Suburban man brings history back to life with 75-foot WWII aircraft

You hope it's able to fly again, however the fear of loosing it would be a tragedy.

Awesomeness

Hope everyone that can help him fund the cost to rebuild it let’s give money to this man to get this job done so he can fly it sooner .

No donations link?

More B-17s were lost than any other American aircraft of WWII, USAAF casualties in Europe were the heaviest along with the Army itself

Be nice if they told us how it ended up in Maine.Or is that where B17s usually end up?

This guy better get more help. He’s gonna die before this plane is ready to fly.

When he does get this flying. Keep away from any P-63’s.

Outstanding work. Keep gone.

My Dad was a tail-gunner on B-17 43-38183 / Ice Cold Katie. Survived 30 missions. Most of them on Katie, except for the first 10, which were on various war haggard machines until they got their “legs” and were assigned a permanent aircraft .

Now se it to make a giant black hole where Mara lago is

Thats true love and dedication

Incredible aircraft! He's very lucky to have it, and deserves it! Not a 17, but my late grandpa was a radio gunner (And tail gunner) in a B-25 (PBJ-1C) with VMB-413 "Shamrocks", over the South Pacific in WWII. He was among one of the first Marines to fly in one, having trained at Cherry Point. While a Marine, he had a special study of interest, while not on patrol, the engines used in the PBJ-1C, the Wright R-2600-92. By the time he was discharged after Japan surrendered, he had learned the entire engine, inside, and out, and could perform any repair it needed, and even had a couple ideas of his own, which were later adopted. I wish I could remember what the specific ideas in design change were, but it was many years ago as a child, when showed me the paperwork detailing issues, and changes to be performed. Something to do with intake manifolds.

Erin! Wow! Just Wow!
You, are a magical storyteller. This piece is priceless. Thank you!

Thats my Bud Mike. Known him since he had this plane as a pile of parts up at Galt airport. We lost touch for a while, then I found he lived just a mile or so from my inlaws. I started the Facebook page for him, B-17E Desert Rat Restoration Project. I've had the pleasure to reassemble some of the forward section and stop by every so often. From what I saw to what it is now, impressive.

History of this plane, its a REAL B-17E with documented history that was not covered in this article. This was actually a test plane, converting a bomber into a cargo plane, known as the XC-108A. That shot of the side with the huge worn star is where the original waist gunner opening was. It was all covered up during the conversion. A lot of the B-17s flying today are not original airplanes, but many different ones reassembled with an original serial number name plate, and don't actually have any history to them. This plane is the real deal though a LOT of the structure is the original. This is what makes the Rat so special.

Awesome dedication to a worthwhile project!

Earth going to hell in a hand cart. People living garbage. God help us

Although these guys got a great motive, these aircraft firebombed to death 100,000's of civilians to de ath not just a some military ones in war that should have never been. Another rich man's war for profit and power.I say this so war is not glorified but avoided.

How can we donate?

Great story and what dedication. Would have been nice to see more of the aircraft in the film though, a bit more close up work would have been good.

Thank you Sir.

I love the B17 well done and keep going with the restoration work and all the very best to you.

Masters of the Air…. ❤️🇺🇸

God Bless. Awesome effort.

The Art of the story. Just when you think broadcasting is on the ledge, this love story between reporter, lensman and subject resuscitates the world of communication. Thank you.

From the looks of it… it’s gonna be another 50 years until it’s complete 😂

He is going to get a lot of volunteers and helpers .
This is the America I love as a Brit. Good to see it’s still there 😊

Thank You Gentlemen.

Nice piece on one man's obsession, shared by many.

A beautiful story. Thanks to all who made it possible.

Little known fact..the 8th airforce suffered the most casualties of all during WW2.

Now that’s paying respect to those who came before you. And fought and died for what we have. Something that’s lost on the kids these days

What is their facebook page?

Great ! Save all WW2 history. It is a warning from history.

70 more years of work and she'll be flyin'

Amazing story hope the gentlemen gets it sorted respect to all those airmen who have signed on the B17 total and utmost respect 🙏🤝🫶Angel's on your shoulders always Sir 🫡🤝🙏🫶

I hope you complete your dream!I would love to see such a beautiful aircraft take to the skies again🤞🏼🙏👍

Absolutely brilliant. I'm 61 years of age and live in Ireland. My hobby for the past 39 years is building and flying radio control model aircraft. My utmost favourite plane of all time is the American B17 Flying Fortress. I have a model which has a wingspan of 72 inches. It looks glorious when it's flying. I wish all these great men the best of luck finishing off this marvelous B17 and I really hope that the man in question who started this great labour of love over 40 years ago gets to fulfil his dream and gets to fly this iconic warbird. Well done to everyone involved.

I deeply hope he is able to fly her

I don't know if there is any useable components or parts left from the tragic crash of the "Nine-O-Nine" in Connecticut in 2019 at Bradley airfield. The tail and left wing appeared to be somewhat intact. (I had paid as a passenger when the Collins Foundation (Massachusetts) made their West Coast stops in 2014 at Palomar Airport north of San Diego. It was a great flight out over the Pacific on a Sunday morning with beams of sun streaking through the early clouds as it turned south down to La Jolla and back as the La Joll Half-Marathon was underway. I will never forget the plane or that dedicated crew. Such a tragedy).

Wow that is totally awesome that this person is putting his heart and soul into bringing back a piece of America history. My hat is off to you sir .

Good job editor !

I stopped to see the barn it is amazing to see in person and I love the history of World War 2.

Let's all donate and get this airworthy

why doesn't the federal or state government help to get it museam an show ready

Wish I had known about this, My uncle, was command Pilot of a B-17 - KIA over Germany in July of 1943, would have loved to help.

Talk to Jimmy's World 🌎

40 years!! dude needs a draining

I remember when the last one was blowing up by a Spitfire completely randomly

Well done.