B17 relic: Any clues?

**harry211** · 10-09-2012, 10:32 AM

Hi

Over the weekend if took a stroll across a recently ploughed field where a B17 from the 486th bombardment group crashed in April 1945. Lying on the public footpath was this section of electrical cabling and duct. It does not appear to be civilian due to the general quality and heavy duty nature of the remains. I have only given it a quick clean and the only markings I can find are 3740 46.

Can anyone confirm whether this is indeed from a B-17 and whether the coding helps narrow down it's function?

many thanks

.

**big ned** · 10-09-2012, 12:11 PM

Hi Harry,

It looks like part of the wiring harness for one of the four Wright Cyclone series engines that were fitted to the Fortress and continually upgraded throughout the war.

Regards, Ned.

**harry211** · 10-09-2012, 02:45 PM

by big ned

Hi Harry,

It looks like part of the wiring harness for one of the four Wright Cyclone series engines that were fitted to the Fortress and continually upgraded throughout the war.

Regards, Ned.

Nice one Ned Thanks. That certainly looks like the one, though significantly bashed around.

**harryamb2** · 10-09-2012, 02:53 PM

at guess I think it could be part of the ignition leads.

**NickW** · 10-12-2012, 08:37 PM

Definitely shielded ignition harness from an engine.

**harry211** · 10-29-2012, 03:51 PM

Thanks to all for the id

**chriscollins** · 11-28-2012, 11:07 PM

might be worth a little more investigating on that site, and land owner permitting apply for a licence to recover any remains,
certainly looks like it went in hard, at a pure guess I bet there is a lot more of it in the ground ..

maybe worth a scan with a magnetometer