Images from WWII Weekend in Reading PA

[dkff49]

Just thought I would share some of the pics that I was able to obtain during my time at there. If you ever have a chance to go to one of these shows, definitely go. It has been one of the best experiences I have ever had and so far it gets better every time I go.


B17 that we explored soon after arriving at the show






btw anyone know what the different colored stars represent and what the colors mean?

view of the cockpit



as close as we were allowed to get to bombardier's position



it does not look like it but this is a pic of the top turret position. man this was a very tight fit to get into here, i now know there was very few positions that were "roomy". even with my small build my hands were in my chest with my elbows behind me while holding onto the grips



Squaddie (Snuggie) coming through the bombbay.



My daughter manning (politically incorrect) the waist gunner. doesn't she look tough.



as close as we could get to the tail gunner position



This was an awesome plane to tour and I am very grateful to those people that allow us to do so. I have a much deeper appreciation for what those guys went through in these things than I ever did before.

Yet another awesome opportunity to see these great feats of engineering that experienced some very profound moments in history.


No Snuggie you are not cleared for take off.



My daughter showing up in yet another photo.



And myself trying not get my grubby hands on too much.





rear gunner



I could not believe the size of the Lancaster

My daughter standing next to landing gear of the Lancaster bomber



and her standing at the bombbay again WOW



another brit plane



most all of the people in the pics below are unknown to me and no i did not get their permission first.













My daughter hanging with the Germans



Here she stands with a nurse from WWII ( at mock hospital) This seemed to catch her attention more than anything else. I guess it was the fact that she could meet someone from that time and lived through it.



More shots from hospital









The best plane ever made





The B25 that I did not get any pics of the outside

Top Turret





tail



nice shot of the cockpit



bombbay



tools of the trade







I do have video footage of the air portion of the show and I will be posting it up soon

[oakranger]

Great images.  Love the one with your daughter on the side gunner (B-17) and holding the root beer.   

[maddafinga]

Yes indeed, great pics!  I really wish they'd do one of those around here.  Looks like a fantastic time!

[curry1]

IIRC the red stars mean it was the lead bomber in the entire formation and the yellow stars mean it was the lead bomber in the squadron.  And I think I saw that exact b17 at Andrews AFB in may lol.

[Nefarious]

I have sat in that German Motorbikes sidecar. Got a picture somewhere, lol.

I was there in 2004.

[crazyivan]

P40 nice love that plane too, and was that a Hellkitty you were sitting in? Man, guess you really couldn't see behind you.

[caldera]

That was a Helldiver.  Supposedly the only one that still flys.  The guy there told me to give the thumbs up and I was dumb enough to do it.
I think he said "what a tard" under his breath.

[ebfd11]

Hmmmm snuggie and tard...what 2 words go together like white and rice??? LOL j/k.. Nice pics.

[68ZooM]

Fantastic pic's, that's something you'll remember for a lifetime, your daughter looked like she was having Fun. Thanks for posting them

[Wolfala]

We were there on sunday along with the squall lines passing through. I'll find my photos and send'm up. Got a Bud Anderson photo and model signed - then flew out when the airport opened up at 530.

[dkff49]

Fantastic pic's, that's something you'll remember for a lifetime, your daughter looked like she was having Fun. Thanks for posting them

She had a great time. Of course when I told her she had to go with me since her mother was working I got the old pouty "awwwwww but it will be boring". I don't think a minute went by she wasn't smiling. She's even ready for next year already.

Thanks for the info too Curry, I would never have guessed at that.

I always go on Saturday due to the fact that my work schedule is 16 hours on Friday and 24 on Sunday. This year we were there between 9a and 9:30 and left (I think) 3:30ish.

One day I will save up enough money for one of those warbird rides. Of course I may have to pay for 2 when that happens.

[Karnak]

Thanks for sharing.

These aren't mine, but here is a link to an Ars Technica guy's photos of the event:

http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=1112630

[potsNpans]

Those are great, and waiting for more. Wish they had something like that around my part of the world.

[TonyJoey]

Nice pictures. My Dad and I both had the privelage of riding in that SBD. Got a video, but haven't been able to post it (size). Sheesh, that lanc is huge. 

[68Hawk]

Awesome Pics!  Wish I could have been there.

It's always nice to see youngsters appreciate the awesomeness of Ma Deuce!

I love the leg below the operating table.  Nice touch.