Vice Presidential B-17? (1949)

[daviemax]

Yes, every B-17 in civilian hands has a story that led to her survival - picked up out of a surplus park right after the war, purchased out of military surplus in the late 50's, or transferred to the USAF to another agency. In the case of 44-83809, she was one of several selected for transfer to the Bolivian government in 1956. Unfortunately she was destroyed in a crash in 1959.

[hang the expense]

The bulkhead 1 looks to be for an E model.The F model bulkhead 1 is much fatter along the bottom and would be visable.She has the side reenforcement bracing for the nose guns.Can someone enlarge the photo to remove any doubt? TIA

[res6kgcr]

Gooday all,

Here are some screen shots of "Ready' Teddy" (Freddie and Betty) out west some where. As luck would have it, no serial number.





Churchill and 990, love lady's hat!





Best to you all,

Tom

[Ken]

It's not that they were sold a "used plane". My impression of what the caption was trying to communicate is that this was one of the planes purchased with their donations and it survived the war to come back and finally make a visit.

Ken