Many thanks to B240TH, from WarThunder live for the skin and the history.
EAA’s B-17G-VE, serial number 44-85740 - nicknamed Aluminum Overcast
was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps on May 18, 1945.
Although delivered too late to see action in World War II, the airplane has an interesting history.
First Owner
Purchased as surplus from the military inventory for a mere $750 in 1946,
the airplane has flown more than 1 million miles. It has served as a cargo hauler,
an aerial mapping platform and in pest control and forest dusting applications.
Return to Military Roots
The airplane's return to its military roots began in 1978,
when it was purchased by a group of investors who wished to preserve the heritage of the magnificent B-17. The group,
"B-17s Around the World," was headed by Dr. Bill Harrison. Their goal was to return the B-17 to its former glory.
Donation to EAA
The economic reality of simply maintaining a vintage bomber, let alone the cost of restoration, prompted the group to
donate the B-17 to EAA in 1983. Since that time, an extensive program of restoration and preservation was undertaken to
ensure Aluminum Overcast would be a living reminder of World War II aviation for many years to come. The restoration has
taken more than 10 years and thousands of hours by dedicated staff and volunteers at EAA’s headquarters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Aluminum Overcast proudly carries the colors of the 398th Bomb Group of World War II,
which flew hundreds of missions over Nazi-held territory during the war.
Aluminum Overcast commemorates B-17G-50-BO The Bronx Bomber 42-102516
http://live.warthunder.com/post/381739/en/ which was shot down on its 34th combat mission over
Le Manior, France, on August 13, 1944. Veterans of the 398th helped finance the bomber's restoration.
