I was fortunate enough to tour these two magnificently restored original
WW II U.S Air Force strategic bombers (a B-17 and a B-24) on May 13, 2000
at Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, California. These beautiful glimpses into
history have been lovingly restored by The Collings Foundation. Both of these
great "old birds" contributed mightily to the allied war effort on both the European
and Pacific fronts. You can thank the men who risked their lives in these
planes by never taking for granted the freedom that they earned for you.
The colorful identifying nose art of "Nine-O-Nine." Notice the defensive
gun turrets above the cockpit and below the nose.
A side view of this large bomber. Notice how small the people appear next to it.
Here I am next to a "waist"-mounted 50 caliber machine gun.
These guns were used to protect the bomber from enemy fighters.
Looking up at the tail mounted twin 50 caliber machine guns.
These guns made it very tough on enemy fighters attempting to
attack "up the tail."
Please Click On "Next" Button To See The B-24
