Warbird Information Exchange

Stratofortressflyer-

If I remember correctly from Saturday, there isn't much to the "navigator" and "flight engineer" stations, other than a seat. The area where there would have been some radio operator's equipment and those stations is pretty empty. I have heard that they do have some of this equipment, but I'm not sure what the plans are for installing it. I'm sure Gary or others can fill us in on those plans. I do know that it looked much more like a bomber than the last time I was inside it, and that it has come a long, long way. Gary is to be commended, as well as all of the volunteers that worked long and hard hours. This little airplane is experiencing a renaissance that we should all be excited about. I can't wait to see what further changes are in store for 927 this winter. Bomb bay doors? More bombs in the racks? A top turret? Dare I dream???



kevin

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FOUND the elusive DT-built B-24! Woo-hoo!!!

There isn't a top turret for this bird. Though it did have an open hole for a 50' . But the cable control lines will have to be removed and replaced.

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Christopher Soltis
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Warbird Kid,

Though there isn't a top turret currently for 927, if I remember correctly Gary did mention that moving the control cables and installing one was on his long-term to-do list. Like I said, I can dream!!!

kevin

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FOUND the elusive DT-built B-24! Woo-hoo!!!

Alright, I stand corrected!

All of the pics I could find on the net of B-24A models show the hole, but no turret. I guess there was just a 50 cal poking out of the hole?

kevin

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FOUND the elusive DT-built B-24! Woo-hoo!!!

Guys,

The top gun emplacement on 927 consisted of a rectangular door similar to the waist doors that slides on a track to open (not unlike the radio room window of the B-17, only metal with a small window). Currently there is a ring similar to an SBD aft gun installation and the cables were moved here during the cargo conversion. Gary has been researching this for modification back to original. The bomb bay doors and such have been discussed before on this thread--it's a huge undertaking that is likely going to have to be farmed out. As to the bombs, I think the Squadron had a donor program for the bombs that are in the airplane (before my time) and I would guess that is how more would be obtained. The instrumentation for the flight engineer station was tossed during the modifications early on, and what is now back there is electrical/fire safety equipment. That panel would be a huge undertaking in itself, as it was quite extensive. I don't know what is in store for this winter, everyone was busy getting the old beast flying and on tour.

Thanks for the pics!
Scott

First of all, Gary, WOW. Not just wow on the finished plane, but wow on what you did here. You brought the warbird community along on the journey and showed much of the good, bad, and otherwise of the whole fabrication process. I spent hours going through all the pages of pictures here, and I got goosebumps. Way to Go!

I took some video from a moving platform (landcruiser) on the tarmac at Front Range airport near Denver, September 9, 2001 - yes, two days before the 9/11 attack.

I posted the video for all here to enjoy:
http://gallery.mac.com/bsb/100107

The fly-by sound got corrupted, I am sorry about that, but the landing, taxi and parking is all there. It's virtually unedited and raw -- so please accept it as such and just try to enjoy the sights and sounds of a great machine.

Cheers!

"Does anyone have complete pictures of the cockpit, with the nav and the flight engineers stations?"

These pictures are of the first aircraft of the batch "ol 927 was a part of. Looking at the title frame of the picture Model 32 is B-24, MF was for mission Francais. originally this group of planes was ordered for France.

On the left is extra test equiptment for the test flights.



Here is a picture of the radio operators compartment



There was also a question about the top gunner. Here is a scan of a blueprint of the upper gunner position.

All ready for the show this weekend?

Man, I sure am! I've been out every day so far this week, and have a good solid handle on the squawks. We ran it up today, and all seems well. Going to do a little rubbing and rinsing tomorrow, and she should be ready to go. It's been a lot of fun seeing the other planes showing up-wildcat, sb2c, tbm, etc. I flew in today in a cherokee 140 and parked right next to the shackleton-talk about both end s of the spectrum! I told Gary I felt like a "hot shot" pilot til I stood back and looked at those two together! James

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If I were doing any better, I'd have to be twins.

Gary, what are the big projects and modifications for this winter going to be?

No big projects (except for maybe modifying/repairing that crappy entry door). All I'm going to have time for this year is to just a basic annual inspection and possibly an engine change, cylinders, etc.
Sorry, nothing too exciting, but I'll be happy to give periodic updates if y'all want.

Gary

Hi Gary,

Good to hear from you. I was wondering if you got any information on the B-23? A possible good winter project?


Anyway take care and be safe,
Nathan

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Gary
We'll take anything we can get!

I wish I could have seen "Ol 927" this year but it seems that was not in the cards. There is always next year I guess.

Tim

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www.tailhookstudio.com

Found this image in a 1941 published kids book "Warplanes in Action" that turned up at an older relatives home a couple weeks ago.

Gotta love wartime propoganda. RAF Liberators over the Rhineland

Don't think that ever happened.

AM23# has the serial number on the drawing too.

Figured it fit with Ol 927

Dan,

Here is another use of the same paint scheme, this time on a wrapper for schoolkid's paper products. Notice that the artist substituted U.S. roundels on the fuselage and painted out the wing markings. Ol' 927 and her sisters were really cutting edge stuff back in the day!



Scott