Just by chance, I noticed an article in the local paper. Two old bombers, a B-17 Flying Fortress and a B-24 Liberator, would be in town for a few days, down at Charlie Wheeler. I got a late start this afternoon (Sunday), and hadn't enough time to stand in line for a walk-through. Enough time to grab some shots though, and the ten bucks was money well spent. As you can see, they still draw a crowd.
For those of you who love these old birds, here's a short walkaround.
B-17 "NINE O NINE"
B-24 "Witchcraft"
Sitting there on the tarmac, cleaned up and well-maintained, they enjoy the admiration of onlookers, and the clear, warm weather. For now, no thundering of radial engines, no shuddering vibrations and buffeting turbulence, no 20mm-torn sheet metal and perspex. No smell of spilling oil and hydraulics, nor of cordite and hot steel from flak bursts. Quiet conversation rather than frantic radio and intercom voices, and the cries of wounded crewman.
Now they fly from field to field, to be looked upon with awe and respect, and to remind us of the special men they carried .
For those of you who love these old birds, here's a short walkaround.
The Flight Line
B-17 "NINE O NINE"
B-24 "Witchcraft"
Sitting there on the tarmac, cleaned up and well-maintained, they enjoy the admiration of onlookers, and the clear, warm weather. For now, no thundering of radial engines, no shuddering vibrations and buffeting turbulence, no 20mm-torn sheet metal and perspex. No smell of spilling oil and hydraulics, nor of cordite and hot steel from flak bursts. Quiet conversation rather than frantic radio and intercom voices, and the cries of wounded crewman.
Now they fly from field to field, to be looked upon with awe and respect, and to remind us of the special men they carried .