Years back my brother in law and I arranged for my dad to get a ride in this plane at Manassas, VA. He worked on B-17's in WW-2 and had a WW-2 Vet hat on. These guys treated him like he was a king. They honored him and let him sit in the nose of the plane while in flight. Dad was thrilled and this was the best thing I could ever give my Dad. He has passed away but I will never forget the respect given to my father by these guys. [Sorry tears coming down.]
Thank you for his Service, sir. As well as to All the Brave vets, in all branches. My Grand dad was a Merchant Mariner (ww 2) and he was "in the drink" twice. Bombed & torpedoed while making the run to Murmansk. He said the Best part were the Scottish nurses!! God Bless him, & his mates!! They did n't bitch & moan. They would just get on with it!! Survived the war, raised a Family, and had 3 grandchildren that Loved him to death. We miss you!! RIP
I cannot imagine being 18, flying in a tin can at 30,000 feet in -40 degree temps, trying to shoot at incoming aircraft, while hoping you don't get shot too. Then being in that state for 10 hours or more.
JustaKoreanGuy With the close formations I have heard my former patients tell me that there was a lot of friendly fire with the excitement of shooting at a German fighter coming through the formation. If you are swinging your gun and firing just half a second will cut the rudder off your buddies plane. They did not talk about that to the press.
Thanks for this video! Lots of details I didn't know about the B-17. My Dad was a B-17 pilot, 15th AF, 99th Bomb Group "Diamondbacks" Foggia, Italy. The mission/crew list shows Bombardier/Togglier - never the knew the difference til now. Thanks also to Tuskegee Airmen for protecting the Forts, one of them with my Dad, in #46435, Regensburg, 3/13/1945.
I’m a 80 year-old Commercial Rate Pilot. This is the most comprehensive, informative B-17 general presentation I’ve seen. Well done. I really enjoyed your presentation, 1st Officer.
Ed McKnight , ED AGREED 1000% ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW, AND IM ONLY 65, WITHH MY PRIVATE FOR 41 YEARS! NICELY SAID, EXCELLENT DESCRIPTION! I COULD NOT OF SAID IT 1/2 AS GOOD AS YOU!!! THANKS, JACK
Regarding the safety of the ball turret, I once asked my great uncle who flew the ball with the 95th out of Horham in late 1944, "didn't he feel unsafe? if the plane was hit, how was he getting out?" His reply was, "if the plane is hit bad enough I can't get out, then nobody was getting out..." it didn't phase him. He also said he thought the ball was pretty roomy...he was also 5'2", so it probably was for him.
My fav model WW2 plane next was P-51 Mustang Roll- Royce powered Flying Fortress guys would kiss her in England after return from bombing sorties in Germany bless 🙏 those few who saved so many salutations, always
My grandpa took me to see the Aluminum Overcast when I was little. I think it was the first year it was on national tour in the early 90s. He died in 2002. I just got to tour through her again in Peoria IL in 2019. Very thankful for the opportunity to re-live that memory with him. I hope it never stops touring.
I spent all of the money I had saved up for a rainy day to take my sister, niece and nephew on a flight when it came to a town nearby. I didn't think about it at the time but the kids' only over airplane flight had been an airline ride when he was six months. My nephew will always remember his trip on Aluminum Overcast as his first ever airplane ride. I'll never regret that.
My dad piloted 29 missions over Nazi Occupied Germany in a B-17 (various models). He and nor any of his crew ever got a scratch, except for his tail gunner got an earlobe shot off. He also flew German Scientists and Engineers out of Neutral Switzerland against the Geneva convention (before the Russians could get them). 2 DSC's 2 Air Medals, 4 Oak Leaf Clusters. Thanks for the video.
As of 10-2-2019 a sad loss for the Collings Foundation B-17 Nine 0 Nine when on its Wings of Freedom tour the plane took off with 13 aboard 10 passengers 3 crew. as they reported trouble with the #4 engine tried to land at runway 6 at Bradley Int Airport in Windsor Locks Ct. as 7 fatalities were confirmed, 5 passengers survived, one injured in the maintainence facility from one of the engines in the building. as the Collings foundation is cooperating with the FAA, NTSB, FBI, and Homeland Security as this airframe had two prior crashes one in 1987 in Beaver County Pa and in 1995 in Nebraska.
I have known ken and his wife Lorraine for quite some years. We all based out of C77, Poplar grove airport in N. Illinois. Lorraine flew right seat for me in my Cessna 140 one time for a formation flyover of a late aviator's funeral.tribute. It was a real learning experience as she gave me the know how for chevron flying.
Have to say it looks like being in a tin can. Had to be pretty brave in war time to fly in one of these. Prayer for all the men that died or injured for life in these planes.
My family was on that plane. I have my "Aluminum Overcast"crew jackey that I wore yesterday in memory of the crew and passengers of "909". Very sobering to think it could have been us who died on that plane,.
Wow. The pilot here, Ken Morris, is a walking dictionary, a real treasure trove of information. He lays things out so beautifully. Many thanks. My neighbor, Eddie Holland, was a tail gunner on the "G.I. JIVE" back in the day. He was a real-life hero and great neighbor to boot.
Superb talk through sir... The glory of the machine and people for sure, but a tone that conveys the horror of it all. Superb honest and realistic... I salute you ... ;-)
Thanks, Ken for the wonderful guided tour of a marvelous piece of history -- the B17. I appreciated the detail of the machine gun locations and description of the bombs. It would have been fun to see the bomb bay doors open and shut. Thanks for keeping the memory and history of a wonderful War Bird in the American fleeting mind/memory experience. Dean (former military instructor pilot in U.S. Army Aviation) of Minnesota
Love the gearhead details and commentary such as: "Pay attention, this will be on the test." "This is not your Prius." "If we get ice we're missing a Happy Hour somewhere."
Thank you. Best video I've ever seen on the B-17. That throttle arrangement and feathering sequence would give me pause when considering if I wanted to pay for a ride in a B-17.
A very sacred airplane. Many American men fought hard and died in these birds. Read many stories of the battles. Thanks for the interesting walk around.
Excellent walk around talk. Makes me want to see one, built a model as a 10 year old. B17G is the only bomber I haven't seen in person. John Stockton Ca.
John; I hope you get the chance. I love that the EAA and other groups (I believe) are able to fly these planes from town to town and let people get up close. Myself and a friend went to see it when it visited our town and I went for a ride. I'll never forget it.
My grandfather was a physician in the US Army attached to an engineering unit, in the European theater. He went from the UK, to France, and on to Germany. After Germany surrendered, he had some time and being a doctor was sent all over the place as one can imagine. One day he was at an airfield with a B-17 unit. The pilot managed to coax him onto the plane, a real trick because he had never been on an airplane before and was terrified. It was summer and the mission was to carry a bunch of beer up to altitude to chill it (I'm not kidding). So my grandfather is up with the pilots and he is nervously watching the pilot curse as one of the engines was having trouble starting. They got it started, the mission was accomplished, and my grandfather vowed to never fly again. (edit: sp.)
WOW. what a story. This will make me more appreciate a cold beer (I'm not kidding). I hope your father was given one of those beers upon returning. Thanks for the story pdutube.
thank you sir. this was the most descriptive, and entertaining video of any plane i have ever seen. WELL DONE. god bless all those who served our great country during the war.
This was awesome. Best over view of the B-17 (G) that I have ever seen. As it’s now on UA-cam I hope younger people will come by it and watch it. So the B-17 and there crews will never be forgotten =).
In the film Best Years of Our Lives, they fly over row upon row of 17's, falling prey to the scrappers smelting furnace. Thousands of new engines simply discarded. Wars seem to be the way of mankind throughout all history. Only our weapons evolve. A Spartan with an axe, an airman with a fifty cal. or a missile man with a red button. Never forget war is all hell. These planes serve as wonderful reminders.
I think they call it, maximum effort, or perhaps combat fatigue. The odds were not good early on at twenty five missions. Still on they flew for God and Country.
In the B/24 the skipper could change his ships center of gravity a bit by ordering crewmen about the ship. Every one in the rearmost would make her set on her tail skid if no bombs in bay. More than one trailing antenna was lost on landing if the radio man forgot to reel it in. One hope it didn't bounce trough the C.O.'s office as it made him cranky!
I flew on the Liberty Belle in 2010 less than a year before she was lost. They are beautiful planes and a privilege to fly in. My grandfather served on one as a copilot and I’m thankful for the opportunity to experience this.
One of the highlights of my life was getting to fly in this aircraft. I was sitting in the nose cone and looking out to the side we had a P-51 and a Sea Fury flying in escort formation with us!
B-17s have always been an interest of mine. My great uncle was a pilot in 401BG; 31 combat missions. Sadly he passed before I was old enough to talk to him.
My uncle did all of his 4 engine time in B17s prior to going to the Pacific. He loved the 17. Last minute transition training to B24s and off they went. He flew 36 missions in 24s between Nov.44 and Aug.45. He never liked the 24 nearly as much as the 17.
My father, Staff Sgt Foy Waltrip, was a member of the US Army Air Corp in WWII, and an expert on the Norden Bombsite. He trained bambatdiers in its use and also repaired them. The Army would not station him overseas for fear he would become a POW and forced to reveal the bombsite’s secrets.
Thank you gentleman so very much for your trip to Conway, Arkansas. The flight in Aluminum Overcast was a surprise addition to my dads bucket list and was unfortunately his last war bird flight as he passed the following January. He really enjoyed the flight and I was so happy to see that boyish gleam in his eyes. And for me it was a great chance to see up close and touch "the plane" my grandpa worked on during the war in Europe. I hope to some day get to take a ride myself. Thank you EAA, Aluminum Overcast flight & ground crew, and all the donors that make it possible for these pieces of flying history to tour and bring so much joy to so many & bring opportunities to share.
Thanks and Very Interesting !! I live here in Northern Germany near Emden - Wilhelmshaven - Oldenburg ,I heard alot of storys from elderly people & from older family members that survived - witnessed the horrifying - Heavy bombings in ww2 - many seen how swarms of B17 - b24 s at Day - British Lancaster s at night , Even wittnessed how a B17 crashlanded here too ! Still can see some Bombcraters here and many former Flak - 8,8 antiaircraft sites and alot of "Luftschutzbunkers" and many Luftwaffe- airbases from WW2 still operational Today. ( Jagdgeeschwader "Richthofen") Hard to imagine what all happened here almost 80 years ago .
@flip inheck You're draft and disrespectful. The B-17 was designed in the thirties and then rapidly updated during the war for the demands of the forties. Not only did it meet the challenges of that war, it exceeded most of those requirements, and survived as a valued war machine right up to the bitter end of it all, and was one of the last bombers still being built even after the Armistice. Impressive statistics for anyone. And, yes, it was definitely a "Heavy Bomber". (p.s. here is a link that contains the definition for a "Heavy Bomber" www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavy%20bomber)
@flip inheck A quote from the link that you provided: "The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a four-engined 𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑽𝒀 𝑩𝑶𝑴𝑩𝑬𝑹 (italics added) developed in the 1930s for the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC)." Maybe you have the B-17 confused a different World War Two Bomber? (p.s. "The Second World war lasted six years and one day, starting on 1 September 1939 with Hitler's invasion of Poland and ended with the Japanese surrender on 2 September 1945." The last B-17 was built by Boeing on 28 July 1945, eleven weeks, five days AFTER Germany officially surrendered on May 7, 1945.) Maybe you have a different example of what a World War Two "Heavy Bomber" is in mind?
@flip inheck (p.s. Here is another link to a website describing the B-17 as a, "Heavy Bomber" "B-17, also called Flying Fortress, U.S. 𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑽𝒀 𝑩𝑶𝑴𝑩𝑬𝑹 (italics added) ...." www.britannica.com/technology/B-17 I can provide you with more examples defining the B-17 as a, "Heavy Bomber" if you would like.)
@flip inheck Here is a side-by-side-comparison of the two aircraft. The B-17 either meets or exceeds in every category save two. The B-17 loses the range category by a measly 528 miles, (but It has a higher altitude, by 11,000 feet!) better armament and only gives up 4,400 lbs of max ordinance capacity, and is equal in max speed! All that for an airplane that was designed 12 years earlier than the Lancaster! Sad. www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/compare-aircraft-results.asp?form=form&aircraft1=234&aircraft2=79&Submit=COMPARE
(p.s. let us not forget that the Boeing B-29 Superfortress was also designed BEFORE WW Two, had a pressured cabin, a range of 3,250 mi. (compared to the Lancaster's 2,530 mi. range...sad) a Service ceiling of 31,850 ft (the Avro's "Service Ceiling"? a wimpy 21,400 ft. A TEN THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY FOOT difference...) and could carry two 22,000 lb (10,000 kg) Grand Slam bombs externally. And you said that the Lancaster was what? A HEAVY Bomber? Ha!) At least the Lancaster had American made engines going for it....)
My Daddy enlisted in 1942. He was 28 y/o & married, no chance he would have been drafted...God & country. He was stationed in England from early 1943 till 1946. He was the top turret gunner/flight engineer. He flew 32 bombing missions & landed back to England every time. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying cross ( and the equivalent from the RAF) As the oldest crew member 'Pappy' was the good luck omen! The real tragedy is the US Army Air force taught him how to drink ( never touched a drop prior). He came home damaged & an alcoholic till he died at age 56. He would have enjoyed this video I'm sure, although he never liked speaking about those years. RIP Daddy, wish I would have gotten to know the "real" you...
To give a LIKE is my mandatory for this professional and very interesting presentation of this famous airplane... because, in summary, it is a 50-50 weight between Plane and Crew - this is it what makes the difference to be a winner, or a looser. In WW II. there are so many good pilots and planes on both sides... lost their lives in combat - sad enough, but there are also survivors, and they can tell their story. THIS B-17 do it !!! THANK YOU Mr. Morris, and Mr. Johnston !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LIKE
amazing! being a professional transmission rebuilder and mechanic for 45 years I can say, those men that designed that thing were smart men, they were not stupid,,,,,,,
I flew in this ship in 2002 from Double Eagle airport, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Lucky enough to grab the jump seat behind the pilot where I sat riveted for the entire 20 minute flight.
Great class on B 17 mechanics and structure components function, and cockpit controls. I wish to be younger to qualify for aviation mechanics course. (I'm 65 way too old but I understood all the theory involved) Congratulations you are a great instructor.
I built a few scale models of this beutiiful aircraft, various versions, she seemed so advanced in her sleek lines compared to our old British bombers, I often wonder, what would be the outcome if they used B17s in the Dam Buster's Raid?
Goddamn, it would've sucked to crew this plane during wartime. Cold, loud, no seats, no armor, cramped everything, and nothing but miles of Pacific ocean to look at. At least the tail gunner could be alone to forsake god and curse everything aloud, in peace.
Not all B17s had the top secret Norden bomb sight, which actually flew or guided the plane on the bombing run, so the chin gunner/bombardier was actually an NCO toggeleir in most cases. He would await a bombardier in a lead plane to drop his load of bombs, and on cue all the toggeleirs would "flip" switches releasing their respective loads. The Allies didn't want the Germans to be able to retrieve the Norden from a shot down or captured B17, so there were only a few planes or only one in a flight with the actual bomb sight.
What an incredible hours entertainment, so so very interesting, and what these Boys had to endure for hours of cold, i am unable to fathom. i say Boys, as they were only 18-25 ish, I couldn't do this stuff when i was 30. 40 and the rest !
I saw this plane when it came to the Boeing facility near Seattle. It was the first time I was actually see the type of planes my father served in during WW II.🥰
Should note that the brakes are electrically driven hydraulic. An electric motor drives the pump that charges the pressure accumulator and that pressure is supplied to the brakes.
Just saw this amazing aircraft in Kingman Az yesterday. Sadly I did not get to go on a flight, but the tour was still very cool. This thing really rumbles flying over your house, I can't get enough. I will be sad when it leaves haha.
A good thing the USA had already had this in it's arsnel when the war broke out . The piots and the crew in the air and those maintenance and repair crew were so brave ,I wonder sometime what they were thinking as they climbed into those planes .
According to my dads log missions were flown at an altitude of 24000 feet. He also had a picture showing a short set of steps to get into the nose hatch.
Great walk around that has brought fond memories of that special day during ground training when the pilots will go to do their first walk-around and be amazed at the real plane. I remember my first DC-10 walk-around, Everything was huge and the landing gear’s legs seemed like palm trees to me but after a while the plane became the standard size and other types looked tiny in comparison. Thank you for the video. It is always great to see a professional doing his job in a professional way. Job well done sir! By the way, my uncle played for the other team and flew He111s.
I have been to Pima , Chino , Dayton OH museums and am a warbird fanatic since I was a kid awe inspiring but now after this video I am going back to study this plane and all the others with new enthusiasm . I am the proud owner of an APU off of a B29 and will have it running shortly .Not bragging just enthralled with the history . And may I say you are a fantastic narrator . What a great video and my bucket list now involves a ride in one of these warbirds. PS I am 66 gotta do it soon .
2019 will be my 8th year overall helping out with the Collings Foundation when they come to Maryland with another B-17 called Nine-O-Nine, like Aluminum Overcast it also was built too late to see service in WW II, however her paint scheme is that of the mighty 91st Bomb Group, she has now been traversing American skies since 1986, and I cannot emphasize enough how critical it is to thank the veterans of WW II for all they did to preserve freedom and to see such a magnificent and mighty aircraft before their no longer flying anymore!
My Grandfather was a B17 Captain/Pilot. While going through some of his war memorabilia I found a letter he had to handwrite to his superiors regarding the "jettison of his ball turret". Apparetly his plane was shot up and he needed to lose all the weight he could to make it home. Was wondering if this was really an option? Thanks for the great walkaround vid : )
The phrase 'The Whole 9 yards' has been around far longer than the beautiful B-17. But it was probably used in that manner during the war. Great video, thanks!
Years back my brother in law and I arranged for my dad to get a ride in this plane at Manassas, VA. He worked on B-17's in WW-2 and had a WW-2 Vet hat on. These guys treated him like he was a king. They honored him and let him sit in the nose of the plane while in flight. Dad was thrilled and this was the best thing I could ever give my Dad. He has passed away but I will never forget the respect given to my father by these guys. [Sorry tears coming down.]
Rip Sir! 🇺🇸
He was and still is king. Rip Sir!
Me too
Thank you for his Service, sir. As well as to All the Brave vets, in all branches. My Grand dad was a Merchant Mariner (ww 2) and he was "in the drink" twice. Bombed & torpedoed while making the run to Murmansk. He said the Best part were the Scottish nurses!! God Bless him, & his mates!! They did n't bitch & moan. They would just get on with it!! Survived the war, raised a Family, and had 3 grandchildren that Loved him to death. We miss you!! RIP
@@coalbranch
I cannot imagine being 18, flying in a tin can at 30,000 feet in -40 degree temps, trying to shoot at incoming aircraft, while hoping you don't get shot too. Then being in that state for 10 hours or more.
JustaKoreanGuy With the close formations I have heard my former patients tell me that there was a lot of friendly fire with the excitement of shooting at a German fighter coming through the formation. If you are swinging your gun and firing just half a second will cut the rudder off your buddies plane. They did not talk about that to the press.
Not a tin can it is aluminum can
IT'S GOOOD! You wake up. Eat. Go out. You kill some of them. They kill some of you. Come back. Eat. Sleep. Next day, same thing! IT'S GOOOOD!
Today, many 18ers won't hold 10 hours without wifi.
@@leeames9063 He means irl not in Call of Duty like you are used to.....
Thanks for this video! Lots of details I didn't know about the B-17. My Dad was a B-17 pilot, 15th AF, 99th Bomb Group "Diamondbacks" Foggia, Italy. The mission/crew list shows Bombardier/Togglier - never the knew the difference til now. Thanks also to Tuskegee Airmen for protecting the Forts, one of them with my Dad, in #46435, Regensburg, 3/13/1945.
Best walk-a-round and narration ever made for UA-cam. Thank you.
I agree 100%
I wish they would put this on Odysee and Rumble also.
Ken is a good and funny tour guide and he sure knows his stuff, stay safe and healthy, thanks.
I’m a 80 year-old Commercial Rate Pilot. This is the most comprehensive, informative B-17 general presentation I’ve seen. Well done. I really enjoyed your presentation, 1st Officer.
Ed McKnight
, ED AGREED 1000% ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW, AND IM ONLY 65, WITHH MY PRIVATE FOR 41 YEARS! NICELY SAID, EXCELLENT DESCRIPTION! I COULD NOT OF SAID IT 1/2 AS GOOD AS YOU!!! THANKS, JACK
@butchtropic Wrong. I stopped flying jets for a corporation age 70 .
Jack Connors yeah I’m 13 years old lol
@@SWC44 why you shouting for?
@@tiibob9153 probably doesn't know how to turn off caps lock.
Regarding the safety of the ball turret, I once asked my great uncle who flew the ball with the 95th out of Horham in late 1944, "didn't he feel unsafe? if the plane was hit, how was he getting out?" His reply was, "if the plane is hit bad enough I can't get out, then nobody was getting out..." it didn't phase him. He also said he thought the ball was pretty roomy...he was also 5'2", so it probably was for him.
Top of the list of my favorite airplanes.
This is probably the most visual and informative B-17 video on UA-cam!
I 100 % agree!! Super clear and to the point!
Ken and his wife make a great set of pilots for this bird.
My fav model WW2 plane next was P-51 Mustang Roll- Royce powered Flying Fortress guys would kiss her in England after return from bombing sorties in Germany bless 🙏 those few who saved so many salutations, always
koreansub please
정재훈(
My grandpa took me to see the Aluminum Overcast when I was little. I think it was the first year it was on national tour in the early 90s. He died in 2002. I just got to tour through her again in Peoria IL in 2019. Very thankful for the opportunity to re-live that memory with him. I hope it never stops touring.
I spent all of the money I had saved up for a rainy day to take my sister, niece and nephew on a flight when it came to a town nearby. I didn't think about it at the time but the kids' only over airplane flight had been an airline ride when he was six months. My nephew will always remember his trip on Aluminum Overcast as his first ever airplane ride. I'll never regret that.
I think it was mentioned there might only be 10 of these flying in the world
My dad piloted 29 missions over Nazi Occupied Germany in a B-17 (various models). He and nor any of his crew ever got a scratch, except for his tail gunner got an earlobe shot off. He also flew German Scientists and Engineers out of Neutral Switzerland against the Geneva convention (before the Russians could get them). 2 DSC's 2 Air Medals, 4 Oak Leaf Clusters. Thanks for the video.
Glenn, thanks for that great story. of your dad is still with us, please thank him for his service from me. God bless him.
He passed in '99. Thanks!
Interesting stories
Be proud on your dad!!!
I take it the scientist exfil was for Operation Paperclip?
As of 10-2-2019 a sad loss for the Collings Foundation B-17 Nine 0 Nine when on its Wings of Freedom tour the plane took off with 13 aboard 10 passengers 3 crew. as they reported trouble with the #4 engine tried to land at runway 6 at Bradley Int Airport in Windsor Locks Ct. as 7 fatalities were confirmed, 5 passengers survived, one injured in the maintainence facility from one of the engines in the building. as the Collings foundation is cooperating with the FAA, NTSB, FBI, and Homeland Security as this airframe had two prior crashes one in 1987 in Beaver County Pa and in 1995 in Nebraska.
Is it weird that I want to fly over to the US one day and just see all of your old aircraft? Seriously they are wonderful.
I have known ken and his wife Lorraine for quite some years. We all based out of C77, Poplar grove airport in N. Illinois. Lorraine flew right seat for me in my Cessna 140 one time for a formation flyover of a late aviator's funeral.tribute. It was a real learning experience as she gave me the know how for chevron flying.
Most enjoyable and informative thank you, also I take my hat off to Rosie the riveter WOW!!!
Have to say it looks like being in a tin can. Had to be pretty brave in war time to fly in one of these. Prayer for all the men that died or injured for life in these planes.
My family was on that plane. I have my "Aluminum Overcast"crew jackey that I wore yesterday in memory of the crew and passengers of "909". Very sobering to think it could have been us who died on that plane,.
I too have two flights on Aluminum Overcast Chino to Gillespie Field. Sad day for all Warbirds Families
Is this the one that crashed not too too long ago??
@@adrianj3198 No, that was 909. Very sad loss.
Wow. The pilot here, Ken Morris, is a walking dictionary, a real treasure trove of information. He lays things out so beautifully. Many thanks. My neighbor, Eddie Holland, was a tail gunner on the "G.I. JIVE" back in the day. He was a real-life hero and great neighbor to boot.
Superb talk through sir... The glory of the machine and people for sure, but a tone that conveys the horror of it all. Superb honest and realistic... I salute you ... ;-)
Thanks, Ken for the wonderful guided tour of a marvelous piece of history -- the B17. I appreciated the detail of the machine gun locations and description of the bombs. It would have been fun to see the bomb bay doors open and shut. Thanks for keeping the memory and history of a wonderful War Bird in the American fleeting mind/memory experience. Dean (former military instructor pilot in U.S. Army Aviation) of Minnesota
Love the gearhead details and commentary such as:
"Pay attention, this will be on the test."
"This is not your Prius."
"If we get ice we're missing a Happy Hour somewhere."
i liked "the a team of engineers was off when they designed this" lol 51:30
I was dying from laughter at his humor
Brings the personal touch of this fantastic presentation on such a historic piece of our army air corps.
A B-17 overfkew my house the other day. I ta was totally random. It was the best thing ever. A B-17 at 2-3000 feet. That was so cool.
Just seeing this. I can say I learned more from your walk-around than from any other video. You know the history as well as airplane detail. Thanks!
Thank you. Best video I've ever seen on the B-17. That throttle arrangement and feathering sequence would give me pause when considering if I wanted to pay for a ride in a B-17.
The most detailed walk thru of the most unmolested b17 I’ve seen
A very sacred airplane. Many American men fought hard and died in these birds. Read many stories of the battles. Thanks for the interesting walk around.
Dave Dennis ...and many an innocent people died in the carpet bombing all over Germany...as in all wars started by Bankers.
@@getredytagetredyoh fuck off.
Alistair Shaw dude ó
@@dereknewcombe5248 what
Excellent walk around talk. Makes me want to see one, built a model as a 10 year old. B17G is the only bomber I haven't seen in person.
John
Stockton Ca.
John; I hope you get the chance. I love that the EAA and other groups (I believe) are able to fly these planes from town to town and let people get up close. Myself and a friend went to see it when it visited our town and I went for a ride. I'll never forget it.
My grandfather was a physician in the US Army attached to an engineering unit, in the European theater. He went from the UK, to France, and on to Germany. After Germany surrendered, he had some time and being a doctor was sent all over the place as one can imagine. One day he was at an airfield with a B-17 unit. The pilot managed to coax him onto the plane, a real trick because he had never been on an airplane before and was terrified. It was summer and the mission was to carry a bunch of beer up to altitude to chill it (I'm not kidding). So my grandfather is up with the pilots and he is nervously watching the pilot curse as one of the engines was having trouble starting. They got it started, the mission was accomplished, and my grandfather vowed to never fly again. (edit: sp.)
WOW. what a story. This will make me more appreciate a cold beer (I'm not kidding). I hope your father was given one of those beers upon returning. Thanks for the story pdutube.
thank you sir. this was the most descriptive, and entertaining video of any plane i have ever seen. WELL DONE. god bless all those who served our great country during the war.
Fantastic, really appreciate this, my uncle flew bombers in the war, great to see what it was like inside a bomber.
First Class 👍 Video and Narration, Kudos 👍 much respect 👍
I really enjoyed your walk through - thank you, Sir.
This was awesome. Best over view of the B-17 (G) that I have ever seen. As it’s now on UA-cam I hope younger people will come by it and watch it. So the B-17 and there crews will never be forgotten =).
Wow! Outstanding walk-around tour! Thank you for making this!!!
In the film Best Years of Our Lives, they fly over row upon row of 17's, falling prey to the scrappers smelting furnace. Thousands of new engines simply discarded. Wars seem to be the way of mankind throughout all history. Only our weapons evolve. A Spartan with an axe, an airman with a fifty cal. or a missile man with a red button. Never forget war is all hell.
These planes serve as wonderful reminders.
I think they call it, maximum effort, or perhaps combat fatigue.
The odds were not good early on at twenty five missions.
Still on they flew for God and Country.
There weren't many atheists on a bomber crew under fire.
In the B/24 the skipper could change his ships center of gravity a bit by ordering crewmen about the ship.
Every one in the rearmost would make her set on her tail skid if no bombs in bay. More than one trailing antenna was lost on landing if the radio man forgot to reel it in. One hope it didn't bounce trough the C.O.'s office as it made him cranky!
Thousands upon thousands of new aircraft were scrapped after WW2. Melted down for the aluminum
I flew on the Liberty Belle in 2010 less than a year before she was lost. They are beautiful planes and a privilege to fly in. My grandfather served on one as a copilot and I’m thankful for the opportunity to experience this.
Best B-17 work around introduction video ever seen. Thank you for the great job.
One of the highlights of my life was getting to fly in this aircraft. I was sitting in the nose cone and looking out to the side we had a P-51 and a Sea Fury flying in escort formation with us!
B-17s have always been an interest of mine. My great uncle was a pilot in 401BG; 31 combat missions. Sadly he passed before I was old enough to talk to him.
Outstanding presentation...thanks for a most informative video. 👍
My uncle did all of his 4 engine time in B17s prior to going to the Pacific. He loved the 17. Last minute transition training to B24s and off they went. He flew 36 missions in 24s between Nov.44 and Aug.45. He never liked the 24 nearly as much as the 17.
My father, Staff Sgt Foy Waltrip, was a member of the US Army Air Corp in WWII, and an expert on the Norden Bombsite. He trained bambatdiers in its use and also repaired them. The Army would not station him overseas for fear he would become a POW and forced to reveal the bombsite’s secrets.
Thank you gentleman so very much for your trip to Conway, Arkansas. The flight in Aluminum Overcast was a surprise addition to my dads bucket list and was unfortunately his last war bird flight as he passed the following January. He really enjoyed the flight and I was so happy to see that boyish gleam in his eyes. And for me it was a great chance to see up close and touch "the plane" my grandpa worked on during the war in Europe. I hope to some day get to take a ride myself. Thank you EAA, Aluminum Overcast flight & ground crew, and all the donors that make it possible for these pieces of flying history to tour and bring so much joy to so many & bring opportunities to share.
One of the best walk around on video. Love the background jet noise. Adds to the atmosphere. Best wishes from Bundanoon Australia.
This was a really great video, the guy was super cool, knowledgeable and patient!
Great walk around and history/trivia lesson. Thank you.
Glad you liked it, thanks
ErikJohnston I .......I think it's AWESOME!
AMIGO SOY CUBANO SE PUEDEN TRADUSIR ESTOS REPORTAJES QUE VIEN UNA BELLEZA TREMENDO TRABAJO DE MANTENER ESTAS MAQUINAS QUE HISIERON GRANDE ALA AVIACION
A friends father was in Italy during the war and helped make oxygen for the air crews to use. Excellent video!
Amazing video, learnt more about the B-17 than all that I knew before.
I have flown on this airplane and I'm here to tell you guys and girls, it's the best money I've ever spent on anything in my life.
Awesome. Thank you for this!
I remember taking a tour of this plane in Culpepper, VA. Then I was #2 behind it taking off, surreal experience!
Thanks and Very Interesting !! I live here in Northern Germany near Emden - Wilhelmshaven - Oldenburg ,I heard alot of storys from elderly people & from older family members that survived - witnessed the horrifying - Heavy bombings in ww2 - many seen how swarms of B17 - b24 s at Day - British Lancaster s at night , Even wittnessed how a B17 crashlanded here too ! Still can see some Bombcraters here and many former Flak - 8,8 antiaircraft sites and alot of "Luftschutzbunkers" and many Luftwaffe- airbases from WW2 still operational Today. ( Jagdgeeschwader "Richthofen") Hard to imagine what all happened here almost 80 years ago .
@flip inheck You're draft and disrespectful. The B-17 was designed in the thirties and then rapidly updated during the war for the demands of the forties. Not only did it meet the challenges of that war, it exceeded most of those requirements, and survived as a valued war machine right up to the bitter end of it all, and was one of the last bombers still being built even after the Armistice. Impressive statistics for anyone. And, yes, it was definitely a "Heavy Bomber". (p.s. here is a link that contains the definition for a "Heavy Bomber" www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavy%20bomber)
@flip inheck A quote from the link that you provided: "The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a four-engined 𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑽𝒀 𝑩𝑶𝑴𝑩𝑬𝑹 (italics added) developed in the 1930s for the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC)."
Maybe you have the B-17 confused a different World War Two Bomber? (p.s. "The Second World war lasted six years and one day, starting on 1 September 1939 with Hitler's invasion of Poland and ended with the Japanese surrender on 2 September 1945."
The last B-17 was built by Boeing on 28 July 1945, eleven weeks, five days AFTER Germany officially surrendered on May 7, 1945.) Maybe you have a different example of what a World War Two "Heavy Bomber" is in mind?
@flip inheck (p.s. Here is another link to a website describing the B-17 as a, "Heavy Bomber" "B-17, also called Flying Fortress, U.S. 𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑽𝒀 𝑩𝑶𝑴𝑩𝑬𝑹 (italics added) ...." www.britannica.com/technology/B-17 I can provide you with more examples defining the B-17 as a, "Heavy Bomber" if you would like.)
@flip inheck Here is a side-by-side-comparison of the two aircraft. The B-17 either meets or exceeds in every category save two. The B-17 loses the range category by a measly 528 miles, (but It has a higher altitude, by 11,000 feet!) better armament and only gives up 4,400 lbs of max ordinance capacity, and is equal in max speed! All that for an airplane that was designed 12 years earlier than the Lancaster! Sad. www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/compare-aircraft-results.asp?form=form&aircraft1=234&aircraft2=79&Submit=COMPARE
(p.s. let us not forget that the Boeing B-29 Superfortress was also designed BEFORE WW Two, had a pressured cabin, a range of 3,250 mi. (compared to the Lancaster's 2,530 mi. range...sad) a Service ceiling of 31,850 ft (the Avro's "Service Ceiling"? a wimpy 21,400 ft.
A TEN THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY FOOT difference...) and could carry two 22,000 lb (10,000 kg) Grand Slam bombs externally. And you said that the Lancaster was what? A HEAVY Bomber? Ha!) At least the Lancaster had American made engines going for it....)
Bet it was quite a surprise for the first German fighter attacking head on when the chin turret was installed. Well F's had nose guns to
Loved watching this video. Going for a ride on this lady on this coming Saturday. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very, very interesting tour ! Thanks ! (:
My Dad flew 33 missions in that plane, Top Turret Thanks for the great Video
My Daddy enlisted in 1942. He was 28 y/o & married, no chance he would have been drafted...God & country. He was stationed in England from early 1943 till 1946. He was the top turret gunner/flight engineer. He flew 32 bombing missions & landed back to England every time. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying cross ( and the equivalent from the RAF) As the oldest crew member 'Pappy' was the good luck omen! The real tragedy is the US Army Air force taught him how to drink ( never touched a drop prior). He came home damaged & an alcoholic till he died at age 56. He would have enjoyed this video I'm sure, although he never liked speaking about those years. RIP Daddy, wish I would have gotten to know the "real" you...
Bless you
Thank you so much. Incredibly informative and this gentleman is a through and through expert.
Thank you Sir, what a great walk-a-round... B17 is one of the greats. We owe so much to those boys and their tin cans. Lest we forget.
Best walk-around video I've seen of this great plane. Ken knows that bird inside and out.
To give a LIKE is my mandatory for this professional and very interesting presentation of this famous airplane... because, in summary, it is a 50-50 weight between Plane and Crew - this is it what makes the difference to be a winner, or a looser. In WW II. there are so many good pilots and planes on both sides... lost their lives in combat - sad enough, but there are also survivors, and they can tell their story. THIS B-17 do it !!! THANK YOU Mr. Morris, and Mr. Johnston !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LIKE
amazing! being a professional transmission rebuilder and mechanic for 45 years I can say, those men that designed that thing were smart men, they were not stupid,,,,,,,
you know it
I flew in this ship in 2002 from Double Eagle airport, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Lucky enough to grab the jump seat behind the pilot where I sat riveted for the entire 20 minute flight.
I enjoyed every second of this video. Utterly fascinating. Also, 57 minutes without a cut... hats off to your camera work. It was seamless. Brilliant.
Well, there was several cuts. Fade to black...
Great class on B 17 mechanics and structure components function, and cockpit controls. I wish to be younger to qualify for aviation mechanics course. (I'm 65 way too old but I understood all the theory involved) Congratulations you are a great instructor.
Seriously, is there anything more badass than a B-17 with a pinup girl on the side? Maybe a formation of P-51's flying escort with them!
I enjoyed every second of your video. Thank you!!
I built a few scale models of this beutiiful aircraft, various versions, she seemed so advanced in her sleek lines compared to our old British bombers, I often wonder, what would be the outcome if they used B17s in the Dam Buster's Raid?
Goddamn, it would've sucked to crew this plane during wartime. Cold, loud, no seats, no armor, cramped everything, and nothing but miles of Pacific ocean to look at.
At least the tail gunner could be alone to forsake god and curse everything aloud, in peace.
Not all B17s had the top secret Norden bomb sight, which actually flew or guided the plane on the bombing run, so the chin gunner/bombardier was actually an NCO toggeleir in most cases. He would await a bombardier in a lead plane to drop his load of bombs, and on cue all the toggeleirs would "flip" switches releasing their respective loads. The Allies didn't want the Germans to be able to retrieve the Norden from a shot down or captured B17, so there were only a few planes or only one in a flight with the actual bomb sight.
What an incredible hours entertainment, so so very interesting, and what these Boys had to endure for hours of cold, i am unable to fathom. i say Boys, as they were only 18-25 ish, I couldn't do this stuff when i was 30. 40 and the rest !
Wow! Thank you! I'll be a passenger (2nd time) in a couple of hours and really appreciated your presentation!
Ah yes, this will do perfect for the upcoming civil war. Do you mind doing a more detailed video of the cockpit controls? Thanks!
That was absolutely FASCINATing!!! Thank YOU sooo much!
Great video thankyou !!
Thanks my freind, you have enlightened me further on one of my favourite aircraft of WW2, thanks.
I would love to take my Son to this plane and my Grandchildren.....Is there a schedule for 2020 and 2021??
I had two flights in this B-17 from Chino to Gillespie Field awesome experience.
I saw this plane when it came to the Boeing facility near Seattle. It was the first time I was actually see the type of planes my father served in during WW II.🥰
Should note that the brakes are electrically driven hydraulic. An electric motor drives the pump that charges the pressure accumulator and that pressure is supplied to the brakes.
Just saw this amazing aircraft in Kingman Az yesterday. Sadly I did not get to go on a flight, but the tour was still very cool. This thing really rumbles flying over your house, I can't get enough. I will be sad when it leaves haha.
A good thing the USA had already had this in it's arsnel when the war broke out . The piots and the crew in the air and those maintenance and repair crew were so brave ,I wonder sometime what they were thinking as they climbed into those planes .
Great when stumble..Come a cross video that you fascinated and over whelm ..
According to my dads log missions were flown at an altitude of 24000 feet. He also had a picture showing a short set of steps to get into the nose hatch.
Great walk around that has brought fond memories of that special day during ground training when the pilots will go to do their first walk-around and be amazed at the real plane. I remember my first DC-10 walk-around, Everything was huge and the landing gear’s legs seemed like palm trees to me but after a while the plane became the standard size and other types looked tiny in comparison. Thank you for the video. It is always great to see a professional doing his job in a professional way. Job well done sir!
By the way, my uncle played for the other team and flew He111s.
When you go inside you are only wearing a T shirt and normal trousers, imagine clumbering about in there in your full flying suit!
I have been to Pima , Chino , Dayton OH museums and am a warbird fanatic since I was a kid awe inspiring but now after this video I am going back to study this plane and all the others with new enthusiasm . I am the proud owner of an APU off of a B29 and will have it running shortly .Not bragging just enthralled with the history . And may I say you are a fantastic narrator . What a great video and my bucket list now involves a ride in one of these warbirds. PS I am 66 gotta do it soon .
Got the chance to tour the inside of this very plane in Idaho Falls back in the day, it was incredible....
The B-17 was, is my favorite plane of all time. My dad flew a 17 during WW2. He was part of the 1000 plane raid, among others.
Best tour! Amazing and Thank you!
I loved flying on her great plane my brother crewed on her for a while.john houston
I got to take a flight on this beauty back in 2019 I believe, it was so damn cool, I felt like I was going to bomb Berlin
Thank-you for a fantastic, really informative and entertaining video.
How come this B-17G does not have the "Asteroid Dome" on the top of the Nose???
Propeller feathering, how is it used and when, great information all around.
2019 will be my 8th year overall helping out with the Collings Foundation when they come to Maryland with another B-17 called Nine-O-Nine, like Aluminum Overcast it also was built too late to see service in WW II, however her paint scheme is that of the mighty 91st Bomb Group, she has now been traversing American skies since 1986, and I cannot emphasize enough how critical it is to thank the veterans of WW II for all they did to preserve freedom and to see such a magnificent and mighty aircraft before their no longer flying anymore!
Jake Kellogg, my condolences to you, I imagine you probably have met the crew members involved with the terrible crash of the 9-o-9.
This is great stuff for us model airplane builders.
Brilliant walkaround...Big fan of WW2 aircraft...Lots of info I didn't know...Big thanks from the UK!
Very cool! Glad you liked it!!
My Grandfather was a B17 Captain/Pilot. While going through some of his war memorabilia I found a letter he had to handwrite to his superiors regarding the "jettison of his ball turret". Apparetly his plane was shot up and he needed to lose all the weight he could to make it home. Was wondering if this was really an option? Thanks for the great walkaround vid : )
The phrase 'The Whole 9 yards' has been around far longer than the beautiful B-17. But it was probably used in that manner during the war. Great video, thanks!
I believe this term originates as an (American) Football reference