B-17Gs 91st BG 8th AF

[Jack Cook]

[Robbie Roberts]

Any ideas on tail numbers or crews?

Robbie

[Jack Cook]

B-17G s/n 42-38083 "Man-O-War II" 322rd BS 91st BG LG-V
and
B-17G s/n 42-107027 "Hikin' for Home" 322nd BS 91st BG LG-Y

Last edited by Jack Cook on Thu Jun 05, 2008 8:03 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Glen]

Hikin-Home Was this the Bomber that the sign post to home were from the differnt states that the Crew was from ? I had read somewhere that a bomber crew did such in the 8th Airforce . Cool pictures ! thanks keep em coming.

[Second Air Force]

Man-O-War II was serial 42-38083 and coded LG-V (322nd Squadron)according to the references I have here.

Scott

[Jack Cook]

Man-O-War II was serial 42-38083 and coded LG-V (322nd Squadron)according to the references I have here.

I just threw that out and was goina change it quick when I got home

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

Where are the Chin 50's at?

[Richard W.]

For many years, I've wondered what purpose the windows at the rear of the chin turrets served.

I can understand that the crew might need access to those guns while in flight, but why windows instead of a simple panel?

[Second Air Force]

Richard W.,

I'll research the little clear-view panels on the chin turret this weekend when I get my hands on the manuals. I'll post an answer to your question unless someone beats me to it.

Scott

[Richard W.]

Thanks, man. I would appreciate it.

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

Where are the Chin 50's at?

OK I see them , They are eleveated and hard tosee against the engine.

My Bad!

Wyat are those little windows for TOO???

[Second Air Force]

If I was to guess, I would think the little inspection windows would be to verify that the belts were properly routed and connected to the receivers on each gun after the turret dome was fully installed. Texas Raiders' turret dome still has the windows and I'll take a couple of photos of them this weekend. I used to cut the plastic out on the old Monogram kit and fill the windows with clear acetate without ever knowing exactly why they were clear.

Scott

[Second Air Force]

Here are three photos of the chin turret dome for Texas Raiders showing the glass inspection panels. I was too pooped from being vectored around Houston in the heat to dig in the maintenance manuals. I'll do some research in the manuals and get an exact answer next week.



Looks like they got in a bit of a hurry with the masking last time it was painted!



Scott

[Richard W.]

Great pics. Thank you.

I had presumed that those were access panels for the crew to service or inspect the guns, but in these close pictures I see that they have a bunch of screws holding them on.

No one could access them while in flight, right?

[Second Air Force]

Richard,

You would not be able to access the guns through the clear view panels in flight, only on the ground. I am not sure what access there is to the ammunition belt guides from the bombardier's positon, but I will check into it. I didn't look at the fasteners last night, but I think they are quarter-turn Dzus fasteners.

Scott