[Milsurplus] Bomber Radio Pictures

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On 4/17/06, Mike Morrow <kk5f at earthlink.net> wrote:
> Ray wrote:
>
> >If the BC-375 transmitters were in working condition what would you use
> >them for?
>
> Perhaps to recreate with at least a little bit of accuracy the historical configuration of the aircraft??

Hey, c'mon now...the Collings group has a lot more stuff in their
birds than the CAF does!  (o:  I give them high marks for their
attempt, acknowledging that there is plenty of room for improvement.

I used to be involved with this group back in the 90s and they were
very agreeable to completing the set up to be 'accurate'.
Unfortunately my life took a few unexpected turns and I got a whole
lot busier, so I never got back to it (but still hope to). The main
thing at the time was getting everything cabled up so that it would
look more complete, and maybe move up from there. The yellow oxygen
bottle looks new, as does the antenna feed thru on the ceiling of the
B-17G. Don't recall either of them being there before, nor the switch
above the receiver.

I'm amazed at the wear-and-tear visible on the units in the B-24. They
looked like NOS units when I first saw them, especially the BC-375.
But then again, the plane is in its third paint job too, going from
the All American in bare aluminum to sharing one side as The Dragon's
Tail to an all-green coat. Even though they keep that area roped off
to spectators, probably a lot of jackets, boxes, bags, or other items
get shoved in there.

Does anyone recall the story some guy wrote for ER a few years back
about flying in this B-17? He spun quite a yarn about using the radio
gear in flight. It wasn't hooked up when I flew with them, and by the
looks, still isn't.

Thanks for posting the photos, Stu. I wonder if Phil Haskell is still
flying with them and if you got to meet him? Talk about a dream job,
this guy has it.

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ