Memphis Belle to USAFM

[JBoyle]

With the Belle going to Dayton, I worry/wonder about the "Shoo Shoo Baby"'s fate.
I hope it doesn't get shuffeled off to some second/third rate museum like the NMUSAF did with their B-47E when the RB-47 was restored and put on display. Today the Stratojet a rare plane ang they put it in a little known Ohio museum (presumable because it was close) rather than putting it where people might actually see it. At least it's under cover.
Still, I wish it found a better home.

Also, I'd hate for the "SSB" to end up at a base museum...probably outdoors and left to typical airbase haphazard preservation standards (being repainted in water based paints for environmental concerns usually in unauthentic paint schemes) and lots of birds.

Hopefully the "Baby" will go to the NASM for display. It's a crime they don't have one restored and on display. Lord knows they have lots of other stuff...Concord...check, Boeing 307....check, Do335...check,...but still no B-17, arguably the most famous American bomber ever.

[Pat Carry]

The last I knew the B-47E was still parked outside the restoration building at the USAF Museum. When did it leave and where did it go?

[JBoyle]

The last I knew the B-47E was still parked outside the restoration building at the USAF Museum. When did it leave and where did it go?

Last I heard (several months ago) the move was imminent...I assume it has taken place, but not being anywhere near Dayton, I could be wrong. Where ever it is, I hope it gets undercover before winter.

[Pat Carry]

I'm pretty sure the B-47 is still parked outside at the USAF Museum where it has been sitting for over 2 years now. As fas as the Shoo Shoo Baby is concerned, it is going to be quite a number of years before this B-17 goes anywhere and I dont believe it would go a museum where it would wind up being parked outside. Like Col Rohr stated an excellant place for it to go would be the NASM in exchange for the Swoose.

[JBoyle]

I'm pretty sure the B-47 is still parked outside at the USAF Museum where it has been sitting for over 2 years now. As fas as the Shoo Shoo Baby is concerned, it is going to be quite a number of years before this B-17 goes anywhere and I dont believe it would go a museum where it would wind up being parked outside. Like Col Rohr stated an excellant place for it to go would be the NASM in exchange for the Swoose.

I agree, but I wonder if even the NMUSAF would be interested in having 2 B-17s on display?
The "SSB" going to the NASM would allow them to sell off their former tanker...maybe it could even get flying again.

[Brian]

The B-47 IS still sitting outside the restoration hangar. I just went past there this afternoon.

[CorsairFreak]

That is the one that was allegeldly comming to MAPS, but instead we got the F-84, F-100, F-101, F-102, and F-105. Not a bad trade. And how is one "second/third rate museum" to take shape if no one gives them a chance?

[Chuck Giese]

The museum's current resident Fort----Shoo Shoo Baby----will be moved to another "quality" museum.

If I was a bettin' man, I would put my money on SS(S)B going to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Savannah, GA. I know they've been actively looking for one - the museum was designed to have one as its center piece.

[oscardeuce]

To echo what CorsairFreak said: MAPS is an active and growing museum. The addition of a centerpiece display like SSB may just elevate it to 1st string. I am beyond proud to be a member of the museum, and I for one would be sure that any artifact at the museum gets exactly the care it needs.

[TimAPNY]

Before a fight brakes out

I know that there is a B-17 in Tulare CA and It was been discussed before of that being a great candiate to be moved to somewhere like the 8th Museum in GA. It would be great to see that airframe get some love before a trucker finally kills it.

[Pat Carry]

Well said Tim. The Tulare B-17 definately needs some TLC.