And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
B-17s in order, front to back- Memphis Belle, Aluminum Overcast, Thunderbird, Nine-O-Nine (crashed and destroyed 2019), Liberty Belle (crashed and destroyed 2011) and Madras Maiden, from Jack Erickson's collection. In January 2019, the aircraft was repainted to “Ye Olde Pub” in honor of the men who flew it in the skies of Germany.
It was easier than I thought to track down which was which. Once you get their tail number you've got it made.
The only one I knew for sure on sight was Erickson's Madras Maiden. It's nice that they repainted it but I thought it was much prettier being polished aluminum with Jack's fantastic nose art.
I found this for you, Anon- https://www.air-and-space.com/Boeing%20B-17%20Tankers.htm
And a photo of Tanker 56 at the Grass Valley Air Attack Base. It was owned by Cal-Nat Airways. https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2245/1767483449_7597b94177_z.jpg
If anything, these show that the B-17 ID numbers were all over the ballpark back when they were flying as air tankers.
I'm sure that's the case. And I'm also sure the sounds of those four humming turboprop engines would be awesome, much like the two turboprop engines on CalFire's upgraded S-2Ts sound. But still, I thoroughly believe the sound of the original radial engines singing their songs was something that once experienced are never to be forgotten.
I heard that tune almost exactly 50 years ago coming from a B-17 'Borate Bomber' and it seems like I can still hear (feel) that 'sound' like it was yesterday. That day is one of my life's fondest memories.
B17’s had Studebaker engines in them. I know what’s a studebaker?
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there is anyone still alive that heard these over Berlin during the war?
ReplyDeleteThere are people in their 90s so probably.
DeleteI think that is a B-24 Liberator way in back.
ReplyDeleteB-17s in order, front to back-
ReplyDeleteMemphis Belle, Aluminum Overcast, Thunderbird, Nine-O-Nine (crashed and destroyed 2019), Liberty Belle (crashed and destroyed 2011) and Madras Maiden, from Jack Erickson's collection. In January 2019, the aircraft was repainted to “Ye Olde Pub” in honor of the men who flew it in the skies of Germany.
I stand corrected. Thanks Elmo.
DeleteIt was easier than I thought to track down which was which. Once you get their tail number you've got it made.
DeleteThe only one I knew for sure on sight was Erickson's Madras Maiden. It's nice that they repainted it but I thought it was much prettier being polished aluminum with Jack's fantastic nose art.
If I am reading correctly, from front to back, B-17's #4 (909) and #6 (Texas Raiders) are no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteSome inspiration (B-17 Sentimental Journey)--
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIHj0Af78xE
There used to be a B17 airtanker in SoCal. Any details about it?
ReplyDeleteThis might help you solve that mystery-
Deletehttps://www.aerovintage.com/product/final-cut-2/
Chapter Eight: Air Tankers, Dusters and Sprayers
thank you Elmo
ReplyDeleteI found this for you, Anon-
Deletehttps://www.air-and-space.com/Boeing%20B-17%20Tankers.htm
And a photo of Tanker 56 at the Grass Valley Air Attack Base. It was owned by Cal-Nat Airways.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2245/1767483449_7597b94177_z.jpg
If anything, these show that the B-17 ID numbers were all over the ballpark
back when they were flying as air tankers.
Here's and odd duck--
Deletehttps://www.aerovintage.com/2022/11/25/the-unique-turboprop-b-17/
I recall reading somewhere that it was possible to exceed the maximum rated speed for the air frame with those engines, in level flight.
I'm sure that's the case. And I'm also sure the sounds of those four humming turboprop engines would be awesome, much like the two turboprop engines on CalFire's upgraded S-2Ts sound. But still, I thoroughly believe the sound of the original radial engines singing their songs was something that once experienced are never to be forgotten.
DeleteI heard that tune almost exactly 50 years ago coming from a B-17 'Borate Bomber' and it seems like I can still hear (feel) that 'sound' like it was yesterday. That day is one of my life's fondest memories.
Pardon me while I wax nostalgic.
I've flown in one of Erickson's planes. Kick in the butt!..
ReplyDeleteDo it if ever in Madras, Oregon.
I'll never forget it....(:+).........