Posted by Robert Hoss, Jr (24.158.101.171) on February 05, 2004 at 19:37:36:
In Reply to: Aircraft at NTS posted by Edward C. Weaver on December 13, 2003 at 19:28:46:
: Robert Friedrich - Sorry it took me so long to respond to your query as I have been traveling without the benefit of my computer. During the testing moratorium period (1958 - 1961) at the test site, I was on a mission to conduct an inventory of all Gov't property at the NTS. It was while traveling across Yucca Lake that I first saw The B-17 sitting amongst other salvage equiptment. The old gal was still upright, but looking very ragged. Loving aircraft like I do, I climbed up inside for closer look. The cockpit area was stripped of all controlls and gauges except for the altimeter which was still there hanging by its cable. At first glance, you would think she was heading for the grave yard, but as history proved, that would not be the case. A fellow by the name of Sidney Stern, also a REEC0 employee, was assigned the job as field coordinator to the subcontractor during the refurbishing of the YUCCA LADY. Sid and I were at the lake when they flew her out. With a loud roar she took off across the dry lake, blowing sand behind her and then she was gone. Ed. Weaver,Ocala, Fl.