8th AF Airfield Dump Dig - The Sequel.

[Paul B]

Just found the link here:

Warbird Information Exchange • View topic - Former 8th AF bases dump site digs...

That's a lot of stainless steel!

That's the thread on last year's dig.

This year's visit will be documented at :
Aces, Contrails & Unsung Heroes: 8th AF Airfield Dump Dig - The Sequel

All the best,
PB

[ian_]

Thanks for the correction. That B17 wheel is quite, quite beautiful!

[Paul B]

That cowl must be from an early B17. What else (approximately) did you find? Sounds a fantastic effort, you must be the first diggers ever to buy soil to refill a hole. It usually needs to be hidden!

Apologies Ian, I missed this post.

The cowling panel is from a Boeing-built B-17G, at the moment I've narrowed it down to one of four possibles.
If the unclear digit in the serial number on the back is what it looks like, then it's originally from quite an infamous aircraft in particular.

A brief list of some of the pieces that passed by while I was on the edge of the hole...

1 complete B-17 outboard supercharger assembly including exhaust pipe and support structure
1 B-24 supercharger assembly
1 P-47 supercharger assembly
25+ large aircraft oxygen cylinders
5+ smaller aircraft oxygen cylinders
50+ assorted B-17 and B-24 exhaust manifold sections
P-38 exhaust sections
P-51 exhaust stubs and cowling sections
5+ B-17G top turret canopy frames
20+ B-17 engine cowling panels, most of which will be traceable
Multiple B-17 and B-24 exhaust heat exchangers and support framework
multiple B-17 cowl flap assemblies
multiple B-17 exhaust recess panels
Multiple B-17 cockpit sliding windows, all delaminated and shattered
B-17 swivel chairs, complete with lap belts
3 B-24 seats, one with support frame
2 flightline toolboxes
B-17 control wheels
P-38 control wheel (partial)
B-24 control wheels
assorted engine mounts, tools, gaskets, tyres, fire extinguishers, gun mounts, B-17 fixed cowl panels etc. etc. etc.

All the best,
PB

[ian_]

Impressive list, Paul. You'll be a long time with a pressure washer. Was it the pistol grip type P38 wheel? A particular favourite of mine!

[Bird Dog]

Hi Ian, yes it was the B-6 pistol grip type we found, I did not photograph it but BC did all the photography for the finds & I am awaiting his emails with the relevant pictures.

[Bird Dog]

Here's one of many control wheels which emerged from the hole. This is the Pilots side with the 8th AF modification added which is an autopilot disengate button, or at least the wiring for it.

[Bird Dog]

Nigel holding a B-24 cockpit sunvisor

[Bird Dog]

A small selection of parts picked up Friday night just under the turf, two 50 cal shells that had been fashioned into a salt & pepper shakers.

[Bird Dog]

The beginings of a large hole....

[Bird Dog]

One bank of Packard Merlin stubs, the shroud still has white overspray on it.