[Kostucha]

Folks,

This pinned thread here is intended for anyone who has any helpful information on B-17's (ranging from the 299 to all other variants), that can be of use. If you've got a question, by all means post it up here, we can try to get the answer for you too.

With reference to B-17 model products and info, I ask that you keep that within your own build thread.

Cheers!
Mark.

This post has been edited by Kostucha: 28 December 2010 - 10:30 PM

[100th BG]

I'll start, what the heck: There are NO screens in the intakes of the B-17. Yes, I know the B-17 currently flying in the Memphis markings has them. Now the oil coolers (between the engine nacelles) are a different story! And those two tubes are for the battery vents. This is on the right side between the fuselage and the #3 engine. There is only one battery on the left side.

This post has been edited by 100th BG: 28 December 2010 - 10:39 PM

[100th BG]

Here is the oil cooler. It has a couple of screens in front of it. They are slightly staggred and each covers a little over half of the opening. This was so that if ice were to build up on them, there would still be airflow to the cooler. Sorry it is kind of dark. The horizontal mesh is the ice screen.

This post has been edited by 100th BG: 28 December 2010 - 10:42 PM

[Kostucha]

Karl,

Thanks for starting us out!

If one were to take a flashlight and shine it down in there (in the air intakes from your first picture), what would be found or seen?

Cheers!
Mark.

This post has been edited by Kostucha: 28 December 2010 - 10:42 PM

[100th BG]

Kostucha, on Dec 28 2010, 04:42 PM, said:

Karl,

Thanks for starting us out!

If one were to take a flashlight and shine it down in there (in the air intakes from your first picture), what would be found or seen?

Cheers!
Mark.

The (unpainted) ducting runs back a ways and then turns. How far back depends on the engine:

[Kostucha]

Here are a few quick links, threads that within them had a lot of great information:

LMM research page with a lot of great info on what happens in the hangars.
The First GB Thread where near the end there was some great information as well
Phils hints on searching for B-17 images as well as a bit of info on the noses of B-17's
Thread on B-17 Stencils
Quick blurb on the Chin Turrets and colour

[richter111]

Here is a good one for battle damaged B-17 units

http://www.daveswarbirds.com/b-17/

[richter111]

Another forum, loaded with stories, and more, plenty of time to be wasted here

Seems to populated by WWII vets as well, good for asking those pesky questions

http://forum.armyairforces.com/Heavy-Very-...mbers-f155.aspx

[100th BG]

Mark, weren't you asking about what was under the cockpit floor? Here is the view aft under the top turret:

[Shawn M]

wow this is great! thanks gang.

I dont have much to add as most of my research is on my PC, not the web.

http://www.luchtoorlog.be/b17.htm

This site is great, the thread is long and loads slowly but some great images!

http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.org/...=26&t=29083

This post has been edited by Shawn M: 29 December 2010 - 02:28 PM

[Kostucha]

100th BG, on Dec 29 2010, 03:37 AM, said:

Mark, weren't you asking about what was under the cockpit floor? Here is the view aft under the top turret:

I was indeed asking. I'm a little confused on the placement though - I was under the impression that the floor was flat under the top turret, and aft of that it'd be the bomb-bay. I am so confused right now...

[majortomski]

A good friend of mine runs this site:

http://www.aerovintage.com/b17bits.htm

Author of several B-17 books. He likes to document the history of the remaining eleven flying aircraft.

[Kostucha]

A quick shot from the training fields where maintainers were learning how to do engine swaps of the Wright-Cyclone R-1820's... or so I thought... I started looking closer and saw that she's still got her 50's, as well as what's in the back ground... looks more and more like a full our swap of 4 of the radials on an active war time bomber. If anyone's got any more info on this one it'd be greatly appreciated.

I'm putting this picture up mainly to show the 6 engines, and the 4 exposed firewalls:



Cheers,
Mark.

[Kostucha]

Would anyone be able to post up a good shot or information on what is found at the joint between the wings and the fuselage? Specifically, what is on the aft portion if you were to remove the wings.

Thanks in advance,
Mark.

This post has been edited by Kostucha: 29 December 2010 - 07:22 PM

[Shawn M]

mark, hit that wix link I posted (2nd one) its got what you need and then some i think

[Kostucha]

Yup! Thanks Shawn! Holy Crow there's a lot of stuff there!

[Shawn M]

yeah its a treasure trove!

[Bigasshammm]

So I remembered years ago I picked up this obscure DVD on ebay entitled "How to Fly The B-17". I've never actually watched it but it's supposed to be like an old army training video. I guess I'll throw it in now and see what it's about.

[Shawn M]

Bigasshammm, on Dec 30 2010, 09:41 AM, said:

So I remembered years ago I picked up this obscure DVD on ebay entitled "How to Fly The B-17". I've never actually watched it but it's supposed to be like an old army training video. I guess I'll throw it in now and see what it's about.

What!? I watch stuff like that as soon as it hits my house!

[richter111]

Those flight check series are really interesting

I also have the one for fighters