I stopped at the Capital City Airport today, just outside Harrisburg, PA, to see EAA's B-17G Flying Fortress, Aluminum Overcast. Its History: "The Experimental Aircraft Association's B-17G-VE, serial number 44-85740 - nicknamed, Aluminum Overcast, was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps on May 18, 1945. Although delivered too late to see action in World War II, the airplane has an interesting history. "First Owner Purchased as surplus from the military inventory for a mere $750 in 1946, the airplane has flown more than 1 million miles. It has served as a cargo hauler, an aerial mapping platform and in pest control and forest dusting applications. "Return to Military Roots The airplane's return to its military roots began in 1978, when it was purchased by a group of investors who wished to preserve the heritage of the magnificent B-17. The group, "B-17s Around the World," was headed by Dr. Bill Harrison. Their goal was to return the B-17 to its former glory. "Donation to EAA The economic reality of simply maintaining a vintage bomber, let alone the cost of restoration, prompted the group to donate the B-17 to the Experimental Aircraft Assocation in 1983. Since that time, an extensive program of restoration and preservation was undertaken to insure Aluminum Overcast would be a living reminder of World War II aviation for many years to come. The restoration has taken more than 10 years and thousands of hours by dedicated staff and volunteers at EAA Oshkosh, Wisconsin, headquarters. "Aluminum Overcast proudly carries the colors of the 398th Bomb Group of World War II, which flew hundreds of missions over Nazi-held territory during the war. Aluminum Overcast commemorates B-17G #42-102515 which was shot down on its 34th combat mission over Le Manior, France, on August 13, 1944. Veterans of the 398th helped finance the bomber's restoration." EAA's B-17 - Aluminum Overcast EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast History Dave
In the hour and forty minutes I was there, I took 304 digital photos. I processed a few of them. All photos taken with Canon 30D and Canon 24-70mm L lens and resized for Flickr. Polarizing Filter. Polarizing Filter. Dave
And more photos: First use today of Singh-Ray Gold-N-Blue Polarizer. Singh-Ray Gold-N-Blue Polarizer. Singh-Ray Gold-N-Blue Polarizer. Singh-Ray Gold-N-Blue Polarizer. Singh-Ray Gold-N-Blue Polarizer. Dave
And a few more: Singh-Ray Gold-N-Blue Polarizer. Singh-Ray Gold-N-Blue Polarizer. Singh-Ray Gold-N-Blue Polarizer. Singh-Ray Gold-N-Blue Polarizer. Singh-Ray Gold-N-Blue Polarizer. Dave
And the last two tonight: Singh-Ray Gold-N-Blue Polarizer. http://www.singh-ray.com/goldnblue.html Flickr: Dave50012's Photostream Dave
Beautiful photos Dave, thanks for sharing! I got to see her here in Albuquerque when she went through in 2001 or 2002. I think I have a photo of myself in front of her in my photos. Anyway, beautiful plane, and beautiful shots!
Thanks, Darren. She is indeed a beautiful airplane. Surprisingly, we did not hear her in flight and our building is very close to the airport. Dave
Here is a better profile shot showing the Norden Bombsight: Singh-Ray Gold-N-Blue Polarizer. Norden bombsight - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Dave
Nice photos Dave. A little off-topic, but how do you like the Singh-Ray polarizer? I use a B&W polarizer myself, but have heard good things about S-R.
Alan, Tuesday was actually my first use of the Singh-Ray G-N-B polarizer, which had been sitting in my camera bag unused for at least 3 years. I very much liked the warming tone it gave the skin of the aircraft and the dramatic shades of gold and magenta/blue in the sky. I regret I had not used it before now. I will definitely continue to experiment with it, particularly with railroad photography. Next time though, I will set White Balance to Daylight instead of Auto and see what its results are. http://singhray.blogspot.com/2007/07/getting-what-you-see-with-gold-n-blue.html By the way, the images above I identified with "Polarizing Filter", were taken with my B&W. I noticed the dust spots in the photos, so I cleaned the sensor today. Dave
View attachment 17058 I have been very fortunate to have taken rides on three WWII bombers, all in the last year. This all started when I saw an advertisement in the St. Louis Post Dispatch to ride aboard the only B-29 still flying. I could not let this opportunity slip by! So on Aug. 1, 2011 I went to the Spirit of St. Louis Airport and rode on the Commerative Air Force's B-29 "FIFI"(www.cafb29b24.org/). It was an experience not to be forgotten. I must admit I had a pretty good case of "butterflies" going on in my stomach before boarding the plane, but once aboard the "cool" factor was so high I just couldn't be afraid. Once the plane was up and in level flight we were allowed to get out of our seats and explore. Would highly recommend this experience to anyone. As luck would have it, on Oct 1, 2011, I was able to go to Jefferson City, MO. and ride the B-25 "Show Me Girl" (B-25J Mitchell "Show Me"). This plane belongs to the Missouri Wing of the CAF. Nearly lost my breakfast on this one. The pilot flew in circles around Jeff City, and I guess all the banking turns didn't agree with my stomach. Didn't matter it was another awesome ride. The most recent ride will probably be the one I will cherish the most. My Dad mentioned to me that if there was ever a chance to ride on a B-17, that was something he really wanted to do. You could say that this was a "bucket list" item for him. I think it is because of the story of the "Memphis Belle". I believe he has seen the movie maybe a hundred times. I was informed that E.A.A.'s B-17 "Aluminum Overcast" (www.b17.org/) would be offering rides at Jefferson City,MO airport. June 24, 2012 would be the day Dad would be able to check this item off his list. He was grinning like a little kid the whole time. He rode right behind the pilot and co-pilot during takeoff and landing. Watching him get to fufill his dream was priceless. One difference between this ride and the others was we were able to sit in the bombardier's seat during the flight, the view is absolutely incredible! What a day! It would be great to hear from all of you out there who have had similar experiences.
buk2112, I hate You! Okay, hate is maybe a little harsh, how about Envious, Jealous of, and I want to be your Brother! A Salute for you and your Dad and if ever there were a 'Good Son' , you're right up there.
I am Biak's brother. Can I ride, too? Seriously, you are lucky twice; first to have your father still around, second to be able to ride in these venerable old birds. I am all those things Biak mentioned. The pics are a nice addition.
Lou, I cannot deny, you are absolutely correct on both counts, I am a very lucky man! My avatar is a picture of my grandfather (my dad's dad) taken at a unknown location sometime in 1945. He will have passed away 40 years ago this December, at the too young age of 55. My dad just turned 70 in May, I am blessed to still have him in my life. Riding on these ol' warbirds has given me a new perspective and appreciation for the men who flew on them. It is one thing to take a joy ride at 1500 ft., and quite another to fly at 20,000 ft. being receiving shots in anger. It is not easy to get in and out of these planes sitting on the ground, I can't imagine what it would have been like to bail when it was spinning out of control. I am not sure but I think TD-Tommy776 may have been implying I should have posted more pictures? If so there are pics of the other aircraft on my profile page. Hell I have video footage of all three flights I have taken, if I can figure out how to upload to youtube maybe I will post them.
