[303rd-Talk] Tail Gun

[Bob Van Pelt]

The Cheyenne Tail Turrent became the standard on B-17Gs, not sure what Production Block.  There was a perforated bar by the "domed window" that was a defroster, above which was the optical gun sight. Between the gun sight and the gunner was a thick pane of bullet resistant glass which gave the Plexi a"greenish" tint. The Cheyenne turret, is named for the facility that made the first installations of this turret. The older tail guns used a ring and bead sight and had limited range of motion. I have not been able to find if the weapons were fired by hand or if they were powered like the Bendix Chin Turrent.  Any tail gunners out there?
Bob Van Pelt


--- On Wed, 7/16/08, bill runnels <billrunnels at yahoo.com> wrote:

From: bill runnels <billrunnels at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [303rd-Talk] Tail Gun
To: "303rd Bomb Group Talk Forum" <303rd-talk at 303rdBG.com>
Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2008, 6:20 PM

Hi Maurice,
 
In the G model (B-17) the navigators table was on the left side as you face the
nose.

--- On Wed, 7/16/08, Maurice Paulk <mjpmtmanenterprises at cccusa.net>
wrote:

From: Maurice Paulk <mjpmtmanenterprises at cccusa.net>
Subject: [303rd-Talk] Tail Gun
To: 303rd-talk at 303rdbga.com
Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2008, 12:06 PM

July 4, 5, & 6th "Sentimental Journey was in Grand Island NE [departed
for Kansas noon the 7th.]
I attended 5th & 6th. Took my scrap book which included  'Continental
express" photos from the nose.
[Koln Cathedral - Essen Works - bridge near Koln & Arch of Triumph] The
female Loadmaster was quite 
intrigued.

When I arrived about 1 PM They had made 5 flights [@ $425/person] with 6 to a
flight. Ask her if she 
would like to take a ride. Told her I had flown in three. First one was Black
Diamond, I think  was 
an F. Wish I had remembered to check out the other two. My wife thought that a
bit much. 

One thing has puzzled me!!! Did any of the G's have Cheyenne tail
turrets???? The only ones I 
remember is the small thick rectangle window. Surely I would have remembered
seeing the 
"picture window" of the Cheyenne!!! According to the picture in the
"magazine" the wrap-around 
"screen" would have been at least 25 inchs wide. [IF the human head
was at least 8" across.]
P.S.--The head room was less than I remember!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tried to
enter the door but my 
legs & back refused to cooperate. They were going to give me a free walk
through.

Bill Runnels----I remember the navigators table as on the right side. The
"magazine" [I think] says 
left side]

Memories are fine!! But now my memory is tricky!!

Maurice
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