Evergreen's B-17 (N207EV) sold to Collings Foundation

After I shared the video on historic B-17 air tankers in Alaska (1960-75) on November 27th I wanted to find a video to share of a B-17 starting her engines and taking off, preferably one that had seen service as an air tanker.

I lucked out, and the video that I am embedding below cropped up on Youtube in the up next area as I was viewing Evergreen B-17 N207EV, 44-83785 starting her engines at a 1995 Warbirds show in Fresno CA. The video is just over two minutes.


Direct link to video

The video in question is titled "Saying goodbye to Evergreen's B-17 with a start up and take off" (published on August 5, 2017). It is just over 17 minutes long. I admit that I hesitated to share this with you because of the length of the video. But when I saw the description (go to the direct link where you will see this description. I was hooked.

For years this gentle giant has sat inside of Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, Oregon. Now owned by the Collings Foundation, they flew the bird out of KMMV one last time as we all said good bye to the old gal. She will be missed by us here at Evergreen.

 I started to watch the video and felt the love that everyone at Evergreen had for a B-17. So I watched the video honoring this beloved B-17 as she took off for her new home at the Collings Foundation. This video shows that you can love an airplane. Note the cars parked along the road as people came to watch her take off from KMMV and Evergreen Aviation for the last time.


Direct link to video uploaded by planesguy

The Collings Foundation will spend the next year restoring her. Perhaps she will join their Wings of Freedom Tour in the future? Will she spend part of the year at their American Heritage Museum when it is completed? Depending on when you arrive at the American Heritage Museum page, you may see their Capital Fundraising campaign appeal. I am not soliciting funds for them, but I wish them well as the raise the necessary funds for this museum. I can't wait to go.



For more information on NJ207V, 44-83785 the Warbirds Registry has a nice information page that does not reflect her transfer to Collings Foundation ownership. This B-17 saw many years of service as an air tanker first by Intermountain Aviation (1969 to 1975), and then by Evergreen Helicopters (1975 -1992).

I am certain that N207EV will be loved in her new home. Many outside of the Collings Foundation will love her and see her up close and personal whether or not  she goes on the Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour after her restoration is complete.