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!
