[valkyry1]

I have never been up on an old B-17. And with my knowledge of metallurgy esp as to aluminum alloys I would not go up in in any aircraft that age for recreation purpose.

Howvwer I really like your project. What truly astounds me is how Boeing enginnering (et al) did with what they had.

I mean look at the B-17 E-F models, they all had only 4 each 1200hp engines and could range from England to Germany and back with all that payload.

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

First off the B-17 is so overbuilt.Which is the reason for its longevity.The metals used at that time have held up really well.The stuff today is super strong but has time X all over it.We are now making new extrusions because the old ones are starting to get some fiz(corrision).There are currently two B-17 projects that will be “new” aircraft when completed.The reason the Bombers could make the round trip was the addition of tokyo tanks in the outboard wing panels.I trust these planes more than I do current airliners.