by | April 4, 2012 · 5:10 pm
↓ Jump to Comments

The actual B-17G Memphis Belle at the National Museum of the USAF

It’s good to know she’s in good hands.

Undergoing restoration:

9 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

9 responses to “The actual B-17G Memphis Belle at the National Museum of the USAF”

  1. Busbob
    April 4, 2012 at 8:48 pm

    Started flying Falcons for FedEx (Federal Express back then) many years ago, and there was this sad, rusting hulk of an airplane sitting on the other side of the runway. It was a while before I learned it was the Memphis Belle and the history behind the aircraft. So good to see it rescued and in a fitting venue. Thanks, Air Force.

    Reply
  2. HeloBubba
    April 5, 2012 at 7:12 am

    Nice to see that they have taken her down to bare metal, save for the historic nose art.

    Reply
  3. jeopardyinmd
    April 5, 2012 at 10:51 am

    I always thought the B-17 represented the pinnacle of 4 engine prop bomber design. Sure, the -29 was more advanced, but there was just something about the 17.

    Reply
    • Todd
      April 5, 2012 at 6:02 pm

      Always have had a very personal place for the B-17. From WWII through now, my family has had 15 of us serve (Lex made a comment once about the military becoming a family business in this country, isn’t that the truth), in all branches.
      Only one has made the ultimate sacrifice, when the B-17 he was the co-pilot of was shot down over Germany in February 1944. I’ve never toured one, I really need to do that the next time the opportunity presents itself.

  4. Dave
    April 5, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    Saw her in ’92 when she resided at Mud Island. A true piece of history. One thing the USAF is good at, is taking care of their history.

    On a side note, the Belle is an F variant of the B-17. The G is distinct in that they were outfitted with the chin turret.

    Reply
  5. redc1c4
    April 5, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    to pick a larger nit, the Belle was an F model (Serial No. 41-24485), which makes her a Boeing product, and thus my paternal grandmother helped build her.
    http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2453

    Reply
    • a320tech
      October 14, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      Incredible stuff! See? THIS is what I’m talking about! My 2 uncles piloted “G” models but were unfortunately KIA in 1944. My thanks to your grandmother and family!

  6. a320tech
    October 14, 2012 at 12:43 pm

    The Memphis Belle is NOT a “G” model of the B-17. (No “chin” turret) It is the “F” version and was built by Boeing. I’ve seen her many times up at Wright-Patterson and it’s BEYOND amazing what these dedicated restore professionals can do! They men and women are heroes in their own right for their affords to preserve another piece of a time when great men and women did great things for our once disciplined country. It’s a real shame that so many people REALLY believe that THEIR country owes THEM this never ending slew of entitlement. Get a grasp though folks. With the help of intelligent voters come Nov, maybe we can put the spot light back on the folks from “the greatest era” back into and forever in the spot light they deserve!

    Reply

Leave a comment