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B-17 Ruthie II

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  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
B-17 Ruthie II
Posted by plasticjunkie on Friday, February 3, 2017 2:00 PM

Would you believe I met the grandson of one of the crew members of the Ruthie II B-17F that was co piloted by Red Morgan, Medal of Honor recipient? How cool is that!

His grandpa died some years back but he wants to get a B-17 model for his dad with the Ruthie II markings.

I have been checking around and can't find any  decals for this B-17F. Any leads will be appreciated.

I think the information listed on a couple of sites list the B-17 as an F model but I found a picture of her and is a G. The picture is worth 1,000 words so I will go with the G variant as I see it in the period photograph.

    

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    August 2016
  • From: Eufaula, Alabama
Posted by WannabeFarmboy on Friday, February 3, 2017 4:28 PM

I'm a sucker for good B-17 stories. I'll keep an eye out and let you know if I find anything. 

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: State of Mississippi. State motto: Virtute et armis (By valor and arms)
Posted by mississippivol on Friday, February 3, 2017 6:19 PM

I'm not 100% sure, but I thought some of the last F models had the chin turrets as well.

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Friday, February 3, 2017 6:26 PM

Humm... gots to look into that Mississipp. Thanks for the heads up.

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Friday, February 3, 2017 7:29 PM

And the prize goes to Mississipi!! You are right buddy!! Wicki says that Douglas Fs  built in the 75 block started getting the Bendix chin turret and Ruthie was a Douglas 70 Block so that is very close to the Wicki info that may be off. The picture of says chin turret. 

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: North Pole, Alaska
Posted by richs26 on Friday, February 3, 2017 8:21 PM

Actually, John C. Morgan's B-17F is a Block 70-BO Boeing-built aircraft.  It is 42-29802 from Joe Baugher's website.  It did not have a chin turret.  It is from the 92nd BG, 326th BS.  

http://92ndma.org/missions.html#1943

 

WIP:  Monogram 1/72 B-26 (Snaptite) as 73rd BS B-26, 40-1408, torpedo bomber attempt on Ryujo

Monogram 1/72 B-26 (Snaptite) as 22nd BG B-26, 7-Mile Drome, New Guinea

Minicraft 1/72 B-24D as LB-30, AL-613, "Tough Boy", 28th Composite Group

  • Member since
    August 2014
Posted by Timdude on Friday, February 3, 2017 9:05 PM
I just read the mission account. Seams the makers of "12 O'clock High" copied the story from real life. The history books are overflowing with amazing accounts of heroism and sacrifice, if only the modern Hollyweird folks would read some of it. Tim
  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: North Pole, Alaska
Posted by richs26 on Friday, February 3, 2017 9:29 PM

Yes, Sy Bartlett used that as inspiration for Lt. Jesse Bishop in "12'O Clock High".

WIP:  Monogram 1/72 B-26 (Snaptite) as 73rd BS B-26, 40-1408, torpedo bomber attempt on Ryujo

Monogram 1/72 B-26 (Snaptite) as 22nd BG B-26, 7-Mile Drome, New Guinea

Minicraft 1/72 B-24D as LB-30, AL-613, "Tough Boy", 28th Composite Group

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Friday, February 3, 2017 9:39 PM

richs26

Actually, John C. Morgan's B-17F is a Block 70-BO Boeing-built aircraft.  It is 42-29802 from Joe Baugher's website.  It did not have a chin turret.  It is from the 92nd BG, 326th BS.  

http://92ndma.org/missions.html#1943

 

 

 Go down half way and you will see Ruthie with a Bendix Turret. She is under Duffy's Tavern on the left.

If you read my previous post you will see I mention she was a Douglas Block 70 but Wiki says Doulglas  Block 75 was the staring point for the addition of the Bendix turret. So apparently Ruthie being a block 70 got one anyway as seen in the picture. Its confusing but information and stats are sometimes off.

https://sites.google.com/site/379thbgnoseart/

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: North Pole, Alaska
Posted by richs26 on Friday, February 3, 2017 9:53 PM

Here is the 92nd's roster.  It is plainly a F-70-BO with no chin turret.  They have the wrong Ruthie photo because at the time of this mission, the only B-17's having chin turrets were YB-40's.

http://92ndma.org/92nd/92ndB-17AircraftRoster.pdf

My uncle flew F-75-BO's with no chin turret.  And ferried later F's with chin turrets.

WIP:  Monogram 1/72 B-26 (Snaptite) as 73rd BS B-26, 40-1408, torpedo bomber attempt on Ryujo

Monogram 1/72 B-26 (Snaptite) as 22nd BG B-26, 7-Mile Drome, New Guinea

Minicraft 1/72 B-24D as LB-30, AL-613, "Tough Boy", 28th Composite Group

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Friday, February 3, 2017 10:02 PM

Very confusing indeed. One site has it listed as Douglas and your info as Boeing. I will then forward your findings to my friend. Thanks richs for clearing things up!

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: North Pole, Alaska
Posted by richs26 on Friday, February 3, 2017 10:10 PM

Joe Baugher has Ruthie II written off and not passed on.  To build an accurate one, you can only do it in 1/72 with the Academy or ROG.  The 1/48 RM is an early F.  You would have to kitbash a G nose.  Bill Koster is retired now so that is a no-go for his late F noses.

WIP:  Monogram 1/72 B-26 (Snaptite) as 73rd BS B-26, 40-1408, torpedo bomber attempt on Ryujo

Monogram 1/72 B-26 (Snaptite) as 22nd BG B-26, 7-Mile Drome, New Guinea

Minicraft 1/72 B-24D as LB-30, AL-613, "Tough Boy", 28th Composite Group

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Friday, February 3, 2017 10:25 PM

Richs

The ROG Fortress is very nice, I have a G in 1/72 and the details are good. Airfix was supossed to release a Fortress reported to be better than the ROG but i haven't seen it. Do you know if decals are available for Ruthie in 1/72?

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

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