B-18A - B-18B comparison

[bilwor]

Here are some pics of a B-18A taken at Douglas (black & white) and some for comparison of the B-18B restoration at Pima Air & Space Museum (color).
This shows what a great job Pima did on their interior.
bill word

[Elroy13]

Nice pics! I guess thats the bomb site behind the pilots seat?

[Nathan]

Wow, never seen the inside of a B-18 before. It's got more accommodations then a B-17 has!

[Larry Kraus]

I believe that the sight behind the pilot's seat is a driftmeter for the navigator.Two types were in common use,at least in the days of C-119J's and C-117D's.The B-3 driftmeter used 115v single phase ac power,while the B-6 used 115v three phase ac power.Both were used to determine wind direction and velocity via a telescopic sight with various useful reference markings both internal and external.

[bilwor]

Larry is correct that is a drift meter, In fact an original B-18 drift meter.
I have a few more interior pics and I will post them after I walk the dogs.
bill word

[bilwor]

More Pima B-18B interior shots I hope this is not too many photos at one time.
bill word

[at-6b]

At last, someone is honoring the old reliable. These images appear to be identical to those in a recent book released by Schiffer on the B-18 by Dr. William Wolf, however - of course taking interior views could well lead to apparent "duplication" I guess.

For anyone who is interested, Air-Britain has agreed to publish y six-year project on the B-18, XB-22 and B-23 in their Monographs series, and it will be an opportunity to fully discuss the pros (and many cons) of the very misunderstood aircraft....including nose art and wonderful color side-views by Rich Dann.

[Warbirdnerd]

The B-18 looks great!
If all goes according to plan I'll be at Pima on Sunday with lots of room on the memory cards, and I can't wait.
Too Bad it is not a COMPLETE restoration so they could filler up with 100LL and Oil and depart for Oshkosh, they would be returning with an award no doubt...

[mustangdriver]

Pima is a first rate museum, as can be seen in these pics.

[Chris Brame]

Hi Bill,
Thanks so much for the great photos of my favorite chunky '30s bomber! A question: was there anything left of the original rear turret mount? Too bad there aren't any Bolos out there with a chance to fly again, unless a miracle happens with the Hawaii bird...

[bilwor]

Chris the turret was removed in the modification from B-18A to B-18B, only the tunnel .30cal remained. I am attaching a few more photos I have taken in the 16 years I have been a volunteer at Pima.

The B-18B in 1986


The interior in 1991 (Photobucket is not letting me rotate the third photo)




Roll out in 1995 after painting. The second photo is of Lumpy Lumkin on the right and Bob Strand on the left the main contributers to the restoration.



More interior shots 2001 showing the .30 cal in the tunnel and a shot forward of the door. The third photo here also should be rotated but photobucket won't let me.

[bilwor]

All the Pima B-18B photos posted here were taken by me between 1986 and present time as well as any and all Pima Air & Space Museum photos that I have or will post.

My personal aircraft photo collection (photos I have taken) is over 22,000 cataloged slides, prints and digital.

bill word

[David_Aiken]

Aloha All,
I see the interiors for the B-18A and B-18B... Is there any interior details for the B-18(blank)...the round nose B-18?
TIA,
David Aiken

[mustangdriver]

Did the B-18 get moved indoors now with th enew building?

[Junkyard36]

Wow! I've always liked the B-18; incredible restoration. Looks like Pima will move up on my list of places to see!

I'd love to see her in the air, but it sounds like that is not the intent of the restoration. Regardless, I am glad that she has received some much needed TLC.