[303rd-Talk] Weary old pilots

[gene mccutchan]

Several weeks ago I visited and went through a B-17.  The normal flow of traffic was up some portable steps in through the nose hatch.  However, since I am kinda gimpy now and no one else was there I was allowed to go in through the rear door.  

Never had I remembered having any trouble moving around in the 17 in my younger days.  On this one though, my pace was a snail=pace and I just barely,  barely was able to squeeze thru the bomb bay, almost got stuck.

OK.  In the cabin there is the opening between the pilots seats allowing access to the nose.  I was unable to or did not feel it wise to try and gain access to the pilots seat.  

Question.  I am trying to remember if this opening was always open or did it have a folding door?  Probably a dumb question but 65 years leaves a lot of blanks.