Collings Foundation B-24 Witchcraft

New to the forum here so I hope this is the right place for this thread. I just wanted to share some pics of the flight I had back in August 2007 on the B-24 Witchcraft owned and operated by the Collings Foundation. This was my 3rd flight on a WWII bomber but the first on the B-24.

The flight was amazing, as expected. I was really amazed that the waist guns were open during flight. Collings is true to their intent to keep their planes exactly as they were during war time. Other than a few navigational items, of course. The nose and tail guns were definitely a tight fit and felt like once you were in there it didn't feel like you had a quick escape if needed. The crawl forward to the nose gun was definitely interesting as you crawl right next to the front landing wheel.

As always, the 30-35 minute flight is over way too soon. Landing was smooth but not as smooth as the 17s. At least in comparison to my previous flights. Awesome experience and I definitely recommend at least going out to see these planes should they visit near you. I enjoy seeing and listening to the veterans just as much as taking the actual flights.

Again, hope this topic is in the right forum and you all enjoy the pics.

 

Hey, Fricker66, very nice post! I envy you for the bomber rides! Gottta do that soon! Anyway welcome to the forum too!
Texson66

 

Wow! Awesome pics! I would love to see more! I wonder if this is the same group that has this plane, it was last year, and I can't remember? I didn't take a ride, but walked through it, that was great. Anyway, here is a pic.

 

Yes, the B-17 "Nine O Nine" is also owned by the Collings Foundation. That B-17 was the first flight I took back in 2005. I'll create a separate post for those photos and flight description. Collings is a great group. I've got my fingers crossed they visit STL this year as I want to get up in their B-25!

I might also clarify the individuals in the pics above. That is me with my grandfather who served in the Army during WWII in England. My mom is pictured standing at the open waist gun position. Again, truly amazing those windows were just wide open. I guess we really did sign our life away on those papers pre flight ha!

 

Great Pics! I do want to go up some day. I wish they had an F6F Hellcat.

Here is information on the Collings Foundation aircraft and much more. If you have $3,900.00 laying around you can do a WW II Fantasy Crew Camp where there is a mission involved.

The Collings Foundation - Preserving Living Aviation History for Future Generations

 

No problem. I take hundreds of photos while taking part of these events! Now that I know I'm posting in the right section and have received a warm welcome I'll add more pics!





Here's the front landing wheel are where you crawl to the front:


Here's the rest of the group seated and ready for takeoff! Notice the use of FAA approved lap belts, ha


Bomb bay catwalk:


Front wheel retracted:


Front gun sight:

 

Bombsight:


Our pilot on the flight:


I don't think this was standard in WWII.








Better reflection of the narrow bomb bay catwalk.


This one is probably my personal favorite pic from the flight:

I'll post up my experiences on the Nine O Nine and Liberty Belle shortly.

 

I'm pretty excited about the "Wings of Freedom Tour" coming back to Ft Meyers, Fl. Jan 26-28, A B17, B24 and a P51!! Last year the only one at the airfield was the B17! I'll keep you posted! Here is the link to the Collings Foundation, which you probably have, but here you go anyway.
Tour Schedules - The Collings Foundation

 

Yes, thanks though. I am anxiously awaiting a STL visit for 2009!