Unusual B-17 Variant spotted

[Mikey-1980]

Morning all!

 

Whilst up at Hack Green, the not so secret Nuclear Bunker, just west of Natwich in Chesire for the "celebration" of my 38th year of being ejected into this world, I spotted this unusual variant of an RAF B-17. I'm guessing it was adapted for the Royal Oberserver Corps during the late 1940's early 50's.

 

Maybe an idea for someone to adapt a B-17G?

 

DSC_1839

 

DSC_1840

 

DSC_1841

 

DSC_1842

 

DSC_1845

 

I hope I managed to get some decent shots?

 

There was also a fantastically HUGE model of a Shackleton when you enter the bunker too.

 

DSC_1847

 

DSC_1848

 

Also, on gaurd duty, a nice little Jet Provest.

 

DSC_1850

 

 

 

Edited November 15, 2018 by Mikey-1980

[Corsairfoxfouruncle]

B-17 looks lije the type used by the U.S.Coast Guard and other services. Its the SB-17G Air sea rescue version. 

 

 

[Mikey-1980]

That certainly does look very similar to the RAF model I saw.

 

I wasn't aware that the B-17 was used in this format for the RAF and the observer corps?

 

Would make a great subject for anyone looking to build a slightly unusual B-17 variant?

 

[72modeler]

What Dennis said- it sure looks like an SAR SB-17G, but the air-droppable lifeboat appears to be a British version, as the hull is not nearly as long and is more blunt at the stern  than the one in the photo CFFU posted. The serial appears to be BU219, which is weird, as my searching for RAF B-17G (Fortress III) serials came up with 85 that were accepted by the RAF. the 1st 30 came from Boeing and the remainder came from Lockheed-Vega. The RAF serials were all in the HB- KH- KJ- and Kl- blocks, so not sure what's up with that serial on the model. Interesting!

Mike

[tomprobert]

I suspect the model is a ‘what if’.  It certainly resembles a SB-17G, but I’ve never seen one in RAF service. As far as my research over the years suggests, any Forts remaining with the RAF at the cessation of hostilities either were scrapped or returned to the US as part of the lend-lease programme and all were gone by late 1946. 

 

Tom

[Geoff Arnold]

 Hi all 

For anyone that wants to build this SB17G it is available in 72nd scale by  Academy. 

[72modeler]

1 hour ago, Geoff Arnold said:

 Hi all 

For anyone that wants to build this SB17G it is available in 72nd scale by  Academy. 

Yep- I meant to post that; kit 2165 Thanks for reminding me, Geoff.

Mike

[Mikey-1980]

Fantastic research and knowledge by all again. I knew that someone who know what this was

 

Incidentally, there is a kit being sold on FleeBay right now

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Academy-Boeing-SB-17-AIR-RESCUE-SERVICE-1-72-Sealed-Bags/264013300704?hash=item3d786b43e0:g:OrwAAOSws0pb124o 

[Paul J]

The BU219,( not an RAF seial!!) is most likely an adaption of the USAF buzz number system B indicating Bomber type the U for utility and the last three of the US serial number. Normally shown on aircraft as BU-219 for example

[72modeler]

5 hours ago, Paul J said:

The BU219,( not an RAF seial!!) is most likely an adaption of the USAF buzz number system B indicating Bomber type the U for utility and the last three of the US serial number. Normally shown on aircraft as BU-219 for example

Hadn't thought of that one, Paul, but looking at a list I have of USAAF/USAF buzz numbers, BU was not allocated, but  BA for the B-17 was. I have attached a link to the list of buzz numbers that some of you might find useful for modeling projects.

Mike

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzz_number

[Dave Fleming]

17 hours ago, tomprobert said:

I suspect the model is a ‘what if’.  It certainly resembles a SB-17G, but I’ve never seen one in RAF service. As far as my research over the years suggests, any Forts remaining with the RAF at the cessation of hostilities either were scrapped or returned to the US as part of the lend-lease programme and all were gone by late 1946. 

 

Tom

 

One was at Farnborough until about 1950 IIRC, but it was silver overall

[Troffa]

Interesting shots!  I'm familiar with the Anstruther "Secret Bunker", the Scottish example of these cold war museum- but they don't have a Nuke!

 

Looks like a WE177 free fall weapon under that Shackleton- I must add this location to the list of spots the wife and I "Happen across" on one of our trips out.  🙂

 

[Retired Bob]

2 hours ago, Troffa said:

Interesting shots!  I'm familiar with the Anstruther "Secret Bunker", the Scottish example of these cold war museum- but they don't have a Nuke!

 

Looks like a WE177 free fall weapon under that Shackleton- I must add this location to the list of spots the wife and I "Happen across" on one of our trips out.  🙂

 

Yes, that is a WE 177A fitted with mace lugs for fitting to a Tornado, ahh the memories.🤐

[Mikey-1980]

As always, thoroughly amazxed by everyones knowldge and resources of information.

 

If you get a chance to visit Hack Green, it is worth it. £9 entry, andI believe if you retain your ticket it's free entry for the rest of the year.

 

anyone who remembers the smells from the N.A.F.F.I will certainly be reminded again of the smells, and the mess furniture too.

 

https://hackgreen.co.uk/