B-17F 42-29782 as Great White Bird

[Chris Brame]

I was at a library yesterday looking at B-17 Flying Fortress: The Symbol Of Second World War Air Power, and spotted this shot of 42-29782 dismantled at Stuttgart, AR. I made a quick copy:

My question: Was this plane another of the early trainers that had its paint stripped later in its career (after the accident at Moses Lake), or did that happen when it went on display in Stuttgart?

[aerovin2]

My guess, and guess only, is that it was done prior to being declared surplus. It's a big airplane to strip paint from and the national insignia appears to remain.

[Second Air Force]

I'm pretty positive I have a photo of the airplane on display in Stuttgart looking exactly as it does here. I think (not positive, but pretty sure) the photo you've posted was after Biegert acquired her. How she looked when the city got her from Walnut Ridge I'm not sure. The "Great White Bird" name was put on at Stuttgart if memory serves me. If I ever find the publication that has the info in it I'll post it here.

[Chris Brame]

Is it this photo (from the Aero Vintage RFC/WAA page)?

[Second Air Force]

Yes, that's the picture. You've saved me many hours of searching, Chris!!!

[terveurn]

Is it this photo (from the Aero Vintage RFC/WAA page)?

Notice the outboards are not attached