B-17 WW2 Bomber-"Flying Fortress"

"Winged Victory" Air Show at Hamilton Field in 1988

I was lucky enough to spend some time inside the B-17 that day. This photo was taken during the engine start. White exhaust is coming out of the engines, and ground crew with fire extinguishers are standing by. I will never forget the sound of those engines. I was standing outside Hangers that were active in WW2, Military Vehicle collectors had a display behind and to my left it is a close to time travel as I will ever get.

This plane was later flown to England and appeared in the "Modern" version of the "Memphis Belle" Movie. It was re-painted for it's role in the movie, and returned to the United States following the usual WW2 route.

There was an incomplete and incorrectly installed Command Set and a BC-348 receiver inside the B-17. I was excited to walk the narrow area above the bombay doors that I had read about in many WW2 Aviation books. I have even more respect and appreciation for those brave aircrews that flew into history 50 plus years ago.

Last Updated: July 25, 1998