colorful bombers

[05564]

I have seen many photos of B-24 Liberators painted up in very colorful paint schemes to serve as a rally point for aircraft going on a bombing missions, some looked downright clownish. ( Polka dots, stripes , all colors imaginable). I was just wondering if they ever used B-17's for this? Then the next question would be, does anyone have any of these rare photos?

[hang the expense]

The reason you dont see any pics of B-17s painted like the 24s is because the B-17 was a Lady and they could'nt think of anything better to do with the crate that it came in.

[05564]

So how did the B-17's rally their formations when they would send 200,or 300 planes on a mission?

[Second Air Force]

Some B-17 Groups did paint war-weary Fortresses as assembly ships. I don't have access to photos of them just now, but they did exist to some extent.

Scott

[DryMartini]

I've seen a picture of a B-17E painted with broad white stripes
down the fuselage. I believe that picture was in "B17 In Action, No. 12".
But, for the most part, I have not seen many B-17 assembly ship pictures.

[Second Air Force]

It seems that the 2nd Division was much more interested in the formation ships than either the 1st or 3rd.

S