Author Topic: How to start a B-17  (Read 2618 times)

Offline jabberwoki

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How to start a B-17
« on: January 21, 2020, 11:35:57 PM »
Is the need enough? Or does the want suffice?

Offline Uncle Buck

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Re: How to start a B-17
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2020, 11:10:50 PM »
Fantastic jab! I really enjoyed that, thank you for sharing that!  8)
You boys better hold on cause I'm gonna have to stand on it!

Offline DeadNutz

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Re: How to start a B-17
« Reply #2 on: January 24, 2020, 09:07:32 AM »
Good video but they left out the fact you really need three hands and be part magician to get them started. The biggest problem with radial engines is oil collecting in the lowest cylinders while sitting. You have to pull the props through by hand to clear the oil or you risk a hydraulic lock which can bend a rod and damage a cylinder. The starter clutch may prevent damage from a lock but safer to pull the props through. You may also see some pilots count the number of prop blades passing when starting the engine generally 10 blades before firing the engines.

Offline pep

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Re: How to start a B-17
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2020, 06:04:48 PM »
Found this in a stack of photos though it interesting... 1967 Westpac,  USS John F. Kennedy. Forward of the green house, elevator 1 seen  2 RA5Cs. My squadron, and the type of bird flying, (escorting) this Bear, took the picture.

Plains on the bow, says recovery opps happening. A Phantom F-4 hooks the wire on the stern, snagging wire 1. Across the deck 2, A-3 tankers sit, they had Green Stamps logos on the lower rear fuselage, remember those?

Every American house hold had free toasters and coffee pots, redeemed with the filled books of stamps, bonus for buying xyz gas.

Front of the super structure, a C-2, sits, we loved the cod, true air mail.  Up from a mix of A-3s, man eaters and F-4s

This Bear was most likely filming and watching these crazy Americans. Catching a wire on this little rectangle floating on the ocean. Russia did not have carriers at this time.

The most hair raising blood pumping ride other then a fast car sporting side pipes. Getting shot off the flight deck, and hooking the wire upon return.

Cheers,
Pep






« Last Edit: March 31, 2020, 06:56:11 PM by pep »
1776 ................... what happened!

Offline DeadNutz

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Re: How to start a B-17
« Reply #4 on: March 31, 2020, 08:17:37 PM »
All the aircraft on the carrier are long retired now while the Russian Bear still keeps an eye on us.
One of the members of our EAA chapter earned his Navy call sign one day when he made an extremely high speed pass right in front of a Bear with his F-4 Phantom. The Bear lost control and rolled over and headed for the Pacific Ocean below. Luckily they recovered and by the time he trapped back on the carrier he was immediately called to report to the Admiral. The Russians had already complained to the Pentagon who immediately messaged the Admiral.
Bonus points if you guess the call sign he earned with that maneuver.

Offline jabberwoki

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Re: How to start a B-17
« Reply #5 on: April 02, 2020, 08:11:35 PM »
Buzzby?
Is the need enough? Or does the want suffice?

Offline DeadNutz

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Re: How to start a B-17
« Reply #6 on: April 02, 2020, 08:29:03 PM »
Buzzby?

Nice guess but it is Thumper.

Offline slip knot

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Re: How to start a B-17
« Reply #7 on: April 02, 2020, 09:09:04 PM »
Several years ago the Wings of Freedom tour came thru town. The wife and I had tickets to ride in the B-17 but it was grounded with brake problems. After touring the plane I had a much greater respect for the guys that spent 12-15 hours cramped up in one on a bombing mission. Those guys were true heroes. :bravo_2:

I believe that was the same B-17 that recently crashed. Sadly there probably wont be anymore chances to ride in one.

Offline oldnslo

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Re: How to start a B-17
« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2020, 09:23:47 PM »
I had a girlfriend back in college that was that complicated to get started. Once things DID get started....whoooooooaaaa nellie!

Offline DeadNutz

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Re: How to start a B-17
« Reply #9 on: April 02, 2020, 10:12:13 PM »
Several years ago the Wings of Freedom tour came thru town. The wife and I had tickets to ride in the B-17 but it was grounded with brake problems. After touring the plane I had a much greater respect for the guys that spent 12-15 hours cramped up in one on a bombing mission. Those guys were true heroes. :bravo_2:

I believe that was the same B-17 that recently crashed. Sadly there probably wont be anymore chances to ride in one.

That was the B-17 that crashed and a very good friend was the pilot. We flew together a lot in the 90's and he checked me out in his 450 Stearman. The tour is not permitted to do rides right now and I hope they get their exemption back. We will have to see if any operators start ride or Living History Flights later this year.