Boeing B-17 - Suzie Q - Part 1 - Work Trip to Pick Up Plane

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  • Опубліковано 17 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 216

  • @ak-northman726
    @ak-northman726 2 роки тому +3

    What a great story, the history of the history.

  • @jimselzle3782
    @jimselzle3782 Рік тому +3

    In 1977 I got some stick time with Jr. Birchinal in Paris Texas in a few of his aircraft. I was a newly minted private pilot at the time but wanted some experience in warbirds (ya I was single at the time). I flew in a Stearman (cost $25), a T-6 Texan (cost $50) and a T-33 (cost $200). I wanted to fly in the B-17 but it had some maintenance issues and wasn’t flying at the time. The T-33 he flew out of the municipal airport with its concrete runway. The others he flew out from his grass strip. I remember his operation to be somewhat of a ‘shady’ looking operation but I didn’t care, I just wanted to fly in cool airplanes, and I did!

  • @zetecrv10
    @zetecrv10 2 роки тому +3

    Great video Kermit. I live in England. I live two miles from WW2 aaf station 106 where the first and last bombs were dropped on Germany by the Eighth Airforce. I love the B17. I am an aircraft engine engineer. I came to the fantasy of flight about twenty years ago and met you. You had great enthusiasm for warbirds. Keep up the great work you do. Hope to meet you again sometime.

  • @vehdynam
    @vehdynam 2 роки тому +3

    Now that is a great story ! I am looking forward to the other videos. Thanks.

  • @deanehill9730
    @deanehill9730 2 роки тому +3

    Exciting, bring on part two. Thanks for the video.

  • @jollyroger1009
    @jollyroger1009 2 роки тому +3

    Wow, wasn't expecting that it would fly when I started watching.

  • @dukeallen432
    @dukeallen432 2 роки тому +2

    Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Thanks for allowing us to experience.

  • @P61guy61
    @P61guy61 2 роки тому +3

    Thank you for posting. A wonderful adventure

  • @sledgehammerk35
    @sledgehammerk35 2 роки тому +3

    What an awesome home movie! Thx for sharing it with us!

  • @flyingfortressrc1794
    @flyingfortressrc1794 2 роки тому +12

    This was the first B-17 I saw in person with my Dad in Tucson in 79 or 80 at the DMAFB airshow when I was 9 or 10 years old.
    I smiled the entire time I was watching this video and can't wait to see the other two.
    Thanks for posting this Kermit. This B-17 started my love affair with the 17 since Dad flew on one in WWII.
    Now I pretty much eat and sleep B-17's. Lol

  • @kbjerke
    @kbjerke 2 роки тому +27

    I'm glad you're "rescuing" these old videos, Kermit!! And best wishes to you!

    • @SCCIT-jq6jh
      @SCCIT-jq6jh 2 роки тому +4

      And planes!.

    • @kbjerke
      @kbjerke 2 роки тому +1

      @@SCCIT-jq6jh Actually, that is understood...

  • @ianallen1948
    @ianallen1948 2 роки тому +2

    What a brilliant story!

  • @jerrywatt6813
    @jerrywatt6813 2 роки тому +2

    Love the b17 i donated my time to work on the sentimental journey after it had a little smash up at burbank airport years ago what fun cheers

  • @johnschultz9947
    @johnschultz9947 2 роки тому +4

    Thank you very much. I was glued to the screen. It reminded me so much of what Martin Cardin and Steve Birdsall wrote about when three B-17s were rounded up, restored to flying condition and flown to England to film The War Lover. This is like a home movie and I almost feel like I was there. Again, I am grateful for all you share and I can’t wait for part two.

  • @philip8624
    @philip8624 2 роки тому +2

    This is awesome Kermie..thanks!

  • @ManleyArts
    @ManleyArts 2 роки тому +6

    I can only imagine the excitement you must have felt cranking that bird back to life and getting her up for the first time. Wow! What an adventure :)

  • @aerykhurley8236
    @aerykhurley8236 2 роки тому +17

    I love how you casually mention "at some point in here, i went out and got a B17 rating"
    Kermit Weeks, cause even superman needs a hero.

  • @artd.
    @artd. 2 роки тому +6

    I remember going to Jr's in the early 1980's and looking at all that he had. He had a Church in a hanger! He was quite a Man and had a good collection of A/C P-51, F4U, B25, T-33 and the B-17 and several more.... Great video Mr. Kermit🙃

  • @SimonWallwork
    @SimonWallwork 2 роки тому +1

    Excellent film Kermit. Thanks.

  • @billbraun6846
    @billbraun6846 2 роки тому +2

    I love your smile at the end. It sure conveys the love you have for aviation.

  • @Chuck_Carolina
    @Chuck_Carolina 2 роки тому +2

    Kermit, you are an amazing man who has lived the life of every child who never flew a plane but remember the old war birds like firefly's.

  • @lifeindetale
    @lifeindetale 2 роки тому +1

    Clearing em out!! Cool video of a video. Must say what well-built machines.

  • @dnbeckmann
    @dnbeckmann 2 роки тому +3

    This was a lot of fun; anything about the B-17 is interesting. Thanks!

  • @noonehere1793
    @noonehere1793 2 роки тому +2

    Great video….keep’em flyin well done!👍👍

  • @brianrhodes9366
    @brianrhodes9366 2 роки тому +3

    Love all your videos, but this one might be my favorite so far, looking forward to the other 2. Thanks Mr. Weeks!!!

  • @timhiltonsuperstar
    @timhiltonsuperstar 2 роки тому +2

    You are a true inspiration to the young people of today ❤️

  • @allenmj5409
    @allenmj5409 2 роки тому +4

    Amazing Kermit, we need more people like you.

  • @bobbreit5244
    @bobbreit5244 2 роки тому +3

    What an adventure! How cool. Dad was a B-17 pilot.

  • @jbellos1
    @jbellos1 2 роки тому +2

    This is awesomeness!! Thanks for taking us along!

  • @MarkInArizona
    @MarkInArizona 2 роки тому +12

    Not only are you a true aviation enthusiast -- but you also fully understand about documenting history (and during your ownership). Thank you for expending the people resources to document as you have over the decades. I can't wait to see what #2 and #3 videos bring upcoming. Thanks!

  • @iHap
    @iHap 2 роки тому

    Buddy and I ferried a Citabria banner tow from Colt's Neck NJ to Brown Field in San Diego in 1981 and made a stop there. Fantastic to see Suzy Q spread her wings again. We looked her over with great enthusiasm. At that time, she was carrying the ball turret; but not in the way you might think.
    The bottom half of the ball itself was scribed and cut to match the curve of the fuselage, then bolted on to the underside.
    The VHS resolution and color from 1985 when you made this had the filter effect of watching scenes from the original Memphis Belle film!

  • @daveseddon5227
    @daveseddon5227 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks for a very interesting video and commentary.
    25 minutes and 44 seconds well spent! 🙂

  • @FuriousMess
    @FuriousMess 2 роки тому +2

    very cool Kermit, thanks for sharing!

  • @rolandalfonso6954
    @rolandalfonso6954 2 роки тому +2

    This was wonderful! Start to finish! Word for word! So appreciated! Thank you!

    • @rolandalfonso6954
      @rolandalfonso6954 2 роки тому +3

      I still remember watching Twelve o Clock High when I was a boy.

  • @haroldmclean3755
    @haroldmclean3755 2 роки тому +2

    What an Adventure ! Very Cool indeed 👍

  • @dirkkelly9596
    @dirkkelly9596 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks that was so cool seeing the older footage and a glimpse of the effort and determination to keep these plans in the air, can almost smell the mud gas and burning oil. And feel the slippery squishy footing. but mostly the excitement on seeing her lifting off and climbing for the clouds 👍👍👍

  • @fntsmk
    @fntsmk 2 роки тому +1

    Brother Kermit, I'm not jealous of very many people, but you would be one of them. Thanks for all you do in providing us with all of these wonderful aviation videos.

  • @Gmoney_72
    @Gmoney_72 2 роки тому +1

    Great chunk of history.

  • @3ducs
    @3ducs 2 роки тому +2

    Very ambitious to take an old war bird like that up after having sat so long. I'm looking forward to the continuation series!

  • @calsurflance5598
    @calsurflance5598 2 роки тому +2

    Kermit, thanks for bringing out these old films. It helps to show how much work is involved just pulling the piece of history out of the bushes.
    Hope to visit your museum someday!✈️

  • @mycroft1905
    @mycroft1905 2 роки тому +2

    Very interesting. Good airmanship to check for forced landing grounds. TFP

  • @P51
    @P51 2 роки тому +3

    What an AMAZING series this is going to be! good gooooood GOOOD!

  • @mileagemaker9925
    @mileagemaker9925 2 роки тому +3

    Can't wait for part 2&3! I was fortunate enough to take a flight in the Yankee Lady a few years ago. What an awesome plane! Can't imagine what those boys went through flying over the English channel heading to Germany and seeing the first burst of flak ! They were all true heroes 👍👍👏👏. Love all your videos and hope you keep them coming. Stay safe and God bless 👍👍

  • @dntower85
    @dntower85 2 роки тому +7

    Thanks Kermit, that brought back some fond memories of the Flying Tigers Museum, on many trips to visit my Aunt in Paris Tx when I was around 3 to 5 years old back in the late sixties, my mom would wake me up just before we got there so I could see it as we passed. I can remember it looking just like the old black and white photo. A few times we would stop at the little gas station next to the field and would walk up to the fence. Hope your museum is creating the same spark in others.

  • @randyluginbuhl9085
    @randyluginbuhl9085 Рік тому +1

    Love this…my friend and I flew in there shortly before you purchased Susie Q and I remember Junior was offering seat time in her for $500 for 15 minutes! I just remember at the time how rutted the dirt strip was for our Cessna 150! Quite the cool place!

  • @robh4671
    @robh4671 2 роки тому +2

    Fascinating Sir Kermit, thanks for posting👍

  • @davidperry970
    @davidperry970 2 роки тому +2

    This is so cool, Thanks for sharing with us.

  • @mp6756
    @mp6756 2 роки тому +2

    Such a cool video it makes me as myself what was I doing in 1985. Looking forward to 2&3. Thanks for sharing the stories of your journey. It is real history seeing these birds fly without your effort some would have certainly ended up as scrap. Thanks

  • @goatflieg
    @goatflieg 2 роки тому +3

    This brings back so many different memories for me. I remember learning of Junior Burchinal's warbird training facility in the '70s and reading Budd Davisson's accounts of getting checked out in the B-25, P-38, Mustang and Bearcat. When I spent a week with Budd in 2018 training in his Pitts, we talked a lot about his experiences there. Some pretty wild stuff; I wished I could have experienced it. Seeing your AT-11 in action brought back memories of crewing with Taigh Ramey in his SNB-1 when we flew to the last Madera Gathering of Warbirds in 1994. I rode in the glass nose on the way there and the fully operational dorsal turret on the way home. We got to fly in formation with the CAF Heinkel (CASA 2.111) and I got some great photos. It also reminds me of my three B-17 rides: Nine O Nine, Aluminum Overcast and Yankee Lady. Thanks for sharing your own memories of those exceptional times.

  • @lynnpreuninger5050
    @lynnpreuninger5050 2 роки тому +2

    Mr Weeks, I have pictures of this museum and your B17 made around 1981. Love your museum and your videos.

  • @rudywoodcraft9553
    @rudywoodcraft9553 Рік тому

    What a magnificent plane--very enjoyable video

  • @rossr100
    @rossr100 2 роки тому +1

    Great fun.
    Happy days that #1 stopped coughing

  • @mattharte7334
    @mattharte7334 2 роки тому +9

    This is pure gold it must have been one hell of an adventure and I am looking forward to seeing the other videos. I remember watching one of your videos ages ago about the hurricane damage to your museum in Miami, and you said a B-17 got picked up in the wind and dumped a considerable distance away and hope it was not this aircraft. It must be great to look back at all these old videos and I bet it only feels like 5 minutes ago!

  • @darkredvan
    @darkredvan 2 роки тому +2

    Great video, thanks for posting!

  • @kittonsmitton
    @kittonsmitton 2 роки тому +4

    Great memories Kermit, I hope all is well with you and the crew.

  • @aerovin
    @aerovin 2 роки тому +2

    Great to see the old footage of this B-17G. A brief history: USAF service as a drone controller DB-17P, then to storage at Davis-Monthan from 1959 to 1967. Leased by the USAF to Tallmantz Aviation for movie work and was used in “1000 Plane Raid” in January 1968. Did not fly much after that with Tallmantz. Tallmantz got the “Pink slip” from the USAF in a trade, and then Frank Tallman sold it to Burchinal in 1972. Burchinal used it for training and it had a brief appearance in the film “MacArthur.” Mostly was parked at Paris, Texas, until Mr. Weeks rescued it. I had the opportunity to speak with both Mr. Weeks and Mr. Burchinal in 1989 about their experiences with this B-17. (By the way….it was not used in the TV series “12 O’Clock High;” it was in desert storage at DMA through late 1967 and that series ended filming in late 1966. The B-17 used in that was 44-83684. The one featured here is 44-83525 (N83525). Mr. Weeks also has the static B-17G 44-83542 that was in the Fantasy of Flight museum…somewhat incomplete with the outboard right wing removed due to the museum layout.

  • @ypaulbrown
    @ypaulbrown 2 роки тому +2

    Wow Kermit, when the video showed the number one being turned over, I could smell Av Gas, even though I am laying in bed watching........You and your crew are Magnificent, , by the way, I used to work with Tom Reilly when he first started out by the train station in Orlando, 1976 with those BT-14's.....he was a wonderful teacher to this pup kid of 24 at the time....best wishes, Paul in Orlando

    • @KermitWeeks444
      @KermitWeeks444  2 роки тому +2

      Hey Paul. Thanks for comment. I remember those days. Take care

  • @robertgentry9436
    @robertgentry9436 2 роки тому +1

    Wow, I remember seeing that plane at Cox Field when I did my first long cross country flight in ‘85. Always wondered what the story was. Thanks for sharing this and all your great work, Kermit.

  • @OlesonMD
    @OlesonMD 2 роки тому +2

    This is so cool! I live in Denton, just north of DFW and not far from Paris. I flew my C-172 there many times. There was a fleet of planes parked there at that time. In addition to the B-17, there was a P-51, B-25, Douglas Skyraider, F-86, plus a number of engines (Packard Merlin) scattered about the property. At one time you could get dual instruction in any of these planes. Thanks for posting! Brings back many memories.

  • @benjigault9043
    @benjigault9043 2 роки тому +2

    What a great story and narration. Even the comments are full of legends. Awesome video sir!

  • @walt8089
    @walt8089 2 роки тому +2

    On the edge of my seat for Part 2 !

  • @MrCarGuy
    @MrCarGuy 2 роки тому +2

    Outstanding that you had the foresight to record everything back then

  • @happyhome41
    @happyhome41 2 роки тому +1

    Marvelous. Thank you.

  • @joeluebbers5474
    @joeluebbers5474 2 роки тому +2

    Pretty cool stuff, nice seeing the old videos. Hard to believe the plane is double the age since the video.

  • @daveholekamp1069
    @daveholekamp1069 2 роки тому +17

    Absolutely great memories. I flew that plane some years before when it was the "Balls of Fire". Worked there for a summer. Got to fly most everything that was flyable at the time.
    Was Curtis Vorhees still around? PT-17, AT-6, T-28, C-310, B-25, A-26, B-17, P-51. Life was real good that summer. I heard about the 17 going for a solo during the hurricane. Meant to
    get over to your place over the years, but just never made it. I was with SWA based in MCO - Commuted in. Take Care and Be Well - Best of wishes for all your projects.

  • @billdennis2993
    @billdennis2993 Рік тому +1

    Thx Kermit for an informative and entertaining video.

  • @scottamcfarland
    @scottamcfarland 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for sharing

  • @flyingfortressrc1794
    @flyingfortressrc1794 2 роки тому

    I can't wait to see part 2 and 3..
    I've always loved this B-17.

    • @KermitWeeks444
      @KermitWeeks444  2 роки тому +2

      After reviewing all the raw footage, there might actually be 5 more parts to it. That’s why it’s been delayed a few weeks. We’re working on it now, so hopefully another segment will be released soon.

  • @Grossman2868
    @Grossman2868 2 роки тому +18

    This kind of reminds me of Martin Caidin's book, "Everything But The Flak" where they dragged three B 17's out of an Arizona boneyard and repaired them to fly to England for Steve McQueen's movie "The War Lover. Good book if you can find a copy of it.

    • @johnson11b
      @johnson11b 2 роки тому +2

      I ordered a copy of it on Amazon for my dad last year. Really expensive though and really worn out

    • @willamcombs1106
      @willamcombs1106 2 роки тому +2

      I remember reading that book in my younger days. I recall a part where someone had taken the caps off the ferry tanks when they were in Europe and it was almost a disaster on take off but they caught it at the last minute

  • @craigpennington1251
    @craigpennington1251 2 роки тому +2

    Great stuff Kermit. Thanks so much for showing your old video adventures and for saving the aircraft themselves which is so much a part of our country's history. Best wishes for good health for your endeavors.

  • @Havanorange
    @Havanorange Рік тому +1

    I suppose this is the same impressive B-17 airplane that I had a chance to see at your air museum at Tamiami some time before hurricane Andrew. I remember like it wasn't so long ago. The door was open and eventually I wanted to look inside. I didn't go in but did a pull up and had a quick look. I do remember it being very hot and mostly dark inside. I couldn't see much. I guess I was impressed though, since I remember 30 years later! Thanks.

  • @davedennis6042
    @davedennis6042 2 роки тому +2

    I can never help but have the deepest reverence for these birds. I think of the thousands of untold stories of bravery in the men of steel that crewed these things. When there is one at an airshow, I'm almost brought to tears just walking around them. Read "The B-17: The Flying Forts" by Martin Caidin and then you will understand.
    Kermit, I think you would have made a good 17 pilot.

  • @davef.2811
    @davef.2811 2 роки тому +1

    I remember this plane before and after Hurricane Andrew here in Miami. What ever became of her? Love these stories and it brings back memories of personal events like this. Thanks, Kermit, and we're looking forward to the next video!

  • @av8tore71
    @av8tore71 2 роки тому

    This was a great video Mr. Weeks! By shutting down #2 you now know what it was like for the 20/30 something's flying them during WWII and what they went through!

  • @superseven7947
    @superseven7947 2 роки тому +2

    Wow... 1985!! just 40 years after the end of ww2!! Seems incredible now. What a great record to have

  • @randalbloomquist7812
    @randalbloomquist7812 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks Kermit! Love it!

  • @mdumas7856
    @mdumas7856 2 роки тому +2

    This is great ! Thanks for sharing Kermit.

  • @55Reever
    @55Reever 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you Kermit for preserving so much aviation history.

  • @thurin84
    @thurin84 2 роки тому +2

    such a beautiful aircraft!

  • @johndavey72
    @johndavey72 2 роки тому +2

    Hi Kermit. This is like a boys own adventure ! What a thrill ! But you were fortunate to not lose the aircraft . I think your calm nature had a lot to do with the happy ending . Many pilots would have panicked and maybe lost the aircraft . Great stuff ! Roll on part deux ! 😁 Thankyou Kermit .

  • @benjaminbuchanan7151
    @benjaminbuchanan7151 2 роки тому +3

    Man when you went to get that thing in 1985 the men who flew them in the war were still probably in their 60s. That blows my mind.

  • @noyfub
    @noyfub 2 роки тому +2

    f4Back in the 70's Junior was running a warbird school, You could get checked out in the Stearman, T-6, P-51, F-4F, Corsair, B-25 and B-17. I went up there one Sunday afternoon and got a half hour ride in his P-51 for fifty bucks. That was the most amazing flight I have ever been on. He could really fly that airplane.

  • @chrisgreasamar1731
    @chrisgreasamar1731 2 роки тому +4

    Yes finally! Love the channel and all of the aircraft, but have been waiting for years to see B 17 content.

  • @troymolitor7766
    @troymolitor7766 2 роки тому +1

    Love it. Enjoying this video. Working a little bit on some commercial Boeing’s. kind regards from Kaunas Lithuania. . Troy

  • @bbrut3332
    @bbrut3332 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for the history lesson Kermit.

  • @1hornet1
    @1hornet1 2 роки тому +1

    Man, I really liked this too!

  • @adamhoffman3687
    @adamhoffman3687 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for sharing this Kermit -That's great. Much better times. You just needed a m2 cletrac to be just like England with the mud lol

  • @goosf5746
    @goosf5746 2 роки тому +1

    Według mnie, B-17 jest to zgrabna, śmiercionośna, piękna maszynka. Świetny pomysł na odświeżenie takich historii 👍. Jak to mówią Czesi, "to se newrati" 😉

  • @nealrcn
    @nealrcn 2 роки тому +1

    Im all smiles thanks

  • @faustobaptista8555
    @faustobaptista8555 2 роки тому +1

    Glad to see you and hope to get from , new vídeos.

  • @charlesferebee263
    @charlesferebee263 2 роки тому +2

    OUTSTANDING 🇺🇸

  • @kd5j
    @kd5j 2 роки тому

    I remember this plane well when I visited the Flying Tiger Museum as a kid! I have photos of it as well.

  • @tonydeaton1967
    @tonydeaton1967 2 роки тому +5

    It is a wonder how these warbirds carry the mystique that they do. Something magical about them. I first saw a B-17 fire up at about seven years old and have been mesmerized by them ever since.

  • @bondisteve3617
    @bondisteve3617 2 роки тому +1

    Giant! Thanks.

  • @patrickibex
    @patrickibex 2 роки тому +2

    Nice one Kermit, can't wait for Part 2

  • @danthefrst
    @danthefrst 2 роки тому +3

    This was just very enjoyable!
    Great format Kermit. Listen to the stories attatched to the events is just so nice!
    You could very vell redo some of your old published yt-vids with you talkin about the whats, the whos and whens.
    Great Thanks for what you do Kermit.
    May the air be steady under your wings.

  • @Gamble661
    @Gamble661 2 роки тому +2

    Great video, great airplane. I've had the pleasure of sitting in one but never flying in one. The cockpit struck me as terribly exposed when I considered that the pilots were sometimes being shot at! I've heard that it's a joy to fly. Closest I've ever come is a couple hundred hours in a DC-3 years ago....
    Keep the videos coming, Fantasy of Flight is my happy place but since I live in New England I don't get there as much as I'd like!

  • @americanpatriot2422
    @americanpatriot2422 Рік тому

    Outstanding video!

  • @chrissakal532
    @chrissakal532 2 роки тому +3

    You wouldn't recognize Flying Tigers Airfield now! It's still there and owned by Jr. Burchinal's son. There's a nice, modern hangar with the WWII Flying Tigers emblem on it. There was an AF-2S Guardian there, but I don't know if it's still there.

  • @bammab977
    @bammab977 2 роки тому +2

    I always begged dad to stop there on the way to visit grandma. Driving down the highway and a B-17 or B-25would roar by 50 ft over your head. Few times dad stopped, Junior Burchinald let me climb all over the planes.