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Odds & Ends, Pt 2
Some of you may recall that we were donated a K-4 back in August of 2023. While this sight was the correct early variant for 1943, this unit was sadly missing its side cover. We had hoped that another cover might come our away but this never materialized. When another early variant K-4 became available, […]
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A Visit To Wings Remembered
Just returned from a long trip to Colorado, picking up parts for Consolidated LB.30 Maid of Athens (AL557). On our way back, we arranged to visit Charles Runion’s Wings Remembered Museum in Lebanon, Tennessee. Guests must call ahead to schedule a visit, but let me say now, it is WELL worth it. We had an […]
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US Powered Aircraft Gun Turrets
There were a vast multitude of powered turrets used on US military aircraft in the Second World War. Typically, these turrets were as massive and complex as a small car, yet the vast majority have been lost to history. Today’s surviving examples are largely Frankenstein amalgamations, as interest in this technology was overshadowed by that […]
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BAHF’s Boeing C-97
There are times when the vintage aviation community can seem like a whole other world. Growing up in rural South Carolina, the idea that I might one day work on historic aircraft always seemed remote. Flying is an expensive hobby and that expense can easily intimidate people. The attitudes and demeanor of some can certainly […]
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Nose Art – An Examination
One of the facets of Second World War aviation that seem to fascinate the public the most is the phenomenon of nose-art. Unlike simple unit badges and mascots, the practice of adorning military aircraft with artwork evolved into something larger during the war. While several nations flirted with the concept, none embraced it as wholeheartedly […]
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“Lucky 13 – Surviving the First Schweinfurt Raid”
This article was originally published in the Fall 2004 issue of Flight Journal and is reproduced here with permission. This account of Lucky Thirteen‘s sortie over Schweinfurt was taken from the memory of SSGT John F. Schimenek, who was 87 at the time of the interview. As such, the article has numerous errors of […]
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Odds & Ends
I know some of you get tired of updates about little things, but we at Hangar Thirteen LOVE the little details. Some of you might remember how, back in 2019, we went through so much trouble to locate the correct toilet paper holder for the Boeing B-17. Well, here we have another seemingly innocuous find […]
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Odds & Ends
Up is a collection of parts from Hans Wuethrich of Switzerland. Pulled from various wreck sites, these pieces include the pilot’s electrical panel, vacuum control, and the master switches to an early Sperry upper turret. The Boeing B-17’s electrical panel was mounted on the wall by the pilot’s left leg, holding four E-1 ammeters and […]
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Visiting the Museum of Aviation
Recently we were invited to attend the dedication of Boeing B-17G 44-83690 at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, GA. On Friday, Eric Miller of Project Warbird, along with Megan and myself, drove down to visit. Fred Bieser introduced us to the team behind the aircraft and we got to meet restoration honchos Michael […]
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25 Missions: The Story of the Memphis Belle
This booklet consisted of interviews with the crew of Memphis Belle (41-24485, 91BG), the first Boeing B-17 crew in the US Eighth Air Force to survive a combat tour of 25 missions and return to the United States. The booklet was issued to bomber crews as a means to advise them before going overseas. […]
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