Memphis Belle Friday...picture heavy

JimH · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2018 12:10 am

Made it down Friday...missed all the flying, but that's ok. It wasn't as packed as I thought it would be but I'm sure the weekend will be busy. I'll add photos over the next couple days. I will say, even though it is off the ground it is fitting that it is "forever flying", it's really stunning.

Jim

DSC_2639 by jim harley, on Flickr44

DSC_2456 by jim harley, on Flickr

DSC_2563 by jim harley, on Flickr

DSC_2293 by jim harley, on Flickr

DSC_2270 by jim harley, on Flickr

6trn4brn · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2018 2:07 am

Thank you for the BIG photos Jim...I personally like the extra detail in large photos like these. Which brings me to my first question, did they leave the flak repairs? I can't see any in your photos. Do you or anyone on here know the difference in the colors of the stars above the mission markings? I have read that they are significant of them being the lead ship? And speaking of paint...my personal feeling is that the factory fresh paint takes so much away from her job as a work horse. I loved seeing The Movie Memphis Belle a few years ago with oil and grease stains, chipped and faded paint, etc, etc. Gave it personality.

Done ranting...I will make the pilgrimage up there soon to pay my respects.

JimH · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2018 7:50 am

I went from photobucket to flckr...I guess flickr is bigger

a few more. I think, no matter how it was restored or displayed, it will never meet everyone's expectations.

DSC_2485 by jim harley, on Flickr
No markings on #1 prop

DSC_2462 by jim harley, on Flickr

DSC_2438 by jim harley, on Flickr

DSC_2439 by jim harley, on Flickr

DSC_2321 by jim harley, on Flickr

DSC_2316 by jim harley, on Flickr

JimH · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2018 7:57 am

more...one aspect I did like was the lighting. The airplane and display was given its own canopy of lights.

DSC_2529 by jim harley, on Flickr

DSC_2431 by jim harley, on Flickr

DSC_2565 by jim harley, on Flickr

DSC_2489 by jim harley, on Flickr

DSC_2283 by jim harley, on Flickr

whistlingdeath77 · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2018 8:51 am

It looks so new it looks like a plastic model! Great pics. I wonder if they had to manually crank up the gear? Is this going to be the permanent way it will be displayed?

lucky52 · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2018 9:03 am

Are any of the engines the ones it came back from England with?

whistlingdeath77 · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2018 9:07 am

lucky52 wrote:

Are any of the engines the ones it came back from England with?

I think it had several engine changes over its career. Not sure if they did one in the states

JimH · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2018 9:15 am

The display is kinda crowded under the left wing...given that they took up the entire corner of the building it could have been spread out more. I’m sure it will evolve over the years, I’m just glad that it is finally on display, protected from the elements and the remaining few still have an opportunity to see her.

It is pristine and has the model airplane quality, I’m not sure about the engines...or why #1 prop is bare...kind funny, it’s an eye roller of a tour question but perfectly fair to ask of a national monument. I can’t see any restoration being artificially weathered, that ship sailed in Memphis 70 years ago...I’m just thankful she is still around and complete. More photos to come.

Jim

peter · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2018 9:55 am

Curious, does anyone know what the red tape or object is on the stbd waist gun?

lucky52 · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2018 10:28 am

It looks like some sort of front sight.The 4 nose guns have the same thing on them.We’re the B-17 bomb bays painted gray or does it just look that way?