Memphis Belle progress?

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6trn4brn
  • 6trn4brn
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Re: Memphis Belle progress?

Sat Oct 08, 2011 4:41 am

There is no way, no how, for no reason whatsoever that the Belle should be flown after her restoration. Absolutely priceless piece of history. IIRC, wasn't there a rumor that the NMUSAF was going to let Col Morgan take her outside, run her engines up, maybe taxi her and then shut her down forever? Now that he is gone, that will not happen. Yes, I know it would have been a fitting end to her story to have had Col Morgan do that, but I don't see the point in risking her having some sort of accident.

(Rant over)

Is the trade for Shoo Shoo Baby completely off now? I can't remember what the NASM wanted in trade for The Swoose.

Finally...it would be so awesome to have an insider there at the NMUSAF taking detailed shots of The Belle and Swoose restorations like the gentleman in the Mary Alice thread!
Steve Nelson
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Re: Memphis Belle progress?

Sat Oct 08, 2011 7:25 am

Is the trade for Shoo Shoo Baby completely off now?

Still on..in fact our tour guide talked like it was a done deal. He said that the Smithsonian now owns SSSB and the NMUSAF own The Swoose, but SSSB won't be actually transferred until the Belle goes on display.

SN
APG85
  • APG85
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Re: Memphis Belle progress?

Sat Oct 08, 2011 10:29 am

6trn4brn wrote:There is no way, no how, for no reason whatsoever that the Belle should be flown after her restoration. Absolutely priceless piece of history. IIRC, wasn't there a rumor that the NMUSAF was going to let Col Morgan take her outside, run her engines up, maybe taxi her and then shut her down forever? Now that he is gone, that will not happen. Yes, I know it would have been a fitting end to her story to have had Col Morgan do that, but I don't see the point in risking her having some sort of accident.


I absolutely agree 100%. Beyond getting all systems completely operational, you'd have to put all fluids (fuel, oil, hyd., etc.) back into the bird. After the "ceremonial" engine run or flight, all of those fluids would need to be removed, the tanks cleaned and preserved...a ton of work for a small "joy". It's doable (the Stratoliner was flown to the NASM) but I don't think it's worth it...
Misterg97
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Re: Memphis Belle progress?

Sat Oct 08, 2011 7:14 pm

I decided to embroider my own "Memphis Belle" hat ...


Image
whistlingdeath77
  • whistlingdeath77
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Re: Memphis Belle progress?

Sat Oct 08, 2011 7:21 pm

i would love to see these 2 b-17s in the air,in formation, one last time :D
Pat Carry
  • Pat Carry
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Re: Memphis Belle progress?

Sun Oct 09, 2011 1:20 am

Misterg97 wrote:I decided to embroider my own "Memphis Belle" hat ...


Image

Very kool, Jerry!
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