Desert Rat B-17E 2020 Update We hear from the regular volunteers. Caution, strong head winds!

[@theyellowfury]

Its great to see the project still going in spite of the yucky virus. Those guys are doing great work.

[@acdii]

I met Mike and the Rat before it was known as the Rat. He had this chopped up pile of parts just off the main road at Galt back in late 80's, early 90's, don't remember when, but just him and his brother and a couple others worked on it outside. Thought he was nuts trying to restore it, then found out where he was in 2011 and man was I impressed with the work. I see him every now and then, and the work is just amazing. I even helped when I could. Plane will be ready to fly Thursday, just Thursday, some Thursday. LOL

[@chuckderer2206]

Not today, next Thursday.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2fFYaSgrN1slas

[@RideswithChuck]

Things seem to be moving fast now.

[@zachgowen_]

Were lucky to hsve all of this cool stuff near us chuck. I hope fun things like these keep coming!

[@willamcombs1106]

Thank You Chuck for this update. So sorry to see Mike so demoralized. Is there no way to hold the Machine shop responsible for their error on an expensive part. Doesn't seem right that Mike has to carry the $30,000.00 expense for their mistake.

[@miniondave6314]

I work for a company that does machining. If we don't manufacturer the parts within tolerance, that is on us to fix. So, I don't know why the company that messed up the B17 parts isn't on the hook for fixing their mistake.

[@bf9142ftw]

@@miniondave6314 Unless there was some contractual clause or something, they should really push to get new ones done at no cost.

[@Elcoleccionistadiecast]

This is an amazing story, an amazing project--Thanks for share!!!

[@kennysherrill6542]

Outstanding work, sorry to hear about the carry-throughs what a bummer, looks like some real progress is being made, I hope to be able to send something soon. Again Thank You Chuck for the up date and let them all know we are out here wishing them good luck on this beautiful B-17.

[@RideswithChuck]

I have been more than happy to follow this project and I really want to see it fly.

[@harley909]

Mike is a great guy and these guys need all the help they can get.

[@ericneumann8114]

😢 if you paid somebody to do something for you and they screw it up.They owe it to you to make it right! Whether it's the carry thrus for the wings or something else.

[@julianheichelbech7838]

What an incredible project, hope to stop by sometime in the future.

[@johnwilson7609]

Incredible perseverance, l would really like to see it fly one day.

[@tap0019]

Congratulations to Chase Smith on Joining the Navy. Wish you the best and thank you for your service.

[@johna1160]

You can see how demoralized Mike is about machine shop screw up with carry-throughs, obviously a major setback. Here's hoping a generous sponsor, or two steps up before long. Thanks for update, Chuck, you were reading my mind with your spot on questions.

[@RideswithChuck]

It is a very worth while project. If my Dad was still alive he would be bowled over by the immensity of it.

[@apollobravo7654]

Hopefully when I have spare time after high school or college I would like to volunteer and/or sponsor. I would really like to work on this aircraft and know I did something most people don't

[@polarjet1833]

Honestly once I hit high school if I’m able too I would honestly love to volunteer to help on this Beaty, I just have a connection to the B18 and I don’t know why it is but I love it and I would be willing to do anything to get down and get working on putting a B-17 back into flying order

[@alexandermccarthy]

It seems strange that the machine shop wouldn't be on the hook for stuffing up.

[@rossmontani5557]

Can Boeing actually be of any help? Such as patterns,dies,etc?

[@rafaeltorres2886]

This project needs donations really bad.

[@sionhughes5543]

Please would some multi millionaire please give this man enough money to finish this wonderful B17 . He is looking crushed by the weight of the responsibility and the realisation that he wont live to see it finished . If I could afford it it I would pay just to see this quarter centre project brought to a conclusion.

[@ericneumann8114]

Make them replace the parts that they screwed up.

[@bf9142ftw]

Is there any way to sue the company that made the carry-throughs? $30,000 should be able to afford you a remake, considering the tolerances were off.

[@oxcart4172]

Wouldn't it be great if the people behind '909 would get involved? There must be a lot of expertise among them (And maybe they have some insurance money han)ging around?

[@corvette724]

what an awesome job

[@RideswithChuck]

It is a major undertaking and it isn't too far from the finish line.

[@ryanward8039]

Is this aircraft going to be a static display or do you intend to make it air worthy when its finished?

[@RideswithChuck]

The plans are to fly it.

[@cal-native]

Any chance the carry-throughs can be scratch built?

[@pat36a]

That's was what the First set was that was Drilled incorrectly. 30,000 dollars worth.

[@garvinhooper]

with the expense and the condition this plane was in after being hacked tp pieces in a junk yard I would be really surprised if it ever flies again without a foundation of some sort taking over this project