B-17 Thunderbird's new name

[67N20]

Read on Mid America Flight Museums Facebook page former Lone Star Flight Museum's Thunderbird will be renamed "We the People" and will be polished aluminum.

They hope to have wings installed next year.

I think the name blends nicely with their B-25 "God and Country"

[Warbird Kid]

Meh... I'd prefer if both planes were painted to honor original aircraft and their crews from the war instead of promoting mottos and slogans...

Last edited by Warbird Kid on Wed Oct 30, 2024 12:44 pm, edited 3 times in total.

[JohnB]

Stripping paint and polishing, sounds like a lot of work.
Is it still configured as a "G"?
If so, NMF sounds right.

Oh, and does it still retain the extra nose windows?

Last edited by JohnB on Thu Oct 31, 2024 9:55 am, edited 1 time in total.

[bomberfan]

Stripping paint and polishing, sounds like a lot of work.
Is it still configured as a "G"?
If so, NIFTY sounds right.

Oh, and does it still retain the extra nose windows?

They've stated in the past that they have zero intention of correcting the windows in the nose. They said it is a tribute to her service with the IGN. I feel, like many, that this detracts from the look of the aircraft, but with another B-17 back in the air, it's a minor detail.

And, it sounds like it's still going to be configured as a G

[TAdan]

I'll miss the Thunderbird name and paint scheme. I thought it was one of the most eye catching with the nose art and mission tally running down the fuselage.

[Chris Brame]

Their FB page isn't loading right for me. Did they say anything about the rest of the markings (unit codes, tail number, etc.)?

[Firebird]

Read on Mid America Flight Museums Facebook page former Lone Star Flight Museum's Thunderbird will be renamed "We the People" and will be polished aluminum.

Seriously.....?
What numb nuts thought that name up.....?

[JohnB]

... Thunderbird will be renamed "We the People"...

Seriously.....?
What numb nuts thought that name up.....?

A fan of the Constitution?

[kalamazookid]

There was a B-17F called "We The People/Snafu," but it doesn't sound like that's what this paint scheme will replicate.

[Mark Allen M]

... Thunderbird will be renamed "We the People"...

Seriously.....?
What numb nuts thought that name up.....?

A fan of the Constitution?

Would rather they be a fan of authenticity. But? their airplane, their money, their choice.
To be fair, perhaps they have an authentic scheme they are interested in applying. I haven’t been able to find one for a B-17G named “We, the People”.

Doesn’t mean one doesn’t exists.

[RyanShort1]

It's east Texas. 'Nuff said.

If they're gonna ruffle feathers, might as well be along political lines... LOL. Can't make everybody happy, so why try? Chances are, somebody will be able to repaint it in their favorite markings someday, so save up 'yer pennies so you can be the one!

I'm NOT trying to make a political statement, but I just don't think they care that much about the criticism I'm sure they know will be leveled at them.

[p51buff]

What was wrong with Thunderbird?

It's their airplane and their money, they can paint it however they want. Just like I'm free to send my donations elsewhere.


FWIW, from a central political POV, when I hear someone say "We, the people", it invokes thoughts of right-wing groups and people like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyFnLqJx-uU




“In every age it has been the tyrant, the oppressor and the exploiter who has wrapped himself in the cloak of patriotism, or religion, or both to deceive and overawe the People.”
― Eugene Victor Debs

[67N20]

Their FB page isn't loading right for me. Did they say anything about the rest of the markings (unit codes, tail number, etc.)?

It did not.

[Firebird]

I'm NOT trying to make a political statement, but I just don't think they care that much about the criticism I'm sure they know will be leveled at them.

Marvellous...

Sounds like my numb nuts description was accurate then.

[Blackbirdfan]

Meh... I'd prefer if both planes were painted to honor original aircraft and their crews from the war instead of promoting mottos and slogans...

This! Exactly this!

Again, we have a chance to honor the crews who actually flew the aircraft, and its history, whatever it might be. Instead, we have yet another incorrect, very expensive restoration.

So much fail.

Will