Restoration of Labrador B-17G 44-83790

[Dave]

I believe it came from Dave Tallichets B-17, when the nose was converted to an 'F' model, Happy to trade it if your interested

[Chuck Giese]

The next section of the build will be the Bomb Bay. Last year we had a run made of tubes to be used in the major structures of the bomb bay. We've been working with Bill (Dry Martini) and Ray (Lucky 13), and will be doing a group build of the Body Compression Strut and the Cat Walk Truss. Our first build will be to construct sets for 4 airplanes.

To support this effort, I've built CAD models of the two structures. I used a combination of blueprints and measurements from the existing Labrador structure to do this. We'll use these models to water-jet the gusset plates, make templates for the tubing, and parts for the assembly jigs.

Cat Walk Truss 85-3444:


Body Compression Strut 85-3445:


These are off to the printer, the next step will be to verify them against the existing assemblies.

We have extra tubes and tube sets, if anyone is interested in acquiring a set.

Chuck

[Chuck Giese]

We've continued working on the top of the nose section.

Both cheek window openings are done, and we're waiting for the new build cheek windows.




We have the Astrodome fairing and are working to acquire the support ring. We still need to build the astrodome support. We're debating if we want to do this as a pressing (original), or weld it up out of pieces (Liberty Belle style). Either way, to support this, we've created a buck.


And a picture of the astrodome fairing on the buck.


Also going on is a build of the rudder hanger supports for bulkhead 3.


Chuck

[aerovin2]

Chuck, this is incredible to watch. Thanks much for your continued postings.

[Chuck Giese]

Scott,

You're welcome. One of the reasons that I do this is that Mr. Brooks has been in contact with the pilots who set her down on the lake, and they are also following along.

Chuck

[hang the expense]

Now where did I see that bucking mouse.Its going to be some interesting bucking tool to get the tails on those rivets in the tubes.

[DryMartini]

That'll buff right out...right? Right????

[hang the expense]

Thanks for posting that Bill.Believe it or not there is some good parts in there which are missing from Lacys turtle deck.

[Chuck Giese]

OK, if other people are starting to post pictures, it must be time for an update. I'll get to it soon, in the meantime here's a teaser.

This is the astrodome ring mentioned earlier in this thread. Thanks, Dave.





And yes, that's the ex-Orriss / Greeley / Fox Studios fuselage in the backround. Deserves a thread of it's own, someday......

[Dave]

Chuck, waiting for some updates, the speed your working the nose and cockpit should be finished by now

[RodSchneider]

I think Chuck has been busy doing work on a C-47 and on the "movie" Memphis Belle.......... In fact, I KNOW he's been busy on the Belle

[OldBillB17F]

Ok the "Belle" is on tour now. Back to work!

Seriously, any updates on either projects? Curious as to what you all are going to do with the ex-movie prop B-17. It does not to appear to have a chin turret opening, so I am assuming she will be built as an F-model?

[hang the expense]

Make it the F model portrayed in the movie is my hope.All the parts I have made so far for the bird have been F model.

[Chris Brame]

Beautiful work, Chuck! Here's something you can add to your plane's history file:

[hang the expense]

That's cool.