I also can attest to the construction of the thunderbolt from being involved with rebuilding one that had bellylanded in a plowed field.The property owner said he was fine with the ditch that the bird made as he would just lay pipe in it.I have a friend who is rebuilding old 49th fighter group thunderbolts(3) in australia.Were you ever at finchhaven or dobodura?I am a big 49th FG fan.Thanks so much for what you did and did quite well.
Did you know “Hang the Expense” was the name of a very famous B-17?
Probably telling you something you know all too well!