Warbird Information Exchange

She's out and running engines. Beautiful sight.

http://aerodynamicmedia.com/b-17-shady-lady-performs-first-engine-tests-in-15-years-test-flights-to-follow-video/

I wonder if there were any B-17Gs known as "Shady Lady" or "Thunderball"? Would be kinda neat to keep some of that history in the new paint scheme.

Shady Ladies:


Thunderball (almost):

_________________

All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

I love it Thanks!

Just returned from the West coast, Washington, Oregon, brothers wedding. Did go to Evergreen, Fhc and Boeing tour and made it Madras to see the Erickson collection. While at Evergreen I talked with the American Aero aircraft masters and they said the B-17 is ready to go. I asked about the condition of the P-51 in Colorado and was told it's more than it would appear. They already took parts from the P-51 on display to use on their damaged one. Looking at the one on display I noticed that the left gear door was missing, probably going to Colorado. Took photos but don't know how to post. The Erickson ME 109 with Allison is really something. Exhaust is wrapped with heat fabric and I noticed that with the cowl open that the 2 cowl "guns" are hollow and that heat resistant hose is connected to each at ends and routed to each bank to a metal tube that runs forward and below spark plugs with slots to direct "cooling" air up to plugs to help cool plugs. The metal tube is closed at forward end. According to a Docent at Evergreen more planes will be going to new homes, Spitfire, Mess. 109, FW190. They were about to bring the PBY into museum. The P-38 Allisons were still there, the ones they pulled. Ran out of time but still seen what I could.