CHAMPAIGN LADY: Meet our B17 Flying Fortress, Champaign Lady. ...

CHAMPAIGN LADY: Meet our B17 Flying Fortress, Champaign Lady.



...: "Meet our B17 Flying Fortress, Champaign Lady. She is located in Urbana Ohio in Champaign County at Grimes Field. My family and I are for..."

Meet our B17 Flying Fortress, Champaign Lady.



She is located in Urbana Ohio in Champaign County at Grimes Field. My family and I are fortunate to have a chance to work on this beautiful old War bird.



The project began 4 1/2 years ago when the first wrecked pieces of her were delivered to hangar 9 at Grimes Field. She began as 5 different parts from different planes. with many missing pieces.



Few of the volunteers who are working to bring her back to life have been with her since the beginning. When I see the pictures of the damaged parts that she started with I am amazed to see how far she has come and marvel at the love and dedication from those who believed that it was possible for her to come back from the dead.



What you see in the picture is the way she looks today after only those few short years. She is being built from the original blueprints that were purchase from the Smithsonian Institute. When she is finished she will be approximately 75% brand new. So instead of 12731 bombers having been built ours one could say will be 12732.



My family and I have been with the project for 2 1/2 years now and have learned so much in that time. It is not only the joy of knowing that we are doing our small part to bring this WWII hero back to life but the added bonus of meeting many of the Heroes who flew on her or worked on her. In my following blogs I will keep you updated on her progress but also introduce you to these wonderful men and hopefully tell there stories.