Memphis Belle

[JimH]

Went to Dayton yesterday to see the Belle. There hasn't been much change since last year. They have started the paint stripping process on the inboard wings, waist section and the tail turret. The forward fuselage has not been touched. There are literally hundreds of names scratched into the metal of the tail turret much like the Lackland B-24. Unfortunately this is a painfully slow restoration which is sad because there won't be many vets around when she is finally completed. They also had several, and I mean several 1820's in various states and all of them were set up in B-17 QEC configuration. Anyway...I posted some shots on webshots at the link below.

http://community.webshots.com/user/jfharley

Jim

[retroaviation]

Thanks for the Belle update, Jim. I used to get so disgusted at all of the bird poop on it while sitting under that stupid tent arrangement in Memphis, so I would spend several hours out there just washing it off. Sort of a fruitless effort, as the very next day, it would look the same.

Parts would often times get stolen off of it and when I mentioned to the caretakers at the time that I'd happily make some replacement parts (junction box covers, etc.), they told me they didn't want any of my "homemade parts" on "their" airplane.

I personally wish the 8th Air Force Museum would've gotten the airplane, but it's good to see that they're starting to work on it where it's at now. Even though Memphis is my original home, the best thing for that airplane was (in my opinion) to get it out of there. Just my .02 worth.

Thanks again and please keep us posted on how things progress with it.

Gary

[hahnej]

I don't think the tail turret on the Belle is thr original. I think it was replaced in the '50s or '60's; I remember seeing a photo of it. The rear fuse is original but not the tail station from the bulkhead just aft of the tailgunner's door.

I may be wrong, maybe someone else has more info.

[maxum96]

I knew a Jim Harley in San Diego in the mid eighties. We were in A&P school together. Would that be you?

[mustangdriver]

No she is the original rear fuselage. mch of the sheet metal was replaced though. The Belle during war time had several tails, and even a set of wings put on here to fix battle damage. The Belle should be in the National museum in my point of view. It would be like having the baseball hall of fame without Babe Ruth. Work is going slow, but when she is finished, she will be the finest restored B-17 there is.

[JimH]

No, Sorry I am Jim Harley from Akron OH...although I have spent a fair bit of time SD, lived there in the summers between 85 and 89 but I was still in High School.

Jim

[retroaviation]

The Belle should be in the National museum in my point of view. It would be like having the baseball hall of fame without Babe Ruth.

Never thought of it that way. Good point.

Gary