A Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, which had become a familiar landmark in Milwaukie, near Portland, Oregon, was recently removed from its raised roadside position after 67 years. Flying Fortress 44-85790 was purchased by Art Lacey from a surplus sale at Altus Army Air Field in Oklahoma in 1947 and flown to Troutdale, Oregon, from where it was transported by road and mounted on pylons atop his gas station on McLoughlin Boulevard, Milwaukie. Known as 'Lacey Lady', the bomber had gradually deteriorated due to exposure to the elements over the intervening years. The gas station has since closed, but the B-17 remained as a landmark above the forecourt of the Bomber Restaurant on the same site. A few years ago the nose section was taken away for restoration, and in 2012 the four engines were also removed. A small museum on the site displays some restored parts and tells the story of the bomber.
展开▼
