Warbird Information Exchange

I know that she was NMF, but I have got to say that I think it looks better in the O.D. over gray.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

I don't think it's the same a/c

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Don't touch my junk!!

My references say SSSB was bare metal when she served in combat. I understand NMUSAF decided on the OD paint because due to her postwar modifications, and the amount of skin replaced during restoration, if she were unpainted now she'd have a very patchwork appearance. I know if you look closely on the right side of the nose you can make out patches where a couple of extra windows had been added postwar.

SN

You are correct Steve. Me and Jack were just having a little fun. I do think it looks better in the Od though.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

So which is it...do you think she looks better, or looks odd?

So I've been wondering..if The Swoose comes to Dayton, as mentioned earlier NMUSAF will have three combat vet Forts. Are there any other existing B-17s with combat records?

SN

You know it's interesting. I think that there may be one more out there. I can't remember which one right now. I want to say one of the project aircraft. Other than that, I don't think there are any combat vets.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

Seems to me that I've read the March Field Museum B-17 has a combat history...

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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..."

Fuddy Duddy was a VIP aircraft during the war, and of course Swamp Ghost.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

I haven't had time to go through all the survivors in the registry, but it does say the March Field B-17 flew combat with the 15th AF.

SN

I think the March B-17 is the only survivor with a 15th insignia. That's kind of a shame.

Steve G

Which reminds me, is there any update on the 'Swamp Ghost' situation?

So if it needed to be painted, why not paint it silver instead of OD?

Pink Lady, over in France got in at the tail end as a Pathfinder ship.

Sure wish they'd take her back to her wartime look and paint.

Some argue that this "never looks right" however I think if a compromise is to be made I would have gone with the silver paint. The B-25J "How Boot That" looks good and so does B-17G "Aluminum Overcast." It is fairly dark in the NMUSAF and I think it wouldn't look that out of place.

Back then, you are probably right. But for current and future restorations, there are plenty of paint products that can replicate natural aluminum.