Kermit Weeks tests Apache Princess's fully-operational bomb bay. The aircraft is the third in Aero Trader's series of "100 per cent" Mitchell restorations. "As time passes by," states Tony Ritzman, "more owners are wanting to add more and more original equipment to their B-25s." Supplies are finite, even though Aero Trader has the world's largest supply of Mitchell parts, and some items have to be manufactured from original drawings.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

Kermit brings up the power on the R-2600 engines to 42in of boost and 2,600 r.p.m. as he prepares to take off from Chino.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

Kermit Weeks and Tony Ritzman airborne in Apache Princess on January 4, 2001.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

The distinctive Air Apaches insignia on the fin and rudder was applied by Bruce Crandall.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

A new toy for Kermit Weeks: pristine B-25 Apache Princess

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

The nose of the Apache Princess has been fitted out with all its original equipment, including two 0-30in machine-guns.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

T/Sgt Paul Haller was the crew chief of the 501st's Apache Princess. He is seen here in front of the aeroplane's extremely colourful nose art at Tacloban in January 1945. Note the damage to the skin caused by the blasts from the 0-50in machine-guns.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

The immaculate cockpit, restored to absolutely stock condition.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

Looking forward from the rear fuselage to the bomb bay, with the "crawl-way" to the nose positions at the top right of the picture.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

The top turret mechanism, seen from the front, with the original folding seat folded into the down position.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

An obviously pleased Kermit Weeks after his first flight in Apache Princess.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

Armour plate and ammunition feeds have been installed in the tail gun position.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

The radio operator's position has been totally rebuilt, and authentic radio equipment installed.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943