct location, or ??? I've got to build some jigs for some fuselage componets, though mine are small enough to use a big surface plate to set the jig. I know for the most part how we do it at work, but I don't have anywhere near the same capability at home.

[TAdan]

Wonderful project Ray. I am impressed with how much you've accomplished so far. Looks like you are well on your way.

[Lucky 13]

Here are a few photo's of the work that I have done on station number 2

[Lucky 13]

Worked on station 2 last night and made a little head way on it.

[Lucky 13]

Been working on the two bottom runners for the jig they are 310 inches long I have also been working on station 2.I will be working on the longerons cut out's next.

[hang the expense]

Ray, I hope you have an idea what you are in for with how many clecos you will need when you start hanging sheet metal.Thousands and thousands and thousands...

[Lucky 13]

No clecos just nut's and bolt's with nylon washer's

[17f]

No clecos just nut's and bolt's with nylon washer's

i guarantee you that will get old fast.

[Lucky 13]

This is true but it keep's the piece's very tight together and it let's me see what the station is going to look like before I rivet . Also when I start to rivet the piece's together all I have to do is remove one bolt at a time and drill the right size hole and rivet it.