The Boeing B-17 “Lacey Lady” was perched atop a gas station in Milwaukie, Ore., for more than 60 years. No more. She came down December 5-6 and was taken to Salem, Ore., where she will undergo full restoration to flying condition. Airailimages video documented the removal.
Learn more about “Lacey Lady” and her restoration from the B-17 Alliance Group.
30 years ago i spotted her stranded on those mounts and it about broke my heart, many times i have thought of her setting there, forlorn and ignored, what a great day this is.
Actually the most important thing is that they are cautious to get the nose art anatomically correct………….
Now every time I see a bomber I will be hungry because I will think about restaurants…….
Wow. I have always been saddened when I would see these old ladies hawking some business, just sitting there in the sun rotting away.
It will be a wonderful story to see her returned to the sky where she belongs.
Dennis
Understandable, but, being “gate guards” or other types of advertising uses of them did in fact save these aircraft from the scrappers. Preservation must start with simply not turning things into raw ingots and an aircraft sitting on posts or even “abandoned” in a field will start the process, because the airframe still exists. Many of these aircraft are historical gems because although they have deteriorated they have not been “maintained” and modified since put on display in the late 40’s/50’s. Because of that they are often more historically correct in structure,(and remaining systems), than a plane that kept flying as a freighter or air tanker.
As a pilot I am always happy to see a bird restored to flying condition.
I have driven by the “bomber” for years and heard all the stories that one day it would be restored. I hope that day will come soon. How fantastic it would be to see that B-17 fly again,
I don’t have much money but I could volunteer time to work on it.
If you guys have a web site to let people know what they can do to help that would be great. I think there are a lot of Oregonians like me who feel this is “Our” bomber.
I think its absolutely wonderful restoring a historical aircraft like this .