CLASSIC AIRPLANES pt.1

**Jock Scot** · 17th August 09, 06:51 AM

As a wee lad we used to visit relatives in Lincolnshire(South of England)and in about1944, I well remember the B17's and the Mustangs. I well remember seeing the Lancasters of the RAF coming home after their night raids and the B17's just starting out on the day raids.We used to sit and try to count them back in,we never could of course. How some got back I shall never know, one, two engines shot out, and often on fire, huge holes all over, one wheel down,bomb doors not shut, sometimes parachutes near the airfield as the crews baled out before the pilot tried to land the flying wreck------- and the huge palls of smoke from those that did not make it. For a brace of wee lads from the Highlands it was really exciting, but I will never ever forget the tears from the onlookers, who understood the price that was being paid, as these brave people limped over us at 100ft.

**Riverkilt** · 17th August 09, 06:56 AM

Thanks for the pics Terry. My father learned to fly in a Stearman. After combat with the RAF and AAC he was sent Stateside and trained pilots in the Texan.

Nice to see pics of those birds.

Ron

**Panache** · 17th August 09, 07:03 AM

Great pictures!

It reminds me of the pleasure of touring the interior of a B-17 at the Air Museum in Palm Springs last Spring with The Wizard of BC, Hamish, walkerk , and Jiminakilt

A very memorable experience

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

**Frank McGrath** · 17th August 09, 10:34 AM

The P51 has not been modified. It is a two seat trainer. Built that way.

**BoldHighlander** · 17th August 09, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by Frank McGrath

The P51 has not been modified. It is a two seat trainer. Built that way.

Could be, I'll have to check with the museum staff next time I'm out there.
I have however seen P-51's & P-40's that were modified into 2-seaters

I'm glad everyone has enjoyed them. Thanks Jock for sharing those memories. The B-17 was a remarkable machine, the abuse she could take & still get home.

**Arizona Scot** · 17th August 09, 12:25 PM

Very cool thanks for sharing.

**BoldHighlander** · 17th August 09, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

Great photos, when Alex was up here in Toronto we took him to the Canadian Warplanes Museum where he was able to take a flight in a Boeing PT 27 Stearman here is the thread on that.

Originally Posted by KFCarter

Fantastic shots, all of them, and especially of the "Sentimental Journey." Can't get enough of those old warbirds!

Our local Mighty 8th Museum is currently restoring a B-17 (http://www.mightyeighth.org/b17_restoration.htm) to be named the "City of Savannah" after the 5000th airplane that was processed through Hunter Army Airfield during WWII.

If any of you are ever in the area, you might want to visit to the Mighty 8th Museum, just outside of Savannah off of I-95 in Pooler, GA.

Thanks for sharing that link Glen
& thank you too KFCarter, its nice to see another one being saved for future generations!

**BoldHighlander** · 17th August 09, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by Rex_Tremende

It's so tiny! It looks like it should run on quarters.

Ha! Ha!
You know what Rex? Before I realized what it was I was actually looking for the coin box!!

**Jock Scot** · 17th August 09, 01:48 PM

You chaps may help me here. Am I remembering correctly that some of the B17 squadron markings(?) had red taiplanes and red wingtips? Not all had that, but some did, I think. Could I be correct?

**BoldHighlander** · 17th August 09, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

You chaps may help me here. Am I remembering correctly that some of the B17 squadron markings(?) had red taiplanes and red wingtips? Not all had that, but some did, I think. Could I be correct?

Anything like this Jock?

That would be the 381st Bombardment Group (Heavy) of the 8th Airforce.

Original source: B-17 Markings.