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My late father was a B17 pilot with the 447 BG 8AF in 1944. He was wounded over Bremenshaven Germany September 44. I have been very lucky having been able to be a volunteer mechanic on B17 in Geneseo, NY back in the late 80and early 90s. At this point I have flown on six different B17s, a B25, C47, PT 17 Stearman, UC78 Bobcat and a C45. The B-17 is an amazing airplane.
Photograph of the late Liberty Belle at Geneseo back in 2007. You guys have to plan to come to Geneseo for the air show in during the second weekend of July. East Grand Packards have made a very nice presence to our antique car show. If you bring your vintage car you get a free admission along with guest. Websitehttp://www.1941hag.org/

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I had an oppurtunity to volunteer working on one called chuckie. But they moved it out of town, so it never happened. But thanks to a video game I have called B17 flying fortress, I was able to tell them how to start it. They were a bit freaked out, because he was about 75 and me mid 20s. I think I impressed him.

Hank

It's a shame the Liberty Bell crashed landed and was destroyed by the resulting fire in Illinois back in the June. It was a beautiful plane.

Wow that sux

Hank,

At least Chuckie is in good hands. Fighter Factory is a first class operation.

Big Kev,

Liberty Belle did not crash land, she landed in the farm field after fire was seen behind #2 engine. See Liberty Belle website and chief pilot's statement,libertyfoundation.org/index.html .

The aircraft could have been saved if the foundation savers would have gotten off their asses and taken their trucks onto the field. They claimed it was too wet to take their trucks out to the aircraft. A B17 weights around 34,000 lbs empty and there are no major ruts from the landing gear in the field. Firetruck maybe weights a little more with a load of water.

A beautiful restoration, I got to fly on her from Rochester to Teterboro. Rented a car and drove back.

thanks for telling me where chuckie went! it does look top notch.

I got my heads back today. perfect!

should be getting those put on soon after i get the valves/springs all put in.

Hank

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I got bored last night, so i brought the work inside by the fire and watched top gear while i put in the new valve springs, etc.

i'd say i did a good job on picking some that work.

my son decided to help to....great helper! lol!

Hank

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Cute! He has his mother's looks. My, he has grown since I last saw him at Salado. Someday he is going to be a big help around the garage. Take care.

(o[]o)

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Heads are going on now. sprayed down the head gasket with copper spray and set that heavy beast up on there. i only got one side done. gotta save something to do over the holidays.

then i put all the other stuff on it to kinda button it up to keep things out for now. then I put it to bed.

like my 10 dollar dent free valve covers? lol!

cotter pins are 3/32 x 1 1/2. i thought about drilling the holes out to fit a 1/8 x 1 1/2, but didn't.

i also bought a rebuilt and redyed carb on ebay. hopefully it will prove to be quality. it was only 199.99, about half sending mine into Daytona and i can keep mine for spare parts and i have another rebuild kit to keep.

enjoy the pics.

Hank

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Henry, I'm liking it. Nice work.

(o[]o)