Some nice US 8th Airforce finds 30/1/11

[381st digger]

The other multi holed part looks like a wing spar attachment point, often there was a wooden core to it which looks like it may have decomposed.

The only thing is its very heavy.

[Paul B]

Well i must say it looks the same but we only had B17s. Did the B17 have bomb bay lights?

Yes, the same A-5 Cabin Light.
However, the holes around the rim on your example don't seem to match the usual A-5 layout.

[381st digger]

The other multi holed part looks like a wing spar attachment point, often there was a wooden core to it which looks like it may have decomposed.

Iv been trying to find some photos of wing spars on the web but im not having much luck i dont suppose you have any picturs of this part doing its job?
381st

[381st digger]

Hello all iv been back at it can anyone id these bits for me?
The first bit coule be from a number of aircraft but is most likely to be from a B17 or B24. It is large 37" x 15" and as you can see it has a steel rod running down one side but looks like it had one down the other side at one time. It was in a hedge so it may just be abit of farm junk but it has a good clear part number. If it turnes out to be from a B24 it will be my first piece from a libertor

Next up is what looks to be an inspection hatch?? It is 24" long and 14" wide. It was found on a former B17 Base on good Friday it is allso quite a large piece and shaped like a teardrop. Any help on where it came from on the aircraft would be great iv looked at pics of b17s and cant find it anywhere.

Thankyou for any help Andy

[Paul B]

The teardrop-shaped hatch could be one of the four underwing fuel pump covers/access hatches off a B-17.
There will be a part number on it somewhere to confirm.

All the best,
PB

[381st digger]

Paul iv just found it (with the help of some wire wool)
Andy.

[Paul B]

Yup, that's one of the two outboard booster pump and fuel drain covers. See upper right in THIS photo.
Boeing inspector's stamp too, nice find.

PB

[381st digger]

Nice one Paul thanks for that. Im really pleased with that!! Im going to try and give it its shape back over the next couple of days.
Any idears on the other part or is it scrap?

[Paul B]

Sorry Andy, I can't quite put my finger on the other item.

Yet...

[Whitehunter]

Good to see your back on the dig mate keep up the good work

John