A CONSERVATION team has begun a 16-month project to transform a World War II American bomber.
The B-17 Flying Fortress, Mary Alice, had been on display at the American Air Museum, part of Imperial War Museum (IWM) Duxford, in Cambridgeshire. The plane was rolled out of the museum and into Hangar 5 last Thursday.
The aircraft’s propellers, engines and wings had to be removed in preparation for the extensive conservation work which will include remedial anti-corrosion work and repainting the aeroplane.
There are believed to be only 13 B-17 Flying Fortresses remaining, three of which are airworthy.
The heavy bombers were flown from bases in the UK by the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC), throughout the American participation in World War II.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here