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A Different Kind of B-17 FLying Fortress Restoration

Wed Jan 12, 2005 10:32 pm

With this latest B-17 recovery (Labrador)and with several other Fortress's in one stage or another of restoration. I got to thinking. I think it would be awesome if someone were to take a B-17 already in need of major rebuild and convert it to either a Lockheed-Vega XB-38 or a Lockheed-Vega YB-40. I always liked the sleek lines of the XB-38 and the lethality of the YB-40. All B-17's should have came with extra .50's in the nose, 2 dorcel turrets and twin .50's for each each waist gunner :wink: . I think either conversion would attract a lot attenion within the Warbird Community aswell as the airshows. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with having another "G" model flying in the skies. I just think it would be a good way to do a B-17 and be unique at the same time. Along with reviving a dormant peice of history. Like I said, just a thought.

Shay

Lockeed-Vega XB-38
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Lockheed-Vega YB-40
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Thu Jan 13, 2005 7:47 am

I agree. There were a few interesting experimental types of the B-17. I think I mentioned once before here that the XC-108 should have been left as a transport version, but then it is up to the owner to decide.

Mike
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