Needing some more B-17 education

[Dan Johnson]

I came across this rather nondescript image of some ground crew standing next to an anonymous B-17G. But it intrigued me based on the ball turret.



I thought it interesting that the ball turret appears to have the covers in place on the sides. I don't recall seeing these on a NMF B-17G. Was there a time frame where the stopped with that addition to the ball? It seems out of place on this 17 whereas I'd expect to see it on an OD B-17F

[Second Air Force]

Yep, that is interesting. I've worked around several turrets but never looked to see if the attachments for the side covers were still on later turrets. I would guess that this particular airplane was slicked up and the endcaps were added for sport.

I'm pretty hazy on when the turret caps were deleted in production but with some digging by everyone here an answer will probably be forthcoming!

[terveurn]

Three noticeable items -- no mount for the radio .50 and huge ramp area (ZOI Training ?) and waist windows look like a Lockheed style

[varsity07840]

Three noticeable items -- no mount for the radio .50 and huge ramp area (ZOI Training ?) and waist windows look like a Lockheed style

The radio room gun was deleted on late G models.