Here's one for all you turret freaks out there.

[hang the expense]

Theres one that came out of Tallechets' 03gulf.The turret would power up back in the day and was also the turret out of Black Cat Pass b-17 sitting on a hilltop in NG.I am sure there are a few more out there.

[Steve Nelson]

how many full blown examples of a complete turret system for the B-17 are out in the world?

any complete ones in museums?

The NMUSAF has had this one on display form many years. Not my pic..just one I found online. The complete set is here: http://heroicrelics.org/wpafb/b-17-top-turret/index.html



And of course they also have a complete turret to install in The Belle. Here are some snapshots I took in the "turret shop" in the restoration center.









I don't recall if Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby has a complete top turret assembly or not. I got to crawl through her once, but that was nearly 20 years ago.

B-17E "My Gal Sal" had a fairly complete upper turret, but I don't know if the entire structure was retained when she was hung in New Orleans. I understand some of the interior fittings were removed to save weight (pity, as she was restored with a very complete interior.)



SN

[Noha307]

When I went on the "behind the scenes" tour at NMUSAF in July of 2011 they had a red sticker on the Memphis Belle's ball turret that pointed to a scratch/gouge that they thought was flak damage. I have a picture of it on my computer. I took it with my cellphone, so it's blurry, but I can send it to someone if they want to post it. I have other blurry pics that include two ball turrets side by side and a top turret. (I'm still kicking myself for not bringing my camera. )

[Taigh Ramey]

I certainly agree with Albert that the Sperry upper is the rarest of the rare. Just not many out there outside of B-17's.

Here is our museum's unrestored Sperry A-1B with B-17 vet Angelo.


We are in need of the swivel base but the one we need is later and is different than the ones pictured above. Ours is not round but looks like this:



Anyone have one of these lying around? Lots of stuff to trade if you do.

We are also going to put this Sperry turret up for sale:



This Sperry is not a part of the museum's collection but some of the proceeds from the sale will go toward the Harpoon fund.

The dome is new old stock with original OD green paint. I have a NOS gun platform too to swap out with the rusty one in the photo.

We have a some Sperry upper parts available for trade for bits to make our museum's A-1B complete.

[ballturret]

Hi taigh
Can you post or pm me a picture of the MG mounts that you have fitted to your turret thats for sale , they just might be the mounts that i am looking for, because i reckon i have the correct mounts for that model of turret , also what other parts do you have for sale or trade.............colin

[Taigh Ramey]

The gun mount cradle is for the later style turret with the taller side brackets

This shot shows the gunsight propped up a lot higher than its normal position

Last edited by Taigh Ramey on Fri Mar 01, 2013 2:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[DryMartini]

Well, here's something from HTE - See the Aerovintage topic if interested...

[ballturret]

Hi bill
You might remember me ,i sent you and the restoration team a .30 cal ball socket.
At the time you asked if i knew any of the people who are associated with all these WW2 Us aircraft parts that are being dug up over here in the UK.
Have a look at this web page called aces contrails and unsung heros theres plenty of pictures of what has been found and you could possibly make contact with one of their group.............colin

[ballturret]

Hi taigh
i forgot to say thanks for the picture that you posted showing the MG mounts in detail.As you said it also has the taller side mounts , what other parts do have which might be up for a trade?
Have you any idea of what the history of your turret is , i am just puzzled why the main turret body has been cut down?....colin

[Matt Gunsch]

how many full blown examples of a complete turret system for the B-17 are out in the world?
I recall there is one for a B-17 here in the States but it is not installed due to I think weight, and ease in and around the flight deck?

any complete ones in museums?

has anyone ever fabricated a pedestal for one?

Buler......Buler.....

Sentimental Journey used to have a functioning top turret, I helped to install it and ran it at a airshow in Marana. It has probably been deactivated by the current wing staff.

These turrets are HEAVY, this crane could barely lift it ( want some beach front property to go with that ?)




Lt to RT: Joe Dawkins, myself, Chuck Hoover

[gary1954]

what is the weight of a component complete turret system?

[Fortress Fan]

I certainly agree with Albert that the Sperry upper is the rarest of the rare. Just not many out there outside of B-17's.

Here is our museum's unrestored Sperry A-1B with B-17 vet Angelo.


We are in need of the swivel base but the one we need is later and is different than the ones pictured above. Ours is not round but looks like this:



Anyone have one of these lying around? Lots of stuff to trade if you do.

We are also going to put this Sperry turret up for sale:



This Sperry is not a part of the museum's collection but some of the proceeds from the sale will go toward the Harpoon fund.

The dome is new old stock with original OD green paint. I have a NOS gun platform too to swap out with the rusty one in the photo.

We have a some Sperry upper parts available for trade for bits to make our museum's A-1B complete.

Sure would look nice in my B-17 cockpit?, let me know when you are putting it up for sale?

Even the rusty parts you are swapping out would help