Liberty Belle in Tucson

Wed Mar 21, 2007 2:14 pm

The B-17 Liberty Belle is sitting on the ramp at Tucson International. They are scheduled to be flying Sat & Sun.
bill word

Sat Mar 24, 2007 5:25 pm

Here are some shots of Liberty Belle today (Saturday).

The portable control tower for the 162nd FW Arizona Air Guard is in the 4th photo. The Guard has F-16s and trains American and Foreign pilots transitioning to it. They use the Goldwater Range in SW Arizona for live runs. The Last Photo is one several F-16Fs delivered to UAE for their pilot training. The UAE also has about 20 F-16Es permantly stationed in Tucson.
bill word

Sun Mar 25, 2007 12:03 am

Nice pics, thanks for sharing.

JH

Sun Mar 25, 2007 12:09 am

What a great B-17. I always like how when it is time to turn the props through, people fight over who gets to do it. It is hard to believe that she looks this good. I saw it years ago in Florida, and did not think it would be done as fast as it was.

Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:05 pm

Bill, Thanks for sharing your pitcures

The "Belle" is certainly looking good. The repaint they did last year looks much better than the original paintwork.

Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:44 pm

Is that a full ball turret on the belly? Where did they get it? Looks great!

Sun Mar 25, 2007 5:38 pm

It is a full turret. I'm not 100% sure, but when the New England Air Museum worked the trade for the B-17, we made a turret deal and traded the ball turret we had for the need armament for our B-25H, including a full top turret, which we did not have.
Could be it, but not 100% sure, as Tom Reilly had lots of irons in the fire at the time.
Jerry