Warbird Information Exchange

I visited Eglin back in the early 90's and got the back room tour. The B-17 was named "Gremlin's Castle" or "Gremlin's Delight" back then if I recall correctly. I did get a walk thru....she was completely hollow from nose to tail.

One interesting thing about her was the "canvas" control surfaces. I asked how they could maintain the cloth coverings considering the weather down there. He showed me that they had removed the canvas and replaced it with thin sheet metal. The sheet metal had been cut with pinking shears ("saw-tooth" like the fabric would have been) and painted silver. While the silver paint was still wet they pressed fabric into the paint creating the grain-look of the cloth. Neat trick!

The B-17 is in pretty sad shape. Every few years they put a fresh coat of paint on it but corrosion is apparent all over the airframe. I don't believe there are any plans to move it indoors or expand the indoor space. This is one airframe that could use a new home...indoors.

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"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

Would be great if the 17 could go in, however if a plane at the Armament needs and deserves to be a priority to come inside it has to be 3129.

Thanks for the shots.

The A-10 (with an unorthodox paint job) and the F-16...

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"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

I kind of expected (as did many others) that 3129 (being the first production C-130) would be the A-Model Gunship that would have gone to the NMUSAF and I was surprised that another AC-130A was chosen. I've been inside 129 recently and it is in fantastic condition...very complete. Sadly, the harsh climate will take it's toll on the old girl over time...

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"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

I’m getting old, I remember seeing that F-15 and that AC-130 both flying on active service! Both used to hit the air show circuit and I think the F-15 “Gulf Spirit” can be seen in the movie, “Air Force One” as they scramble the fighters at what is supposed to be Ramstein. I’m glad to see each preserved as they were the two most famous aircraft used at Eglin in modern times.
Here are some photos of that F-15 in happier times: http://www.flickr.com/photos/raf_yyc/2981724609/ and http://tvrphoto.photoshelter.com/galler ... dLrRYtj3fc and http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtalplacido/4664894737/ Here are some shots of that AC-130: http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.s ... ch=53-3129

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Life member, 91st BG Memorial Association
Owner, 1944 Willys MB #366014
Former REMF (US Army, O3)

Was the First Lady mounted with her nosewheel cocked or have winds already shifted her on her parking spot?

Is that A-10 paint scheme experimental or correct for some Eglin range tests? Tell me they didn't just make that up.

Ken

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"Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves."

Not to mention the hard demarcation lines on the F-16 camo

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Cheers!

Lance Jones

I think the wind has moved the nose wheel on the Herc. As far as the A-10 paint...doesn't seem standard to me. Seems like they roll on all of the paint jobs so a "sprayed" look is almost impossible...

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"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."