Memphis Belle Filming 1989

Ive been trying to find some pictures of the inside of the nissen hut they used for the briefing in the film as it is one of the buildings i look after at work.

So you’ll be aware of the event there this Saturday then?
http://sites.google.com/site/orfordbridge/the-memphis-belle-remembered-event

I saw last year the top of the new tower they built ,.

It didn’t stay up for long by all accounts!

The ops board from inside it and a wooden willys jeep they made as they are still local to Binbrook.

Someone got some nice memorabilia then?

My friend Nigel Nixon flew the models for the film. Model flying was filmed at Binbrook if I remember correctly.
I have seen behind the scenes footage of the model flying.
This included the crash scene and landing approach with engine out.

I seem to remember at the time of filming that people with A2 jackets and other period clothing were sought as extras.
Also, fields of Oil Seed Rape were becoming a problem to shoot around, as the species would never have been seen in WW2…

Ive been trying to find some pictures of the inside of the nissen hut they used for the briefing in the film as it is one of the buildings i look after at work.
I have several private photos taken whilst filming at Binbrook showing the airfield side andinside the hangar but never come across any of the huts or inside.
I saw last year the top of the new tower they built ,The ops board from inside it and a wooden willys jeep they made as they are still local to Binbrook.
If anyone has any pics of the tech park side whilst filming that would be great as i collect anything Binbrook to go into my archive of Binbrook.

Yep… got a copy! It’s not a bad vid.

Has anyone seen this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Belle-And-Glory-Boys-Making-Memphis-Belle-/250726404815?pt=VHS&hash=item3a607552cf#ht_3837wt_1037

Yes, the taxiing sequences are great aren’t they. Who needs CGI!

There were also several ‘solid’ fibreglass models built by the studio that were non-flyers, and these were used in the take off sequence where a whole line of B-17’s fill the taxiway leading to the runway.

And very effective it looks too! The appearance of a long line of B-17’s just looks simply marvelous.

Any more news on a potential book?

That’s a very good point.
I did hear recently that there there might be some activity on this front, but I’m not able to put any more meat on the bones!

That isn’t one of the original models, it’s my 1/6 scale scratch built version, but it gives an idea of the size of the film models.

Both flying models were destroyed during the filming. One was destroyed by fire, the other broke its back and destroyed the wings in the crash landing sequence when it fell off the scaffolding runway. This was repaired for static display and ended up in the Goosedale model museum until its closure. The B-17 model in the link above is more likely to have come from the moulds made for the film which were purchased by a model company ( Richard Rawle’s ) after filming. Several ‘Part kits’ were sold, with the first few flying around 1999/2000.

There were also several ‘solid’ fibreglass models built by the studio that were non-flyers, and these were used in the take off sequence where a whole line of B-17’s fill the taxiway leading to the runway.

Any more news on a potential book? Just found some interesting stuff via google

One of the dummy waist guns thrown over board on the way home:

http://www.cameo-auctioneers.co.uk/index.php?option=com_auctionimport&view=archivedetail&id=14&search=memphis&page_list=25

One of the original B17 models, still flying!:

http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/airshow03/rougham/rougham.htm

Thank you Trumper. We maybe thinking along the same lines here. A contribution to Sally B would be a worthy cause and may bring a few people on side. Also maybe there could be some support from Key publishing, with the forum being so involved with the project. I will take your advice and start another tread asking for help with the project. I will make a start with information I have. And maybe tangible evidence of progress will bring more people on board.

Thank you to you too B-17 Man. I would be greatfull for any help.

🙂 I would think the best thing to do would be to ask people on here if they would mind contributing either memories,photos,film etc to help the project.
Once you have enough “yes/no” feedback see if there’s enough for a book.I think if you come across as serious,professional and respectful i don’t think there will be any need for being bashed” .
I wouldn’t think by the time you’ve put in the hours, mileage there would be much of a profit but you may need to converse with publishers or anyone on here that has been published for a reality point of view.
I suppose it depends on why you want to write the book,if it is to make a living you need to really be serious but if it is a labour of love and personal pride and any profit is a bonus well enjoy the journey and you may meet people and see things you wouldn’t have done otherwise.
Personally i would start another thread linking to this one and ask people for their thoughts,advice and opinions of contributing if they can.I would wonder if making a charitable contribution to something related may help people to help you 🙂
For what it is worth you can use my stuff if you need to ,just credit them,good luck:)

Book

Support is here! just lurking in the background.
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Hi Trumper. I have been looking through all the Belle threads over the last couple of days. I would like to give it a go. Your right about the amount of information available on the forum. It is almost endless and I`m sure with the thread back at the top more will be added.

The problem is would people be willing to give up there recolections and photogtaphs for a profit making book (how ever small that profit would be). Would people like to help or would I be in for an `Ollie` style bashing.

I am willing and have a few ideas already. Is the support out there ?

Cheers.

Ben

Has anybody taken on the book yet. It would be fantastic. I must admit I`m tempted to have a go my self.

And just incase some one is looking here for the first time. Any new pics.

🙂 Why not have a go then:) There seems to be quite alot of information still available and photos.It would be easier sooner rather than later as people are still around and can recollect memories etc.
If you have the desire,access and time to pursue it it would be lovely.:)

Has anybody taken on the book yet. It would be fantastic. I must admit I`m tempted to have a go my self.

And just incase some one is looking here for the first time. Any new pics.

French Engine

The French had another engine brought up to Duxford from Pinewood, where the prop department had been using it to make some fibreglass copies. The French were none to happy when they found a lot of resin and bits of fibreglass stuck to it, It took a while to clear out the contamination, but was fitted in 2 days and the plane was once again servicable.
N17W had one of the spares that were hanging on Mary Alice, this was because when it landed at Duxford before the filming began it came in on 3 engines and needed a spare. A deal was struck with Bob Richardson so he would supply another engine after the filming had been completed.

Loved being in the nose, I have a lot of video footage taken from there of many airshows, including North Weald, taken from the ball turret.
I rigged the video camera up in there and connected it to a small monitor, moving the turret during the display, and did the Memphis bell scene with the turret facing the main wheel on landing, great bit of footage.
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Adara cam

Engines

Thanks – So what happened about the engine that blew on the French Machine ( Mother and Country ) -did they get a swapper from somewhere for that one or just replace a cylinder

Were you in the nose of Sally B when she buzzed Thorpe Abbotts in 92 or 94 they were boh great flypasts but the one in 94 Was THE best

the sales crew at TA said you just loved sitting up there in that nose watching East Anglia drift by

Ta ..Ron

Good looking

Thats a good looking bloke in that picture, oh, its me

This engine came from N17W and was swopped for the spare on Mary alice, that was one that came from the Hendon B-17.
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Just found this picture. It is the IWM B-17 “Mary Alice” receiving it’s replacement engine after the original was removed to replace the engine that blew during the filming.

Steve

Thanks for those,just incase anyone has’nt seen them here are some more links to the “Memphis Belle” filming.
http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18789&highlight=memphis+belle+film

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=34240&page=1&pp=30

I feel these ought to be combined and stickied so anyone new looking maybe able to add or look at.