Yet another mystery B-17E: "Ready....."

[Chris Brame]

A B-17 bomber purported to have been paid for with their war bonds is christened by children of Our Lady of Lourdes parochial school, located at Ashland and Leland Avenues in Chicago, in June 1944. According to the caption on this archive image, "36 such planes have been bought by Chicago public and parochial school children." — Chicago Tribune historical photo

Somebody sold 'em a used plane! Seriously, though, what are the two tubes running across the top of the nose glass frame? Are they for removing fumes from the nose gun, or external braces for the gun mount? I've never seen such a mod before. Note also the added F-style cheek gun.
Any ID on the name? "Ready....." - with a bear holding a bomb.

[varsity07840]

I've never seen a nose gun mod like that one before on an E, or an F. The tubes are definitely braceing for the mount.


Duane

[hang the expense]

Those cheek gun mounts are correct for an E model especially in a combat zone.You cant see squat pass a 50 in the small window like what is on movie Memphis belle.

[NickV]

I saw this photo and assumed it was originally named "Ready Teddy" because of the bear with the bomb, but could not come up with anything.
Nick

[hang the expense]

There is also the name Francess under the pilots sliding window.Also of note is the reinforcement plate aft of the nose framing and it looks to be 3/16 to 1/4 inch thick.I wonder if it was for testing different nose guns(Cannon)possibly?The ball socket is not for a cannon for sure.