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The B-24 "All American" and B-17 "Nine-O-Nine" visited Spokane, Washington about a week ago. I was lucky enough to be able to go take a look at them while I was waiting for a flight out and take a few pictures that I have placed in a gallery below. The aircraft are two of my all time favorites. The history of the B-17 and the B-24 are chronicled in many different media. And, thanks to the efforts of the Collings Foundation and several other museums and restoration specialists, there are several examples of the B-17 flying today, and at least two examples of the B-24, for people to get a first hand view of the aircraft that many of our fathers, uncles, brothers, husbands, and grandfathers fought in over Europe during World War II. Please visit the Collings Foundation Homepage by clicking on this link--->>Collings, and visit them when they come to your town. I borrowed their description as seen below: "The Collings Foundation is a Non-Profit Educational Foundation (501-C3) which was founded in 1979. Its purpose is to organize and support "living history" events so that Americans can learn more about their heritage by participating in that heritage. Originally, the focus was on transportation related events such as antique car rallies, hill climbs, carriage and sleigh rides and winter ice cutting festival. During the mid-eighties these activities were broadened to include aviation related events such as air shows, barnstorming, historical reunions and joint museum displays. During 1995-1999 the Veterans Tribute B-17 and B-24 Aircraft Tour traveled to over 140 locations each year, and it is estimated that over 4 million spectators viewed these aircraft and almost 200,000 visitors toured through the planes anually. In addition to the B-17 "909" and the B-24 "The Dragon and His Tail" the Foundation has a number of other aircraft, including the A-26 "My Mary Lou", a B-25 "Hoosier Honey", PV-2, PT-17, T-33, TBM-3, 1911 Bleriot, 1911 Vin Fiz and is in the process of restoring an F4U-5 Corsair and an A-36/P-51A. The Foundation also operates a newly restored F-4D Phantom II which is now touring the country. The Collings Foundation is essentially an all-volunteer effort supported by 4,000+ members plus the donations of visitors who tour the aircraft and proceeds from the PX operation." Please enjoy this gallery, and if you would like a larger view, you can double-click on the picture and it will magically appear in a larger size. |
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