Warbird Information Exchange

Hi,

I have wanted to post these since I shot them over Christmas. I had the time today to do it so here goes.

I was lucky enough to be able to crawl around inside the B-47E on display at the Dyess AFB Linear Airpark over the Christmas Holiday. A BIG thanks goes to our own hurk130 - thanks Kelly. I also must thank the Dyess Linear Airpark curator Doc for his time. I had another great visit, hope to do it again sometime soon…







With the aid of a small step ladder Doc opened the entry hatch and the pulled the ladder down. After Kelly went up, it was my turn to ascend into the interior.

One of the first things I saw while still on the ladder happened to be the aircraft’s data plates:




Looking up was the area between the pilot’s and co-pilots positions:




Looking left was the walkway to the bombardier’s position in the nose:




Looking right was the co-pilot’s position. I decided to head there first:




Sitting in the co-pilot’s seat, I looked at the throttle quadrant on the right and forward at the instrument panel:






One thing that I noticed on the left side of the co-pilot’s panel was that the Pt. Mugu radio call sign placard was still in place:




Sliding out of the co-pilot’s seat, I walked half-bent over to the bombardier’s position. Hard to do on the ground not moving in normal clothes - I can’t imagine wearing full flight gear with the plane in flight having to move around this cramped interior! The bombardier’s position was completed stripped. The table and lamp were still in place as was the large scope. The ejection seat was gone.







Moving back, I crawled up into the pilot’s seat:










The pilot’s instrument panel was about in the same shape as the co-pilot’s:




It was neat to look out of the windshield here:




This was a great look into the cockpit of a Cold War SAC bomber. I can’t thank Kelly and Doc enough for the opportunity.

We also went inside the Dyess C-130A there on display. I can post those pictures too if anyone wants to see them.

-Derek

Nice pics, Derek!

..And whaddaya mean "if anyone wants to see them" on the C-130A????

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Bob

Haven't been on much but this has been my favorite thread this week. Thanks for the walkaround pics! I have a special place in my heart for cold war big sticks.

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When I was the Dyess PAO, I worked with Doc. A great guy, and the C-130A is very nice and complete. He usedm to open it up for group tours, kids love it.

BTW: I snagged a hub cap off the B-47, it's in my garage. It had to be remobed to fit the wheel jacks that keep the plane off its gear.

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Remember the vets, the wonderful planes they flew and their sacrifices for a future many of them did not live to see.
Note political free signature.
I figure if you wanted my opinion on items unrelated to this forum, you'd ask for it.

That thing had to be a absolute THRILL to fly!!!! I can think of myself hauling back on that ole wheel once those RATO bottles cooked off. I bet all those pilots would holar like slim pickins in Dr. Strangelove. I sure would have!!

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Long Live the N3N-3 "The Last US Military Bi-Plane" 1940-1959
Badmouthing Stearmans on WIX since 2005

YES! Absolutely...please post them. Thanks!

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"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

Okay, you didn't have to twist my arm too much ( ), they are up.

-Derek

Excellent pics! Shame she is missing so many parts inside although looking beyond the missing items, it looks like the interior is ncie and dry and in good order!

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Cheers,
Peter

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Love to see the pictures of the 130 A.

Thank you