Something (probably the miserable weather in West Sweden just now) has prompted me to offer these pix for your delectation. Taken last year at Millington, Tennessee, during a fantastic 4-week trip through the mid-west USA with BAES.
They show most of the parts, including a row of 4 engines.
By: mike currill - 5th April 2004 at 07:40
Wonderful to see that someone is looking after the old girl the way she deserves.
By: Merlin3945 - 5th April 2004 at 01:07
“Are you the Judean Peoples Front”
And I think we all know what comes next!!
By: Hatton - 5th April 2004 at 00:59
I cut down trees. I eat my lunch.
I go to the lavatory.
On Wednesdays I go shoppin’
And have buttered scones for tea………………..
By: Merlin3945 - 5th April 2004 at 00:56
I’m a lumberjack and I’m ok. I work all night and I sleep all day.
By: Ashley - 26th March 2004 at 13:44
Many thanks for posting these Papa Lima…it is nice to see what is happening with projects across the pond 🙂
With regards to Sally B’s markings, I believe it is intended for Sally to wear the markings of Memphis Belle on one side on a permanent basis in commemoration of the original aircraft. Is there anyone around with links with Sally B who can confirm this or offer any further info?
Ashley
By: mmitch - 22nd March 2004 at 21:55
Caution Papa Lima, this British Humour now turning Monty Pythonesque. 🙂
mmitch.
By: Chris Broad - 22nd March 2004 at 15:29
would you like a 5 minute argument or the full half hour? :p
By: Bruce - 22nd March 2004 at 14:40
Is this the right room for an argument??
:p
By: Eddie - 22nd March 2004 at 14:35
No teddy throwing here. I misread what Daz wrote, that’s all.
By: Papa Lima - 22nd March 2004 at 14:27
Please don’t start throwing teddies, boys, that’s not what I put up this thread for! I just thought there might be a few people interested in what’s happening to the “real” Memphis Belle and that she in fact still exists, that’s all!
By: Mark V - 22nd March 2004 at 14:02
Originally posted by Eddie
Ooops 😉I guess I must be in an argumentative mood today 😉
No you are not 😀
By: Eddie - 22nd March 2004 at 14:01
Ooops 😉
You’re right (and you even said it that way). I guess I must be in an argumentative mood today 😉
But anyway – the “Belle” was “preserved” at Memphis airport for quite a while, and I believe that took a severe toll on the interior (I’ve seen some photos from the 70s with the interior gutted). It was restored before it went on display at Mud Island…
So not as original as she may appear…
By: Mark V - 22nd March 2004 at 13:59
There – I thought so 🙂
By: Mark V - 22nd March 2004 at 13:58
I think Daz was referring to ‘Memphis Belle’ (ie: the real one), not ‘Sally B’ !
By: DazDaMan - 22nd March 2004 at 13:57
No no, dear boy, the original ‘Belle is what I meant! 😉
Of course, P7350 is a beautifully preserved beast, too… 😉
By: Eddie - 22nd March 2004 at 13:51
Originally posted by DazDaMan
Surely the ‘Belle must rank as one of the best-preserved examples of a warbird in original condition?
I’m a little puzzled by this comment, Daz, as Sally B has been extensively modified over the years. Originally built with the late type “Cheyenne” turret, all the turrets were removed when she was used for the research with the USAF. There were more mods for the role as an aerial photography aircraft with the French. Then when she was brought to Britain, she was modified for the “Memphis Belle” movie with the Cheyenne tail turret installation being replaced by an earlier style… so she’s had a fair bit of messing about done. This is in no way a criticism of B17 Preservation, as they’ve done a wonderful job restoring her to a representative condition, but it’s not “preserved original condition”, as far as I can see.
Look at P7350 for a nice preserved warbird in original condition 😉
By: Hatton - 22nd March 2004 at 12:46
Originally posted by DazDaMan
As a reminder of the aircraft’s film role?Surely the ‘Belle must rank as one of the best-preserved examples of a warbird in original condition?
The original paint scheme is completely different to the film scheme anyhow, different nose art and camoflage etc.
Still, dont care too much as its the B17 flying in the air that i care about most although the wierd paint scheme does baffle me.
By: Papa Lima - 22nd March 2004 at 10:28
Apparently the biggest problem was vandalism and parts being stolen, also birds nesting inside. This according to Peter Cash, our tour guide at Millington.
By: Mark12 - 22nd March 2004 at 10:10
… and.
By: Mark12 - 22nd March 2004 at 10:10
Originally posted by Papa Lima
Absolutely!
Rescued from the ravages of weather and vandals after 16 years on Mud Island just outside Memphis. Now the property of the US Air Force Museum, Dayton, but being restored on lease by the Memphis Belle Memorial Association.
Here are a couple of shots of the THE ‘Memphis Belle’ on Mud Island, Memphis, in June 1999.
Like the Spitfire TE184 at Halton, I think the poor state of presentation and condition has been a little overstated.
Under a massive well ventilated ‘Dome’ structure, I thought she looked rather splendid.
Mark
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March 21, 2004 at 3:12 pm