Warbird Weekend at PDK - Photo Dump

"f86sabre" (f86sabre) 09/13/2015 at 19:07 • Filed to: Planelopnik

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We took the kids to WArbird Weekend at Peachtree Dekalb Airport near Atlanta. It wasn’t an airshow, but they were giving rides, and there was good access to planes. We got there early so there were few people. On hand were the B-17 Memphis Belle (movie plane and not the real deal), five P-51s, an SBD Dauntless, a Huricane, a number of T-6s, a DC-3 and most lust worthy a P-40.

Tours of the B-17 were available for an optional donation. They had three bomber torrents for kids to climb in. One was even powered and the kids were able to slew it from side to side and move the guns up and down. Pretty awesome.

The folks at PDK and the Commemerative Air Force and CAP did a great job. They had historical society folks in costume, including pin up girls, as well as a good number of veterans. There were lots of folks around the planes to explain things. It was a very welcoming environment and it was very kid friendly.

I was most impressed with the Belle. I love B-17s, my grandmother helped build them and B-29s in Seattle, and we were allowed to climb all over the aircraft. Interestingly enough, they said that the Belle has never had a full restoration. It has flown with annuals and routine maintenance since the 40s. It had a lovely patina that most Jalops should appreciate.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > f86sabre 09/13/2015 at 19:17

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B-24J nose turret?

f86sabre > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 09/13/2015 at 19:18

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I think so. It was pretty cool. First time I've ever seen one powered up.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > f86sabre 09/13/2015 at 19:19

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f86sabre > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 09/13/2015 at 19:21

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Turbosupercharger and VTEC may change the rotation of the planet.

DiExMachina > f86sabre 09/13/2015 at 19:45

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“Menphis Belle” is probably a different movie than you and I remember. You might mean Memphis Belle.

DarkCreamyBeer > f86sabre 09/13/2015 at 23:30

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Great pics. I got there with my kids just as that float plane took off. The highlight for them was the P-40 (Shark-mouth!) and sitting in the cockpit of the DC-3. The highlight for me was the Corsair and the SBD taking off. All in all a good day.

I was struck by the fact the world has changed: on Friday I was in Berlin for work, and on Sunday I saw a bunch of planes that helped defeat the Third Reich. To me, it was a little bit ironic, but also hopeful that we live in a smaller, more connected world.

f86sabre > DarkCreamyBeer 09/14/2015 at 06:23

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Really good point. We've built these bridges that make the world smaller. There are those who aren't happy with that arrangement and forget that peace is actually very lucrative to all while conflict only benefits a few.

Tim > f86sabre 09/14/2015 at 12:24

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Black Sheep Squadron. Loved that show.