Memphis Belle is saved from the scrapheap (TR)

UK Daily Mail ^ | 05/17/2018 | AP, Iain Burns, Megan Sheets

[MomwithHope]

Thanks. Hubby just joined the 446th Bomb group and there was a reunion last month in San Antonio. It was a great experience.

[antidisestablishment]

The Army wasn’t much for keeping historical aircraft after WWII. "Ol Gappy" a B-17G from the 379 Bomb Group, flew 157 missions, more than any other bomber in the 8th AF and was left for scrap:

[lapsus calami]

 

 

There's lots of later B-29 nose art that can't be posted here.

 

Know what you mean. There's a lot of nose art that was flat, wasn't very dimensional and cartoonish, but there was some out there that were simply stunning in the execution of detail, light & shadow. Some like that were "Reserved", "Un Decided", "Slick's Chicks" and others. Just wow - whoever did those had serious talent and were probably professional 'back home' - makes me wonder whatever happened with those guys after the war.

 

 

[Oatka]

DEATH OF THE BALL TURRET GUNNER

Andy Rooney told of a bomber that had it's landing gear shot up so bad it wouldn't deploy. They also couldn't get their ball turret gunner out. He just said it was "awful" but you can imagine the poor guy was just a red smear on the runway.

That being said, it has since been called an Urban Legend by historians. "Amazing Stories" had an episode called "The Mission" about a similar situation, but had a happier ending.

here's a pic of a guy getting into one during a flight in 2015.

The crews of those planes must have clanked when they walked.

[Bonemaker]

“He just said it was “awful” but you can imagine the poor guy was just a red smear on the runway.”

Yes, a 20mm is pretty harsh on the human body.

[Revolutionary]

The stars are supposed to be when the plane was lead mission, group lead, etc. Different colors. It is suspected that there was some embellishment before the aircraft went on tour.

[Bonemaker]

“Bob Morgan, the Memphis Belle pilot, was from Asheville, NC.

If he could see what his once bucolic town has become he’d probably want to bomb it.”

So would I ....Assville.

[vortec94]

I have a signed/numbered lithograph fo the Belle in flight and Franklin Mint Die cast . not sure of the scale but almost 1 20” wingspan. The Sentimental Journey was a great ride,

[2CAVTrooper]

Another B-17 that’s in flying condition is EAA’s Aluminum Overcast.

https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/flight-experiences/aluminum-overcast-eaa-b-17-bomber-tour

[TalonDJ]

Oh, you are in for a treat. Be prepared to stay ALL Day, wear comfy shoes and pace yourself. That place is HUGE and full of hidden gems. Don’t rush it, take breaks and stay hydrated.

[YogicCowboy]

My father was an aircraft/rocket designer. He said back then, “If it looked good, it flew well.”

Spitfire. Mustang. Mosquito. Fortress. All are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

The B-17F had a sleeker nose than earlier E. G ruined it, and slowed it down while hurting handling. The frontal assaults - which included suicidal Rammkomandos - necessitated power turret.

Before the end of WWII, there was an experimental model with an integral power nose turret firing the new .60 gun, with a recessed bombardier window. It actua!ly looked much like the original YB-17 and early pre-war models. War’s end killed development.

[Peter W. Kessler]

An encounter with ANY B-17 is a joy and a privilege.

I’m glad you enjoyed yourself regardless of the provenance of the plane.

I took my Dad to our local air show many years ago. His Dad (my Grandfather) was a waist gunner in the 8th Air Force.

I knew the warbirds would be arriving late Friday morning, so I surprised him with a visit.

My Dad had never seen a B-17 up close. As soon as it landed, we ran to climb aboard. My Dad stood where his Dad did his business, just looking out of the opening. There was a tear in his eyes.

Dad passed away three years ago. I will never forget that day.