Who wants a B-17?

[DryMartini]

It has occurred to me that with all the effort going on
in rebuilding B-17s at present, it would be fairly easy
to gather major parts and rebuild a B-17 fuselage.
(Wings may be another matter, and is something
presently being addressed).

Does anyone have an ambition to own a B-17, or
know of someone who does? Anyone want just a part
of one, like a cockpit section, or a tail gun enclosure?
Any museums out there with such interest?

[DIK SHEPHERD]

I've always wanted to built half of a B-17 fuselage, split down the middle, to use as a display. It would show the inside of a combat aircraft, with all of the equipment and bombs, and mannequins at all of the positions.

My latest plan is to build one scaled down to use the different 1/6th "action figures" that are available.

It's all about what you can afford to do.

[mickey]

sooooo..... youve got mmy interest now!!!! just how much would a tailgun enclosure cost a fellow??? humour me on this one please. it might lead somewhere.

[DryMartini]

Mickey,

PM me.

[Guest]

Hi Bill,

I'm interested in a B-17 front fuselage, cockpit to nose, possibly and entire fuselage. Let me know any details if you can.

Thanks,

Clint

[DIK SHEPHERD]

Yeah, seriously, how much are you looking at (cost wise) for a "stinger" or a "Cheyanne" gun position? And, are they just the basic units or have you been able to duplicate the gun mounts and everything else?

Also, if we supply our own clecos do we get a discount?

[DryMartini]

The sheet metal is one thing. The internals are another.
We're been fairly successful in both aspects, but we have
not gotten the sighting mechanism or gun mounts
figured out yet. All in due time.

The hope is to be 100% factory fresh in both materials
and accuracy.

As for cost - one-offs are expensive. If we
were doing 5, well....