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Allied and Soviet Air Forces Please use this forum to discuss the Air Forces of the Western Allies and the Soviet Union. |
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#21
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Re: B-17 Gremlin
A few more thoughts on Gremlin.
In trying to figure out the block number for Gremlin, I discovered something interesting. I made extensive use of this site, in particular starting on this page and following just the B-17F blocks out to the linked photos. https://b17flyingfortress.de/en/datenbank/ The position of the right-side gun in the window is unusual. Most of the time the gun in the window is positioned toward the nose of the plane. Such a here: https://b17flyingfortress.de/en/b17/...-lady/42-5081/ The only photo I found with the gun on the “back” side of the window (and with the navigator’s dome and other features that Gremlin has) is this one: https://b17flyingfortress.de/en/b17/...i/media-19834/ This might suggest that the Gremlin was part of the same block, i.e. B-17F-45-BO, which consisted of serial numbers 42-5250 to 42-5349. Most of those planes never went overseas and none in the block seem to be named Gremlin. The other thing of interest in the photo of Gremlin is the position of the sun. If you look at man leaning out of the copilot’s window and try to estimate the position of the sun based on the shadow his head casts I think you will agree that it has to be a fairly high altitude. I.e., it is not at 90 degrees (directly overhead) but line from the tip of the shadow through the top of the cap on his head which is casting the shadow seem to point between 70 to 80 degrees at least. What parts of Europe, even on June 21 when the sun is the furthest north would experience a sun altitude that high? This is a site: www.suncalc.org that lets you play around with various locations and dates and see what the altitude of the sun would be throughout any particular day. If we assume a “best” case of June 21 and try to find locations that put the sun above 70 degrees, say at 75 degrees around noon, you will find that the only locations seem to be places like Southern Italy, Sicily, Greece and of course points further south. So, perhaps we are looking for a B-17 that flew in the 12th AF and went down in the summer of 43 (just after the allies had retaken North Africa). (As to the Gremlin image, I though he might be holding a 45 ;-) |
#22
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Re: B-17 Gremlin
bump
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#23
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Re: B-17 Gremlin
Looking for as much information as possible, Photos of crew any surviving family member.. Robert Fackelman is a family and my High School had the students that Served but I knew nothing about him
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#24
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Re: B-17 Gremlin
Old post, but I found another picture of what looks to be a similar Gremlin, drawn by the same artist. Note the similar pose, the identical depiction of the left hand, the parachute attachment. The photograph is from "Vintage Aircraft Nose Art" by G. Valant,1987. The aircraft type is not identified on the photograph. Maybe "The Gremlin" is a squadron motto? Or the one with the German soldiers all over it was a replacement? Any thoughts welcomed
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#25
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Re: B-17 Gremlin
Yes, here it is:
https://books.google.com/books?id=J4...lin%22&f=false Looks like the credit NASM would possible be the National Air and Space Museum. Last edited by RSwank; 4th August 2020 at 17:40. |
#26
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Re: B-17 Gremlin
Kaki-Rolland. I think that is a replica painting post-war on a B-24 panel ( note the Ford camouflage style apart from the condition); there were many done for sale or museums. Just my opinion.
Fred Hayner " Hayner the Painter" used to do them for the 479FG. You are right about the NASM. The red outline to the B-17F insignia was carried over on some aircraft well into 1944 without updating. Nick |
#27
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Re: B-17 Gremlin
Possibly, but I am certain there is a relationship between the shot down B-17 image and the other Gremlin drawing. Otherwise, why would there be so many points in common.
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#28
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Re: B-17 Gremlin
Quote:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gremlins https://pictures.abebooks.com/BURREN...8106149652.jpg |
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