Link ejector chute from B-17 base

[gremlin]

Pictured below is a link ejector chute found last weekend on the dump site of a former B-17 base in Suffolk ... and I was hoping that somebody (e.g. Paul Bellamy) could provide a bit more information ....

In particular, I was wondering whether anybody has some pictures of link ejector chutes in situ actually attached to a .50 cal? Also, what is the significance of the stenciling "NEW TYPE" .... And, finally, is it possible to associate a particular type of chute with a particular gun position ... ?

Any help, from anybody, would be gratefully received.

Best,
Gremlin

[Bird Dog]

Looks like a Ball Turret flavoured one to me........

[Paul B]

Concur.

Ball turret link ejection chute, probably Emerson production from the green paint (Briggs-made ball turrets had grey-painted interior parts).
The NEW TYPE stencilling is also indicative of Emerson manufacture, although it's unclear what exactly was new about them when compared to the identical earlier chutes.

All the best,
PB

[gremlin]

Thanks Bird Dog / Paul B,

Always nice to have the experts confirm the identity / origin of a find ...

Best wishes,
Gremlin

[Paul B]

The chutes can be seen in position in the following photo:
http://browningmgs.com/AirGunnery/Tu...llaryUnits.jpg

All the best,
PB

[gremlin]

Thanks Paul,

I wasn't entirely sure exactly where these chutes were located .... now I know.

I've got another link chute that turned up at Little Walden last year ... I'll post a picture over the weekend and see what you make of that one!

Thanks again,
Gremlin

[Bird Dog]

Pfhuff.......did you say 'experts'.....? I just choked on on my roasted Swan & Marmite sandwich!

[Steve T]

Gremlin - Super find. Makes me want to get out there digging straight away !

Bird Dog - Now that's just ridiculous. You KNOW roasted Swan doesn't go with Marmite. Try it with peanut butter.......much better.

Steve T

[Bird Dog]

Golden Eagle & Peanut Butter is a delicacy in this region...

[Steve T]

My apologies. I was getting my birds of prey mixed up with my water fowl. You are, of course, correct.