Collings Foundation bomber tour

[Mike]

The Collings Foundation bombers have been touring Northern California in recent weeks, their B-17G 'Nine-o-Nine', B-25 'Tondelayo', and my own personal favourite, B-24J 'Witchcraft', painted in the markings of the 467th BG based at Rackheath, near where I grew up, and only a couple of miles from where my Mother now lives. The original 'Witchcraft' flew 130 missions in 1944-45 without a single abort, and without a crewman being killed or injured.

I caught up with them early one Monday morning a couple of weeks back, appropriately enough on Memorial Day.

[Mike]

They were selling rides in the aircraft. It would have been a shame not to........















I've been fortunate enough to fly in quite a number of warbirds over the years. Having grown up around Norwich, in the heart of 2nd Air Division country, listening to stories from family and friends who well remembered the B-24s and their crews, this one was just that little bit more special.

As one point, photographing the B-24 taxiing in after the following flight, I just had to take the camera away from my eye, and stand and watch, soaking up the event. A genuine B-24, in 2nd AD Olive Drab markings, was just a few yards away, taxiing straight towards me. Wow!!!!!

[groundpounder]

awesome pictures !!! thanks for posting them for all of us to enjoy!! i flew on witchcraft and fuddy duddy last year . my flight on aluminum overcast was cancelled two weeks ago due to mechanical troubles but the collings planes will be at boeing field in 2 weeks, and i just cant wait to experience the thrill of flying on theses great planes once again! your pics have definately got me looking forward to this more than ever!! tanx again!! sim.

[TAdan]

Thanks for sharing. I love the shot w/ the Nordon in the nose of the 24.

[B-29 Super Fort]

Great camera shots thanks Mike.

[chasd25]

Great Shots!

My Dad and I flew on Witchcraft when they stopped in Napa a few weeks ago, it was a great experience!

Charlie

[Django]

Awesome pics!

[Scott Rose]

I've flown on Witchcraft and 909 and if you get the chance it's definately worth the money!

[phil65]

Great shots,Thanks.
Why don't they change the paint job on 909 every 5 years or so like they do on the B-24?

[warbirdguy]

I think it is because there are 14 flyable B-17's around the world and each B-17 represents a different group and thus the B-17's scheme doesn't change.

[Tigercat]

Yahoo! They are coming to my neck of the woods today----Salem, OR!!!

They will be in Salem till friday and then will be in Aurora (about 25-30mi. north of Salem) till Monday. They were at Aurora last Father's Day and did brisk business in rides for lucky dads.

It is cloudy and somewhat crappy weather in Salem today, but hopefully not much rain. The upside of the cloudy, cool weather is that I will be able to wear my Rough Wear 27752 contract A-2 flight jacket. If it was sunny, it would be too toasty for my A-2 jacket. Hopefully I will be able to get some decent photos over the next few days.

[bomberflight]

I think the Collings Foundation should be applauded for the research that goes into their paint schemes on both the B-17 and the B-24 ~ because they compliment each other so well in historical terms.

B-17 / Nine-O-Nine set an 8th AF combat record ~ having flown 140 missions ~ including 10 trips to Berlin. She flew 126 of these without a single abort for mechanical reasons.

B-24 / Witchcraft also flew with the 8th AF and set the record for the highest number of combat missions flown by a Liberator ~ 130 in total. She did this without a single turn back for mechanical reasons and no crew killed or wounded.

OK class ~ thats the history lesson over for today !

[Jack Cook]

I think the Collings Foundation should be applauded for the research that goes into their paint schemes on both the B-17 and the B-24

They're very accurate and well done. but, it's a shame that the B-24 is so marred by 10 bazillion names plastered to the side of it.

They are coming to my neck of the woods today----Salem, OR!!!

Who are ya TC??? Another WIXer in Salem? I don't know if the dead zone (also known has the airport) can handle it!

[RickH]

Jack, a small concession to kee'em flying ! At least they don't detract from aeirial photos.

Many of those names are on there to honor loved ones and their comrades in arms. At least they aren't commercial sponsors logos ala NASCAR.

[APG85]

I think the paint scheme on both planes looks great, but I'm also not wild about the names all over the B-24. But, if it pays the bills..........