This update comes from Scott Thompson of Aero Vintage.
The B-17G formerly known as Yankee Lady, serial number 44-85829, is currently undergoing disassembly at the Erickson Aircraft Collection facility in Madras, Oregon. Recent photos shared in a Facebook post reveal significant progress, with the propellers, engines, and outboard wing sections removed. As part of the restoration process, the fuselage and tail sections are set to be shipped to Avspecs in New Zealand. Meanwhile, the inboard wing sections will remain in Madras, where they will undergo inspection and necessary repairs by the Erickson team.
Erickson has developed expertise in rebuilding inboard wing sections, as evidenced by their work on the Mid-America Museum’s B-17G, serial number 44-85718. This project includes replacing the spar tubes, a process that has not been previously attempted on a B-17 wing. The effort is highly complex, and the extent of work required on 44-85829 will only be determined after a thorough inspection.
In related news, progress continues on The Movie Memphis Belle (B-17G, serial number 44-83546) at the Palm Springs Air Museum. According to Nick Veronico, this aircraft is expected to return to flight status by next spring or summer, following an extended maintenance period. Once airborne, the number of operational B-17s worldwide will increase to four.
As a special offer for December, a copy of B-25 Mitchell in Civil Service will be included with any purchase of Final Cut: The Post-War B-17 Flying Fortress and Survivors. Customers can use the coupon code “B25” when placing their order to receive the Mitchell book at no additional cost. This promotion is available exclusively for U.S. addresses.
Scott Thompson Aero Vintage Books Many thanks indeed to Scott A. Thompson for allowing us to reproduce this article… his book, Final Cut: The Post-War B-17 Flying Fortress and Survivors as well as other titles are the gold standard when it comes to the airframe history it describes!
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
I live in southeastern Michigan and went to the Willow Run airshow several times over the last 30 years and loved seeing the Yankee Lady. We took the $4 ‘tour’ several times as well, great memories. We were all very surprised when it was announced it had been sold, and without knowing where it went! This is the first time since the sale that I’ve seen her. So glad to see a restoration is taking place. These pieces of history are so fun to see and experience. I hope to make it to her next resting place and see the results!
I flew copilot on the Yankee Lady back in 1969 when she was a firebomber in arizona. I wish I had tracked her down sooner when she was with the Minnesota air museum as I would have loved to fly in her again. Looks like I was too late at least for several years.