has anyone ever cosidered building a b17 destroyer?

[tom d. friedman]

Would we really want to take an existing B-17 and reduce its historical integrity by adding non-original (at least in the context of that airframe) parts to make what would be in essence a replica YB-40?

As sad as it may be that the original YB-40s are gone, that is the case. They are extinct. You cannot create a new original YB-40, you can only create a new copy, and at the expense of another original B-17. That price is too high IMHO.

(the other) Kevin

my sentiments exactly a noble & interesting experiment but irrelevant to the correct operational war effort. it would be a novel display but proves no historical point overall.

[Obergrafeter]

I don't think Gary is gonna like that XB-38 idea! Four of those winny Merlins on a real airplane. I don't think so.

[Nathan]

I don't think Gary is gonna like that XB-38 idea! Four of those winny Merlins on a real airplane. I don't think so.

The XB-38 had Allisons.

[RobertWC]

Forget the XB-40.. I want to see a representation of ol 666

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_666

Just sayin'

[Second Air Force]

Forget the XB-40.. I want to see a representation of ol 666

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_666

Just sayin'

Robert,

A number of years ago I was involved with an IPMS display where we built models of aircraft involved in MOH actions. The fellow who built Zeamer and Sarnoskis' airplane never found any photos of it, but Mr. Zeamer recollected that it was just a plain ol' B-17 with lots of guns. I was fortunate to meet him at the National Contest when we put the display up, and he told us that they really did rebuild the airplane with ingenuity and midnight requisitioning. The thing I most remember about our conversation was his sadness that Joe Sarnoski didn't come home alive that day....

Steve, have you ever seen anything resembling a photo of their machine?
Scott

[jet1]

Forget the XB-40.. I want to see a representation of ol 666

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_666

Just sayin'

Robert,

A number of years ago I was involved with an IPMS display where we built models of aircraft involved in MOH actions. The fellow who built Zeamer and Sarnoskis' airplane never found any photos of it, but Mr. Zeamer recollected that it was just a plain ol' B-17 with lots of guns. I was fortunate to meet him at the National Contest when we put the display up, and he told us that they really did rebuild the airplane with ingenuity and midnight requisitioning. The thing I most remember about our conversation was his sadness that Joe Sarnoski didn't come home alive that day....

Steve, have you ever seen anything resembling a photo of their machine?
Scott

especially since the plane is long gone...what a piece of history that plane was including the CMH!