Originally Posted by
tdracer
(I remember being shocked at how small the B-17 was in person - I'd always thought of it as a huge airplane after watching movies like "12-O'clock High".)
That was my impression also. Got to climb through "Fuddy Duddy" (before it was re-fitted with the nose turret), B-26 Invader "Late Date" which was absolutely cramped, B-25 "Briefing Time", and B-24 "All American" (now "Witchcraft"). Going through the 24 bomb bay was a challenge - had to side step all the way through between the bomb racks on what felt like a 2x4 on it's short end.
My wife and I lived on a boat for several years when I came across a live-aboard airworthy PBY for sale in Boston for $60K (that was 1981). Tried to talk her into moving - didn't work either. And after climbing through one probably would have been a bit of a squeeze but what a lifestyle that I imagined.
