The Movie Memphis Belle News?

[gary1954]

While on the topic of the Memphis Belle and the quagmire associated with airplane names...

The Air National Guard's 116th Bomb Wing relocated to Robins AFB, Georgia in 1996, equipped with the Rockwell B-1B Lancer.
In January 2000 America's premier aviation artist Dru Blair recreated a historic icon of World War II air power on the nose of a B-1 bomber for the 116th Bomb Wing. Working from a raised platform in a hangar, he used his renowned airbrush technique to faithfully render the pinup girl in a blue bathing suit that graces the nose of the Memphis Belle, the most famous B-17 Flying Fortress of World War II. The Belle gained fame as the first bomber to complete 25 missions and was declared a national historic treasure.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ ... /116bw.htm

Now the questions are these
Which B-1 Bomber was it?
Where is this B-1 Bomber now?

B-1 tail number 86-0133

Thanks man, I wonder if this one will go to the museum.

[Bomberboy]

The Belle gained fame as the first bomber to complete 25 missions and was declared a national historic treasure.

Indeed and that's how it's been deliverd to the public since day one, but it is incorrect.
the 303rd's "Hells Angels" was the first to complete 25 missions.
What would have been a more appropriate claim, should have been ' The first bomber to complete 25 missions..........and then return home' (to the states that is).

[hang the expense]

Well if there is one thing that's for certain ... Chicks dig the real one

HA! A pic of the Belle I have never seen.The F model is the best looking Fort imo.Thank you for posting that picture.

[Mark Allen M]

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Last edited by Mark Allen M on Mon Sep 10, 2012 3:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Steve Nelson]

Looks like the real deal to me. Even the blotch of fresh paint above the name is the same. Probably got new or repainted engine cowls for her stateside tour.



SN

[mustangdriver]

It's the real one. DT's never had the right nose. That is a beauty of a pic though. I have never seen that one either.

[TAdan]

Well if there is one thing that's for certain ... Chicks dig the real one

What a cool photo! I never realized the Belle carried a nose in that configuration, awesome!!

I know lots of names were "carved" into the Belle's skin... I wonder if that woman's signature might correspond with one that is still on the airframe...

[Mark Allen M]

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Last edited by Mark Allen M on Mon Sep 10, 2012 3:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Mark Allen M]

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Last edited by Mark Allen M on Mon Sep 10, 2012 3:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[ktst97]

a list of missions ??

[mustangdriver]

It a list of the crew.

[BK]

Getting back on topic. Apparently (pictures posted on another forum), the Movie Memphis Belle has had her top turrent removed to accommodate riders. Looks odd having a piece of unpainted sheet metal bolted on.

[AHancock51]

Getting back on topic. Apparently (pictures posted on another forum), the Movie Memphis Belle has had her top turrent removed to accommodate riders. Looks odd having a piece of unpainted sheet metal bolted on.

Correct, I got some pics of her sans top-turret a few weeks back. Looks kinda naked without it IMO, but I'm all for an extra seat for $$$ to keep her flying!

[Steve Nelson]

I wonder whiy they didn't replace it with an empty turret cupola like most flying B-17s have. I know one of the highilights of my B-17 flights was getting pics from the turret.

SN

[mustangdriver]

Getting back on topic. Apparently (pictures posted on another forum), the Movie Memphis Belle has had her top turrent removed to accommodate riders. Looks odd having a piece of unpainted sheet metal bolted on.