Memphis Belle right down the road from me

gweimer · June 30, 2012, 12:21:52 PM

My neighbor came by to tell me that a B-17 was flying overhead and was giving rides at the airport a couple miles down the road. I ran over to look around. This is the movie version of the Memphis Belle. Originally built as a troop carrier in 1945, this plane served as the personal plane for a general in WWII and in the Korean War. It was converted to a fire bomber after that. It was sold in 1980 and converted back to a model B-17G, and was painted for use in the movie. The P-40 that was supposed to be there had problems and didn't make it. I figured you would like this. BTW - I was not able to fit through the plane. The bomb bay is about 6" wide, and the support struts were narrower than I am.

For $450, I would have been able to take a 30 minute ride around the city.

Highlander · June 30, 2012, 03:49:55 PM

You luck bugga...

TBird1958 · June 30, 2012, 04:29:24 PM

It's a beauty!

My work is just south of many a B-17s birthplace Boeing Field - I remember getting out of the car one morning and hearing the rumble of pistons looked up to see that very plane. I love B-17s!

sniper · June 30, 2012, 05:34:44 PM

a beauty for sure.

fwiw the Memphis Belle was a B17F and not a G. the G had a gun turret below the nose as this was discovered to be a weak spot defensibly and fighters would attatck head on.

gweimer · June 30, 2012, 08:32:51 PM

Quote from: sniper on June 30, 2012, 05:34:44 PM
a beauty for sure.

fwiw the Memphis Belle was a B17F and not a G. the G had a gun turret below the nose as this was discovered to be a weak spot defensibly and fighters would attatck head on.

The guy who gave the history of this particular plane mentioned that another fault of the F series was that the gunners were too close to each other, and kept bumping into each other trying to shoot. He did mention the fact that this plane did not have the nose turret, too. This plane has been through a few changes and was transformed to the B-17G before being repainted for the movie. You guys would probably point at the screen and cry fowl, but I would never know the difference. Next time, I'll try to take pictures of the rivets for y'all.

The plane is here through tomorrow and hopefully the P-40 will show up. The 20 minute ride in the P-40 runs $1150. No thanks.

nofi · June 30, 2012, 10:30:21 PM

a restored b 29 bomber sits outside of lockheed/ dobbins airforce base a few miles from me.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=b+29+pictures&id=DD68685164794443155FA9E04DFEC6E638F61F0C&FORM=IQFRBA

the mojo hobo · July 01, 2012, 08:02:29 AM

The real Memphis Belle isn't too much furthur down the road; it's in Dayton at the Air Force Museum, It is being restored right now so if you want to see it you have to sign up in advance for the Friday afternoon behind the scenes tour.

The museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is a must-see for any avaition enthusiast.

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/index.asp

TBird1958 · July 01, 2012, 08:07:12 AM

^^^^^^^^^^^

Love the new avatar! I keep forgetting you're a Q fan

the mojo hobo · July 01, 2012, 12:21:52 PM

Also a Whovian. That is my Dalek Zephyr or maybe Zephyr Dalek.

Actually it is the Nebraska Zephyr at the Illinois Railway Museum. They will be running it a few weeks from now on their Diesel Days weekend, and I'll be taking my grandson. They have a big CB&Q collection.

BTW, I am also a fan of The J

Highlander · July 01, 2012, 02:14:43 PM

That's what I call a classic engine...

I was given a "levitating" Tardis by the better 2/3 of the family on the recent change of my status - all done by magnets but nothing touches... I own a "real" Tardis key as my dad was ex Met Police...

There's only one B17 based over here afaik...

nofi · July 01, 2012, 02:22:20 PM

what is your change of 'status', englishman?

Highlander · July 01, 2012, 02:32:46 PM

"BUFF" to "HERBIE"

... another year older and deeper in debt...

(English...? Perish the thought...

my lot have been under the thumb of the English since well pre your independence... )

TBird1958 · July 01, 2012, 02:42:30 PM

E-5A.............Shotwelded Stainless Steel 110mph Sexy!

Chinese Red SD-24 = Yummy!

the mojo hobo · July 02, 2012, 09:16:50 AM

I also was given a "levitating" Tardis for my last birthday, but it has battery-operated electro-magnets.

I grew up within a couple of hundred yards from the CB&Q main line out of Chicago. The California and Nebraska Zephyrs went through town at about 70 mph.

godofthunder · July 02, 2012, 11:28:09 AM

great pics of the B17! Must have been a thrill to see it in the air.