A72-176, the B-24M Liberator renovated by the B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Fund, Inc., represents 10 years of effort by a group of Australian WWII Air Force Veterans and their younger compatriots. This plane has grown from a pile of corroded parts to a complete, recognizable aircraft. However, much work still remains to the done, since the group vows to produce an aircraft that could be flyable, but at the same time, promise it never will be flown because of its historical value.

While externally relatively complete, the plane is a shell, i.e., there are effectively no internal furnishings (equipment, hydraulics, controls, internal electrical wiring, etc.). Much of the necessary equipment is on-hand, and industrial firms have promised to supply the electrical wiring and hydraulic systems. Thus an additional two years is forecast before a truly complete aircraft has been obtained.

In addition, the Fund will soon lose its current home, the old hangar at Werribee. Plans are in place to build a new hangar at Avalon Airport nearby. Upon completion, this hangar will become a museum housing A72-176 and other B-24 related artifacts. Approximately $1,000,000.00 in new funding is needed to complete the task (build the hangar and finish the plane).

The Anthem for the Dedication Ceremony was universally acclaimed by the audience and promoted as the theme song for the Liberator Squadrons of Australia organization.

The nose turret is complete but must be reglazed and mounted. The bombardier's enclosure also must be fabricated.

Tail section of showing right rudder completed but left still needing fabric covering. The tail turret is completed but still needs glazing and mounting.

The engines are mounted but all accessories and controls must be added. Two engines must still be overhauled. One of these is seized. Cowlings need to be fabricated.

Note installation of oil tank. As shown here, nacelles and cowling need to be added as well as all internal accessories and controls.