: Spruce is one of the WORST woods for steambending.

According to http://www.cypresswoodworks.com/Sitka_spruce.html and http://www.woodbin.com/ref/wood/spruce_sitka.htm and http://diadot.com/wood/spruce_sitka.htm sitka spuce has good steam bending properties. I have had good success with it.

:It was held in high regard
: by wood aircraft builders for its high strength to weight ratio, it is a
: very stiff wood for its weight.

The reason they used it for the Spruce Goose was its strength-to-weight ratio and its ability to not fracture catastophically when shot with bullets. The bullets go right through it without spitting the wood. Most species crack and splinter when shot. Douglas fir was stronger and more plentiful, but could not handle being shot.