Author Topic: Aircraft of the 486th BG (Read 2195 times)

Serenity · « **on:** June 18, 2007, 11:53:48 PM »

Alright. Guppy was so kind as to send me several books about the 8th AF a while back, and while going through one of them I found a delightful surprise! 'The Mighty 8th' was apparently previously owned by an 8th Air Force Bomber crewmember (Not sure if he was pilot, crew, all I know is his name was Norbert A. Wessel). He made notations throughout the book, marking points especially where it mentioned his unit. After reading several of his notations, I became very interested not only in the man, but also in the group. I was hoping all of you outstanding Heavy Bomber skinners with time on your hands wouldnt mind doing me two favors. I would like a B-24 skin, as well as a B-17G skin for this group (Preferably 835BS in late 1945). I know this person crewed/flew both, and to my delight, in the book he had left an original World War Two photo of the B-24 he flew. So, ill do all the research, get any volunteers all the information they need. So far, this is all have though. Anyone up to the task?

His B-24 Liberator:

486th BG's B-17Gs

Notations on the 486th BG:

"B-24 H and J in olive and grey factory finish, and natural metal. Squadron Codes: 832BS-3R, 833BS-2S, 835BS-H8; in grey on camoflauge. A/c letter also on fuselage foreward of national insignia, both sides. Group markings: O in square. B-17G in natural metal. Squadron codes as B-24. No uniform positioning but squadron codes commonly aft of national insignia and a/c letter foreward. Group markings with blue band towards tip. From late january 1945 wing tips and complete tail section painted yellow; Three parallel bands of yellow round rear fuselage. Existing tail markings remained but at same date squadron codes abandoned and erased. In place nose bands and a/c letter on fuselage (foreward national insignia) in squadron colour; 832BS-Yellow, 833-BS-Medium Blue, 834BS-Red, 834BS-Bright Green. Yellow letters often edged black."

All information and profiles in this post from 'Mighty Eighth'. Picture of B-24 found in the book, on page 168 inserted and captioned 'Our B-24 Liberator' with 345J stamped on the back side of photo.

Guppy35 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 19, 2007, 12:17:56 AM »

More pictures and info on "Libra" here, including color of the nose art

http://www.b24bestweb.com/Pics-L-LIBRA-LIK.htm

Serenity · « **Reply #2 on:** June 19, 2007, 12:19:04 AM »

Oh, sir, I meant to ask you, do you have any idea who this 'Norbert A Wessel' was?

Guppy35 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 19, 2007, 12:19:48 AM »

Info here on Norbert Wessel

He was a bombardier on the Foy Crew

http://www.486th.org/Personnel/W.htm

Info on Foy and his crew with all the names and missions here:
http://www.486th.org/BS834/Foy.htm

Serenity · « **Reply #4 on:** June 19, 2007, 01:41:01 AM »

So, any of you skinners willing?

Serenity · « **Reply #5 on:** June 19, 2007, 10:35:33 PM »

Kermit de frog · « **Reply #6 on:** June 20, 2007, 01:36:19 AM »

nice bump

Serenity · « **Reply #7 on:** June 20, 2007, 08:38:30 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Kermit de frog

nice bump

I have one you guys will like more, but considering how close I am to a PNG, I thought it better not to risk it

For private viewing though:

http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/8/bump.gif

http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/8/BellyBump.gif

The Fugitive · « **Reply #8 on:** June 20, 2007, 09:21:24 AM »

So "being close to PNG" you decided to break the BBS rules a "bump" a thread.

your a wild one, just living on the edge !

MotleyCH · « **Reply #9 on:** June 20, 2007, 09:50:06 AM »

If you can find a photo of a B-17G with Noseart, I'll do it.

Serenity · « **Reply #10 on:** June 20, 2007, 10:33:09 AM »

Thanks motley, ill get right on it!

Any takers on the Liberator? Thats the one im really hoping for.

And fugitive, I think skuzzy will understand this bump. If not... well then im f***ed. But im hoping it can be looked past, as motley is the first to express interest in doing the skin.

rogerdee · « **Reply #11 on:** June 20, 2007, 03:20:03 PM »

ill have a go at the liberator
have u any more pictures of it?

Guppy35 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 20, 2007, 03:36:15 PM »

From the 486th BG site

http://www.486th.org/Photos/AC2/Libra2.htm

Guppy35 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 20, 2007, 03:39:07 PM »

I do believe the profile is from a different time however as the photo shows the markings as

4N with S on the tail

Serenity · « **Reply #14 on:** June 20, 2007, 10:24:49 PM »

Guppy... you are THE best guy in the world. (Followed shortly by widewing). Ill keep looking myself. Havnt found much on that particular bird, but I havnt been able to devote much time to it. (Ive been getting home VERY late and leaving for school VERY early)