This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Fri May 14, 2021 5:43 am
I will always be fascinated by the LBG however I still stand by my WIX post of Nov 2011:
"This won't be a popular observation, but it is my honest opinion.
Other than the most dedicated warbird/history buffs, the Lady Be Good story and the aircraft itself are little more than passing tales in an increasingly short-attention-span society, just as there are an unlimited number of topics that have passed each of us over the years (news, science, literature, etc) that have mostly been forgotten.
Compare photos of LBG in 1959 and now. At the hands of mankind, she has atrophied into a heap, barely what could be called a "shell" and barely recognizable as a B-24. Although appropriate measures to preserve what is left should be taken to honor her crew's sacrifice, my enthusiasm to hurry up to fund and create a historical diorama or museum display (particularly outside of Libya) has dwindled to near zero. What do you say to visitors? It's not like a storm damaged her, it was strictly the selfishness of vandals and lack of action by nation(s) that, admittedly, had more pressing issues than to recover her from her remote resting place. I would not care to see parts added to her to help represent her appearance in 1959. Considering the amount of effort and funds needed to do something on a level many of us envision as worthy of LBG story, I would rather see those resources put towards another project. I hate to say it, but it is true.
Sometimes we miss opportunities and they are gone forever. That is what we have here. I'll continue to be fascinated with the story, interested in the artifacts, and deeply solemn remembering the sacrifices of her crew, but I will do those things through books, photos, visits to the artifacts at NMUSAF (and elsewhere in the US), through thoughts, and with words. What I see in that compound today no longer represents much of the LBG to me. Similar to the torched superstructure of the USS Arizona that lies hidden on Waipio Peninsula, the remnants should be preserved (not scrapped) but as far as the LBG being a museum centerpiece, I no longer see that as a viable alternative - I see it as a missed opportunity."
Ken
Fri May 14, 2021 8:32 pm
Ken wrote:I will always be fascinated by the LBG however I still stand by my WIX post of Nov 2011:
"This won't be a popular observation, but it is my honest opinion.
Other than the most dedicated warbird/history buffs, the Lady Be Good story and the aircraft itself are little more than passing tales in an increasingly short-attention-span society, just as there are an unlimited number of topics that have passed each of us over the years (news, science, literature, etc) that have mostly been forgotten.
Ken
I think the LBG is a fascinating story to a tiny little segment of the population. I'm (mostly) aware of it because of a story that appeared in one of the warbird magazines in the mid-70's. I don't see it, diorama or not, as a real attraction for anyone at this point.
So I have no idea of what to do with the chunks of it that are being "stored" in Libya.