Memphis Belle Restoration 2017

[@thechamp4630]

So happy I was able to see this plane in person. Such an incredible experience

[@nmaviation1]

Very nice tour and history of the aircraft!

[@Hi-lb8cq]

I love it... I'm so happy that these awesome people restored the actual memphis belle b-17 bomber

[@gt4viking789]

Wonderful effort in bringing back a piece of history back to its former glory! Well done folks.

[@roadking99jokerst60]

At a yard sale. And the original data plate ! This s how fate goes sometimes. Dad was a ball turret gunner, 8AF 487 bg 839 bs out of near Lavenham England. The movie Belle came thru my area a while back. Thanks for what you do and posting.

[@carlosh2833]

What a work of art , awesome job restoring history.

[@ergot57]

Growing up I lived 80 miles South of Memphis. For many years, The Belle just sat outside at the old Ammo storage depot, what have you, building. I so looked forward to driving to whatever store we would be going to, maybe the old Sears building, I forget, just to get a quick look at the Belle as we drove by. They had some other vintage things out there with her. My Dad was in the Mighty 8th. After WW2 he came home and the local National Guard unit needed a AST or full time person to run the show is what it amounts to. It was an Infantry Unit. They ended up in Korea, as part of the Dixie Division, so he got that ground warfare lesson as well as air combat. Such luck. I am so very glad they did something worthwhile with the Belle. They did move it under a roofed over place on display for a short time which was waaaayyy better than just sitting there rusting away. Thank you guys for doing all of this hard work.

[@teleblaster81]

When I was a kid, I remember seeing her on Mud Island and feeling sad because of the shape she was in from vandalism and people stealing parts off of her, etc.

[@ldbrush9941]

I am so happy to see Memphis Bell being restored. I saw the aircraft in Memphis in 1976 while I was going to 'A' school in Millington. Was a sad sight to behold even then, it had deteriorated so much. Thank you guys for saving her it means a lot to this old Marine Airedale whose Great Uncle flew G models over Europe.

[@Wrench245]

Talk about your labor of love. She's going to be a beauty when she's finished. Thanks for sharing that bit of history.

[@ErikJohnston]

Wrench245 lit of work going into her

[@philoshaughnessy906]

This is a great video. Thanks for posting. Will she ever fly again?

[@ErikJohnston]

Phil O'Shaughnessy never fly again. Static only

[@stormm787]

What a great video, thanks for posting. The Director is a hoot, loved his stories of parts acquisitions.

[@davehardie4991]

Hi- great video, and a great restoration. The purpose of the lights in the tail gun position is stated on p.375 of the B-17 "Field Service Manual", and states" the purpose of the bomb signal lights in the tail, signify the bombardier's actions to the following aircraft". I expect that you can find out more from other official contemporary manuals. Will be fantastic to see Memphis Belle finally unveiled to the public next year. Hope you can recover more original parts specific to this aircraft.

[@foowashere]

The amazing stories in this one is mind boggling. Like finding the original instrument panel section--what luck!

[@JohnSmith-qq8ok]

There is a small air museum in Yorkshire, England. Within it's collection is a Halifax bomber. That very bomber flew 128 missions during WW2 and she was called 'Friday the 13th'. Look her up she and her crews were extraordinary!

[@robertlafnear4865]

WOW... A treasure saved !

[@johnmagill3072]

I got chills watching this. Even stripped down, it's a beautiful lady. The builders at ( correct me if I'm wrong ) Boeing, really knew what they were doing when they built these planes.

[@Medmann48]

I live near the museum & have been there many times. If you go to the museum on Fridays go to the front desk & sign up for the restoration shop tour & they will take you back there on a USAF bus, it's completely free. The restoration shop tour is well worth doing if you go there. The USAF Museum in Dayton is much bigger than the Smithsonian Air & Space so budget 2 days if you want to see most if it, budget 3 if you want to see everything.

[@pbrobotspbrobots1710]

an amzing tour you guys had, the guy showing you around must love going to work every day, i know i would if it were my job. very interesting about the filter on the rear gunners point that no one seems to know what it was for.

[@robertkavich7426]

Great video !!! We were given a special tour of the restoration hangar in 2011 when the MVPA ( Military Vehicle Preservation Association ) had their annual convention in Dayton . The Belle has come a LONG way !!! The work that is done there is amazing . I was told that when they are finished with a restoration , you could put oil and fuel in a aircraft and fly it out of there . I recommend anybody check out the Museum and Restoration Facility .

[@dougscott8161]

I was told just the opposite the last time I visited this museum, that the expense of the work to get certification to flying status was much more that they felt it would be worth. Oh, Well, at least there are still a few of these beautiful beasts still alive and flying.

[@camseverance7768]

This is so cool, haven't heard a update about the belle in a long time!

[@fletcher3913]

That was great Erik. Thank you.

[@glenmiller6404]

great vid. some great stories on retrieving parts !

[@terrallputnam7979]

The last time I saw this old girl she was falling into terrible disrepair on Mud Island, in Memphis Tennessee. She still looked sweet but had been vandalized by locals. Glad to see her shining like a new penny.

[@tominab]

This is really cool. Thank you for the Video. Hello from Russia

[@ErikJohnston]

tominab Glad you liked it

[@Hi.Im.Andrew]

Thanks for this video! Great piece of history! I can't wait to see her all restored!

[@franksadlowski8136]

Great work..

[@consolidatedliberator385]

The alfamous mb b17 f f was not the first heavy bomber to complete 😢 25 missions .it was the Hot Stuff B24 flawn by Andrews. After the 25th mission Andrews ordered his crew to bail but the tail gunner didn't follow orders and he and Andrews died in the crash.

[@Legitcar117]

Very cool video!

[@jsimm4587]

It’s unbelievable that any parts were allowed to be stolen off of it

[@daystatesniper01]

Incredible ......enough said

[@Myrrydyn1950]

I was fortunate enough to be allowed to climb into the Belle while she was on Mud Island. John Cash, who had been a B-17 driver and I had been talking. I'm Canadian,and know almost everything there is to know about the Belle. Mr.Cash went to the kiosk,where they were selling Memphis Belle memorabilia, then came back to Me, then opened the crew door on the fuselage, and invited Me to climb in! I was ECSTATIC! I was given a tour of the aircraft, and had a most enjoyable time. My girlfriend took a LOT of pictures, it was a wonderful day, when I climbed aboard the world's most famous airplane!

[@ErikJohnston]

Robert Jones Excellent story!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@Myrrydyn1950]

Thank you, we had actually been enroute to New Orleans but had decided to hit Memphis on the way down, a bit of a detour, that was so rewarding in the end. I now carry the 8th Air Force patch on My A-2 along with many other Bomb group, and fighter/pursuit patches. I'm also an Army vet here in Canada

[@701duran]

I noticed a B-17C in the background is that ship being restored as well? great video and super job on the Memphis Belle

[@ErikJohnston]

pancho_duran The B-17 in the back is the Swoose, oldest B-17 in existence. Being restored for museum display

[@jeffreymcfadden9403]

the "swoose" is a B17D. swoose=SWan/gOOSE

[@BuddyHewitt]

pancho_duran m

[@moparnapalm]

wow....and that hanger they have everything in.... nice ! is that the swoose i see in the backround ?

[@ErikJohnston]

moparnapalm Hangars are from WWII. Yes that is the Swoose. Editing that video now

[@glenmiller6404]

great vid ! crazy how they find the parts !

[@johnosbourn4312]

Great video, Erik! Now, does anyone at the museum know what the situation is with the XC-99? Because, I had seen somewhere that the museum had taken custody of that aircraft, had it shipped to them, but, now I haven't heard anything about it.

[@ErikJohnston]

John Osbourn I'll ask about that for you

[@johnosbourn4312]

ErikJohnston Thanks, Erik!

[@Dimsumize]

How can I help on the restoration of my most favorite war bird? I'm a licensed A&P and would love to gain more knowledge and help yall.

[@RD2564]

This is a very good video.

[@damianbrennan2258]

R u going to run the engines

[@fullstrutn]

this plane set outside in the weather for years didn't it?? somewhere in Tenn.

[@ergot57]

Yes. I grew up a few miles South of Memphis. It sat outside of the old Ammo Depot type building in Memphis through my childhood. It was moved under a roofed over spot finally, on Mud Island Park I think, as I had moved away, but they did get Her roofed over, which was better than nothing I suppose. My Dad was in the 8th at a place called Burtonwood, England if I remember correctly. So glad they are bringing her back, even if it is just for viewing pleasure.

[@EDKguy]

I may be mistaken, but I think that color light signal was used to alert the formation that hot fresh doughnuts were available at the Krispy Kreme

[@dougscott8161]

The biggest disappointment here is that the actual aircraft will not be restored to flight status. I found this fact out on one of my visits to the Museum of the United States Air Force.

[@DevotedDisciple-x]

Just curious, but what is with the swastika painted on the Memphis Belle?

[@ErikJohnston]

Chris Ahlman Each one represents a German plane shot down by that gunner

[@DevotedDisciple-x]

Thank you so much for educating me and not insulting me for not knowing. Great video!

[@jimp.6705]

Why a static??? Blows my mind, it needs to fly!

[@michaelelvas364]

Jim P. It would probably take another few years of work to get it to fly so its not worth it.

[@FiveCentsPlease]

+Jim P. It is the original historic example from WW2. It was outdoors for many years and now the AF Museum is bringing it back to WW2 condition. Building a flying example would require replacing much more metal with new material to be safe. To keep it original, the AF Museum will be installing many period correct components that are not flight certified. This one is fine on the ground.

[@michaelelvas364]

Jim P. Besides, there is another B-17 that is airworthy and carries the markings of Memphis Belle

[@j.d.schultzsr.9215]

Before you make such an unreasonable statemement about "returning her to airworthiness..." you need to watch the USAAF training films (I've seen three on KZbin) of operating the B17. After you see the dozens of system components, the myriad of their controls, and the miles of wires, contol cables, hydraulic lines, and 4 18-cylinder Wright Double Whirlwind turbo charged engines and Hamilton Standard hydraulically controlled propellers, you might see the unlikelihood, if not virtual impossibility of completely re-manufacturing this beauty. Just watch 5 minutes of the checklists of all 10 FLIGHT CREW (never mind the dozen or so ground crew, who spend all night testing, replenishing fuel, oil, hydaulic fluid, oxygen, bombs, and ammunition) and you might appreciate what an incredibly complicated machine she was in her fighting days.

[@6h471]

Some CHUD who thinks that watching an irreplaceable national icon risked at an airshow is owed to him somehow, or that it is somehow a "need" makes me want to puke. You clowns won't be satisfied until every last one of these airplanes is destroyed. Thank God the air force museum made sure that this one will never fly again

[@alexsacco776]

Now are they trying to get the Belle flying again?

[@jacobtvobrien9546]

she is flying! she was at the ww2 days Pensyllvania and i got to go through her

[@SlipFitGarage]

JacobTV OBrien The real Memphis Belle shown in this video will never fly again. There is another B-17 that carries the Memphis Belle name, and is airworthy, but it is not the real Memphis Belle. I believe it was painted with the Memphis Belle name while it was being used to film a movie, and it has carried the name ever since.

[@FiveCentsPlease]

+JacobTZV OBrien The original is not a flyer and never will be. The "airshow" Memphis Belle aircraft has fancy lettering for the name while the original example now in the UAFM Museum has plain lettering for the name. Here is the airshow and movie aircraft: c1.staticflickr.com/5/4061/4619975297_e19d5faf75_b.jpg And here is the original wartime aircraft: warbirdsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/FullSizeRender.jpg

[@j.d.schultzsr.9215]

Before you make such an unreasonable statemement about "returning her to airworthiness..." you need to watch the USAAF training films (I've seen three on KZbin) of operating the B17. After you see the dozens of system components, the myriad of their controls, and the miles of wires, contol cables, hydraulic lines, and 4 18-cylinder Wright Double Whirlwind turbo charged engines and Hamilton Standard hydraulically controlled propellers, you might see the unlikelihood, if not virtual impossibility of completely re-manufacturing this beauty. Just watch 5 minutes of the checklists of all 10 FLIGHT CREW (never mind the dozen or so ground crew, who spend all night testing, replenishing fuel, oil, hydaulic fluid, oxygen, bombs, and ammunition) and you might appreciate what an incredibly complicated machine she was in her fighting days.

[@elizabethsellers1366]

@@SlipFitGarage how sad to disappoint so many

[@paulgerald5808]

Maybe a formation light or I. F. F . . Thank you .

[@nitromethane222]

I thought this was restored in Urbana Ohio at Grimes air port

[@thenoobletlego]

I wonder what it looked like when they got it.

[@mdbruffy]

I saw her when she was still in Memphis. I took pictures of her. It was on memorial Day. They had the barriers down and allowed folks to get up close. mdbruffy.deviantart.com/art/The-Memphis-Belle-397141019

[@newzealandhoris4208]

That's cool

[@R281]

Why did they strip the paint?

[@FiveCentsPlease]

+R281 The paint that was on it was not the original WW2 paint. It would have been painted several times in service and it was repainted while on outdoor display. Stripping the paint lets the workers inspect the metal for corrosion and integrity and then it will be repainted correctly.

[@R281]

FiveCentsPlease still sucks

[@FiveCentsPlease]

+R281 The cosmetic restoration that was done between 1984 to 1987 probably also stripped it clean.

[@R281]

FiveCentsPlease oy...did they keep the nose art original?

[@FiveCentsPlease]

+R281 No sure without look at old photos. Remember that this plane sat on outdoor display from 1946 to 1984, so the paint would have taken a beating.

[@royryansyah]

Why using swastika logo? Please tell me

[@ErikJohnston]

That’s how many German aircraft that gunner position shot down.

[@BadWolf762]

I'd love to shadow the old German machinist for a while and watch him work.

[@jasoncardoza6375]

I truly believe that it should be restored to its original state. With that said it’s not right to threaten people with “government property” tactics. If it were true it would have been taken and he wouldn’t have had to wait for it to be given back. Especially when you given the story of a Boeing retirement gift. And someone legitimately got it for their museum yet got beat by social media for not giving it up? I would’ve sold it to them but not given it up for nothing. That piece is crucial for restoration and I would’ve retired based off that.

[@voodoodolly]

Yeah that old dude made me feel slightly irritated too, these no life old timers get or thik they have a tiny bit of power and BOOM! HALL MONITOR SYNDROME kicks in. 😐

[@williamandrews1683]

Agreed. What a shame she will never fly after all this money and effort when it is in such good shape as is.

[@j.d.schultzsr.9215]

@@williamandrews1683 Before you make such an unreasonable statemement about "returning her to airworthiness..." you need to watch the USAAF training films (I've seen three on KZbin) of operating the B17. After you see the dozens of system components, the myriad of their controls, and the miles of wires, contol cables, hydraulic lines, and 4 18-cylinder Wright Double Whirlwind turbo charged engines and Hamilton Standard hydraulically controlled propellers, you might see the unlikelihood, if not virtual impossibility of completely re-manufacturing this beauty. Just watch 5 minutes of the checklists of all 10 FLIGHT CREW (never mind the dozen or so ground crew, who spend all night testing, replenishing fuel, oil, hydaulic fluid, oxygen, bombs, and ammunition) and you might appreciate what an incredibly complicated machine she was in her fighting days.

[@williamandrews1683]

@@j.d.schultzsr.9215 I am aware of the massive amount of work and unavailable parts list to be original but it is not impossible, costly yes but not impossible. Regardless it is still a shame that an aircraft this complete as a starting point isn't at least considered for a true restoration vs a static one, they could have painted her and left her where she was with the story she has.

[@maddykeri1]

If your going to go through a lot of money, time, labor why wouldn't get it to flyable condition.If not should of left it in original condition.I would if put inside and let put gaze @ it.

[@FiveCentsPlease]

+maddykeri1 It sat outside in the weather for years and it had already been stripped and repainted, and items stolen. So what they did was return it BACK to original condition.

[@j.d.schultzsr.9215]

Before you make such an unreasonable statemement about "returning her to airworthiness..." you need to watch the USAAF training films (I've seen three on KZbin) of operating the B17. After you see the dozens of system components, the myriad of their controls, and the miles of wires, contol cables, hydraulic lines, and 4 18-cylinder Wright Double Whirlwind turbo charged engines and Hamilton Standard hydraulically controlled propellers, you might see the unlikelihood, if not virtual impossibility of completely re-manufacturing this beauty. Just watch 5 minutes of the checklists of all 10 FLIGHT CREW (never mind the dozen or so ground crew, who spend all night testing, replenishing fuel, oil, hydaulic fluid, oxygen, bombs, and ammunition) and you might appreciate what an incredibly complicated machine she was in her fighting days.

[@transfruitcr650]

Todos sus tripulantes han muerto verdad

[@vixen0347]

The C in the background looks like The Swoose

[@michaelelvas364]

Richard Novak The Swoose is not a C, its a D, the only surviving D-series

[@MannANDMachine]

This guy sounds like kermit

[@j.t.3627]

Ask and you shall receive. 😀😁😃😄😊😉🤔🙄😏

[@edwardeverson7039]

U S A 1 .

[@dee3368]

Ahh shouldn't have been touched unless it still flys and needs to be safe...if it's a non flyer should of left the damn thing be .....restoring something is erasing its history

[@ErikJohnston]

You know it has been “touched” for decades. It even sat outside for years rotting away. The nose art you see isn’t even the original, so yes restore it and preserve history while it’s still here!!