I had this very wierd dream last night, it could take forever to describe, but the basics are seeing the BoB Lanc fly over with Sally B’s single tail fin, and it made me think, what are the advantages and disadvantages of either a twin tail or large fin.
Avro obviously went for the twin tail, so did Handley Page and Consolidated with the Lib, Vickers, Boeing and Shorts didn’t. So what were the advantages of either, it being noticeable that Consolidated went for a large single tail on the Privateer in the end. I would have thought that a twin tail was more complicated to operate and more prone to damage in action, any thoughts on this from you ultra mechanical types.

This point hasn’t been brought up on the previous posts—— The B17 came out in 1935, after being in service for several years it was followed by the B24. The designers of the 24s took into account the features of the 17 and tried to improve on them. Therefore the B24 had a longer range, could carry a bigger bomb load and was able to fly faster, perhaps the twin tails played a part. However, some of the deficiencies were that they didn’t take into account was that it could’nt fly combat at B17’s altitude, could’nt keep in as tight formation as 17’s and most importantly couldn’t take the punishment that the 17 took

B17

The Collings B17 and B24 are presently at my local airport on their annual tour.
I have acted as a docent since they started touring in Florida. Many times I’ve spoken to people as they exited the plane after landing, I asked how they enjoyed the experiece, they all said that it was just the greatest. Not one complaint in all the years that I questioned the people.
Gee Dee’s post gave a pretty good description of his experience.

Just a comment on Gee Dee’s Post—-When I was flying we just ran through the bomb bay, also at 20000 to 28000 feet we had tempratures of —50 to -60 F ,with no heat and open waist windows.

Italian Flag

Can anyone please tell me where I can find details of the Frecci Tricolori displays in Italy in 2007?

I assume that you are referring to the Italian flag, In 2004 I was invited to Reggio Emilia, Italy. The Historical Society invited me since I was a B17 pilot who bombed their city in Jan 1944. They were celebrating the 60th anniversary of the bombing, we destroyed a German Aircraft factory. Among the sights that I was taken to was a beautiful buildimg where the Italian flag originated. If you contact Dr. Storchi, who is the city’s archivist, I’m sure that he can help you.

Italian Flag

Can anyone please tell me where I can find details of the Frecci Tricolori displays in Italy in 2007?

I assume that you are referring to the Italian flag, In 2004 I was invited to Reggio Emilia, Italy. The Historical Society invited me since I was a B17 pilot who bombed their city in Jan 1944. They were celebrating the 60th anniversary of the bombing, we destroyed a German Aircraft factory. Among the sights that I was taken to was a beautiful buildimg where the Italian flag originated. If you contact Dr. Storchi, who is the city’s archivist, I’m sure that he can help you.

For your information — The Collings foundation makes an annual circuit around the U.S. with a B17, B24 and a B25. walk throughs and rides are available

Sorry Jules, I meant to be interested in your post but I was taken aback badly by the one above!

Did you ever get to fly an A-20, or was it strictly 4-engines from then on? And what was it made you want to fly them?

Adrian

Adrian’

No, I never flew in A20. My superiors assigned me to 4 engine, because of shortage of 4 engine pilots. I remained in B17 and flew 50 combat sorties in them.