B-17 model type

**CMDRTED** · #1 03-23-2020, 08:54 AM

does anyone know what model b-17s were featured in the tv series 12 o' clock high. they look like B-17F models, I didn't see any chin turrets on the flight close ups.

**John Dell** · #2 03-23-2020, 09:38 AM

They are late model B-17Gs with Cheyenne tail turrets and staggered waist windows loaned from the Air Force. Many of the planes had been used as drone controllers during various atomic tests so all of the turrets would have been removed. They added top and ball turret mock-ups (and left off chin turrets) to make them resemble B-17Fs.

**CMDRTED** · #3 03-23-2020, 10:11 AM

thanks John. I was interested in what model they were supposed to be. H&I cable channel is running the series on Saturday nights, along with rat patrol and combat, all favorites of mine when growing up.

**John Dell** · #4 03-23-2020, 11:43 AM

I mis-read, I thought you were referring to the film. Only one B-17 (and the remains of another) was used in the series. The Piccadilly Lily was also an ex-drone director, serial # 44-83684 on loan to the Air Museum (now Planes of Fame) from the USAF since 1959. It was the last active manned B-17 in the USAF inventory when it was retired in 1959. This B-17 was painted with different nose art to give the impression of more than one aircraft.

I wish they would add those series to my Roku channel.