Posted 7 years ago
fortapache
(3287 items)
This a B-17G from the Palm Springs Air Museum named Miss Angela. It is maintained in flying condition although I don't know if they fly it. The engines on this have names, Doc, Sleepy, Grumpy and Sneezy. I have a feeling the names are descriptive.
These photos are from inside the plane.
Starting off is the copilot's position featuring the nifty Flying Fortress steering wheel. Boeing knew it was all that.
Photo 2 is from the navigator's position in the nose and shows one of the two machine guns the navigator would use. The other is a bit more forward and on the left. The bombardier's chair can be seen. He had the best view. If you ever take a ride on one of these this is the seat to take.
Photo 3 is the waist gunners' position. You can see the top of the ball turret. Contrary to popular belief the ball turret was no more dangerous than any other position in the plane. Also the ball turret gunner could get into and out of the turret from the plane. Radio operator's position is through that doorway.
Photo 4 shows the rear. Sadly the tail gunners position can not be seen probably due to the flash glare. But it does show the secret of the B-17's strength. It wasn't armor it was the structural strength of the frame. The circular design made it hold together when halfway shot apart.
I think I should go back and take more photos.
Thank you
Efesgirl
racer4four
brunswick
mikelv85
JImam
pw-collector
Fort, when you are being shot at, everybody thinks they are in the most dangerous position & that they are the only one being shot at. LOL . Great shots & the dry desert air will preserve it. Enjoyed it. Thanks. Looks like I'm a bit late for the party.
Thank you very much bb2. The party is just getting started. This is probably the best restored B17 I have seen. They usually don't have the insulation and this is the only one I have seen where they let you get in the nose. The safest place is probably on the ground.
Thank you
roddyq
Padit
freon
Rick55
vetraio50
nutsabotas6
SpiritBear
blunderbuss2
Caperkid
Thank you SEAN68.
Thank you
PhilDMorris
iggy
Thank you
SEAN68
ttomtucker
Nice Shots. If you ever go back to take more pictures, please post a shot of the port side (left) of the nose. That will be the navigator's desk. Another would be tunnel crawl from the nose to the pilots' cockpit. The front of the nose personnel would jump through the nose hatch or through the bomb bay. A shot of the location behind the pilot seats and the top turret is another perspective to show. On take off and landing, the bombardier and navigator stood behind the pilots. I would be curious how tight that area is. Thanks!!
Thank you very much flyguy. Don't think I have been there for about 10 years so probably time for a return trip with notes on where to take photos. I did take more photos so I will check my old photos.