Warbird Information Exchange

There's probably a thread on this already, but I'm curious about the location and caliber of the nose gun. The only picture I've seen of an A model with the nose gun installed appeared to have it mounted in the "point" of the nose and looked like a .30 cal.

First another tip of the hat to Gary & his helpers. It's not Gary alone, as he's the first to say, but he's sure the guy in the middle!

Secondly, just a point on the nose art and the plaques on the guns. Some of us get uncomfortable when we realise we aren't 'outside' history, but are part of it. Old 927 (The Glal formerly known as Lil ) has a history that encompasses the days of being an exec aircraft, a meat hauler and one of the Confederate Air Force's earliest 'heavies'.

As Gary's pointed out, her original 'armed' period was brief and not front line - no less real for all that, but no-one's pretending she's being returned to an original configuration and scheme that's exact for that aircraft - type yes, aircraft no.

Old 927's history is unfolding another chapter*, and some of that chapter's history is being written here, in this thread. We all hope the aircraft continues to fly for many more years and there will be a period when people look back on 'the good old days' of 2006 and 7 and when that favourite old nose-art was first revealed. (And back when Gary managed to keep his temper despite all the trials and was shortly-after bought an island by an appreciative CAF Gen Staff... ) Those plaques and that nose art are another important facet of Old 927's history, for now and the future.

Secondly, it's a fact that however much you tell people, it's only when some folks see names inscribed they realise that that aircraft is flying because of donations and volunteer labo(u)r - not because some rich guy makes it so. And then they might just join up.

Thirdly, it's not pretending to be a 1941 US bomber, it's a 2007 flying remembrance. That remembrance should extend to those who gave to help the restoration.

Regards,

*Ghastly cliché on hire.

Gary,
During WWII it was very common for churches and schools to have small bond drives to raise money for the War effort. At the end of the bond drive there would usually be a ceremony where a Jeep, Tank, Aircraft or Ship would be affixed with a small plate stating for example: "This Aircraft was purchased with War Bonds raised by the Midland Texas Elementary School" - and that aircraft went off to war. The B-24 "V-Grand" was signed by all of the factory workers, but not all of them put the aircraft together nor flew her in combat. I think the brass plates you added are a very subtle touch that will show the public that this was/is an all hands restoration. I believe that you are not only restoring an aircraft but also showing the way funds were raised then (and now) to get the aircraft in the air! I think you’ve held one hellova War Bond Drive!

phil65 is a bloody whinger, the CAF is there to preserve heritage not to adhere to whims of dopes!!!!


i think small plaque NOT on the plane is fine,but a plaque at least helps.... preserve modern days thoughts as it is a LARGE scale project and nowday globally funded in some cases.

the BOMBER is representing the veterans

THE plaque represents the modern days saviours

if your so angry i suggest you get down there and help more

I have heard tha name mentioned a few times now. What was the deal with that?