[303rd-Talk] The Aluminum Overcast

[Rose & Herb Shanker]

The designation of the B-17 Wright Cyclone was R-1820. The 1820 was the 
cubic inch displacement. (the R meant radial). Herb Shanker
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gordon Walker" <gskywalkers at citlink.net>
To: <303rd-talk at 303rdBG.com>
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 1:35 AM
Subject: [303rd-Talk] The Aluminum Overcast


Hi Everyone,

This week end I went to Sacramento, California to see the Aluminum Overcast. 
It was my first time aboard a B-17 and the first thing that struck me was 
how confining it was inside the aircraft.  We entered the plane through the 
hatch just below the cockpit.  They had the nose of the plane blocked off 
but it was just as well because it would have been difficult for a 78 year 
old guy to crawl into that area where the bombadier sat. It was also very 
narrow walking over the top of the bomb bay doors.  In any event, I came 
away with much more appreciation for those guys who manned these planes.  I 
was very interested in seeing the tail gunner position but that area was 
also blocked off but I was able to see enough to know that the tail gunner 
as well as the ball turret gunner had very very tight positions.

I came away with a couple of questions.  Many of the crew photos taken after 
missions show only 9 crew memebers and some 10 but even at 10, there were 
more guns than men so I was wondering who took on the job of manning more 
than one gun position?

Also, my son is into motorcycles and he was wondering if anyone knows the 
bore and stroke of the B-17.  I was able to find out that it was a 9 
cylinder radial with 1690 cu. inches but nothing on the bore and stroke.

This is a picture of my son and myself looking the plane over.

http://www.scottylive.com/macswar/Main/aogw.jpg

Scotty Walker
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