Mini-FB111A restoration! Fall 2005.

After many weeks in the hands of Chris McWilliams from FB-111A.net, the mini-FB received a new paint scheme and markings. Once painted like a Thunderbird, the mini-FB now pays homage to the plane's predecessor World War II bomb wings.

When Chris saw the mini-FB on display during the last reunion in July 2005, the model was in dire need of extensive body repair and repainting. The FB-111A Association offered to repaint the plane on the condition that it could be restored to its original appearance. Owned by the Civil Air Patrol in New Hampshire, the mini-FB was repaired before Chris could haul the plane on a trailer to his home in Westford, Mass. Due to bad weather, Chris had no choice but to squeeze the 20-feet model into his garage. During the next six weeks, McWilliams spent every free minute he had to restore the model. Luckily, two friends gave him a hand with this project, Chip Cahoon and Pete Doe. Even Chris's wife and daughter helped do some painting one afternoon. Chris worked diligently to restore the paint exactly as it had originally appeared. Tsgt Frank Stephens from the 157th ARW/NH ANG helped Chris with the stencils for the markings on the model. In addition, nose arts emblems have been applied on both sides of the model. The right fuselage represents aircraft 69-6509 from the 509th Bomb Wing with the Gloucester fisherman and "Spirit of the Sea Coast". The left fuselage represents the 380th Bomb Wing from Plattsburgh AFB, NY, which is the direct descendent of the 380th Bomb Group (H), a B-24 heavy bomb group and one of the premier bomb groups in the Pacific Theater. The model carries the emblem "King of the Heavies" that represent the predecessor bomb group and its squadrons. FB-111A 68-0244 was given the special markings in 1982 for the first reunion of the 380th Bomb Group. For Chris McWilliams, both units have a very rich history and it was important to capture that heritage just as the actual FB-111 aircraft did. All the mini-FB missing now is power and plans are for Chip, Pete and Chris to work on the engine next summer.

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