B-17G Chin Turret Lines

[bse7entn]

Greetings,

I'm working on a 3D model for a B-17G chin turret but I'm having trouble locating where some cables run.
I have some electrical schematics but they don't exactly tell you where the lines run in the aircraft.
Any help would be appreciated.

Here's what I'm looking for:
A - 24v to Sight rheostat
B - Azimuth drive cable
C- Azimuth motor
D - Upper Relay Box

 

[fubar57]

Can't help with your request but I like your work

 

[bse7entn]

Thanks! I've been working on this for a bit. Making it as accurate as possible.

 

[Greyman]

Most of what I have leaves those details out. Best I can do:

 

[Greyman]

 

[bse7entn]

Thanks. I'll keep digging.

 

[fubar57]

1944 AAF B-17G FLYING FORTRESS ERECTION MAINTENANCE MANUAL FLIGHT HANDBOOK-CD | eBay
1943 BENDIX POWERED CHIN TURRET OPERATION-SERVICE FLIGHT MANUAL HANDBOOK-B-17-CD | eBay

 

[fubar57]

​

 

[bse7entn]

Thanks! I have access to that first ebay link on AirCorps Library, and I bought the second from that same seller already.

 

[Drphloxx]

Have you considered asking a flying museum that has an B17G for help?

 

[bse7entn]

The problem I've been finding with B-17 warbirds, and this is probably typical across aircrafts, is the equipment is incomplete/inaccurate.
For example, I went up in Nine-O-Nine early this year and there's nothing connected to the chin turret gun sight or the bracket.



I've been working on this slowly for two years now so I'm not in a hurry.

 

[CBBEhr]

Greetings,

I'm working on a 3D model for a B-17G chin turret but I'm having trouble locating where some cables run.
I have some electrical schematics but they don't exactly tell you where the lines run in the aircraft.
Any help would be appreciated.

Here's what I'm looking for:
A - 24v to Sight rheostat
B - Azimuth drive cable
C- Azimuth motor
D - Upper Relay Box
View attachment 519363

A - 24v to Sight rheostat to connector on bomb-sight
B - Azimuth drive cable to connector on bomb-sight
C- Azimuth motor to connector on bomb-sight
D - Upper Relay Box to bomb sight and 24-V-DC power from airplane

 

[whstlngdeath]

I can't offer much more, except a overall view of the bombarier's station, and a Boeing installation drawing of the equipment. Notice that in the drawing, the cable with the black arrow is the azimuth drive cable, but it seems to be connected to the body of the sight itself. Doesn't make sense to me. The cable with the red arrow I'm assuming is the 24v rheostat power supply. It doesn't show where it originates from. This is a tough one.

 

[CANicoll]

I have the Pilots Manual for the Flying Fortress from 1943 if you are interested. Lots of interesting diagrams in that if you don't have it. Also the Osprey Aviation Production Line to Frontline #2 on the Fortress also has good period pictures that might be of help. Let me know if you want to borrow the books.

Chris

 

[bse7entn]

A - 24v to Sight rheostat to connector on bomb-sight
B - Azimuth drive cable to connector on bomb-sight
C- Azimuth motor to connector on bomb-sight
D - Upper Relay Box to bomb sight and 24-V-DC power from airplane

This is interesting. My current understanding is that not all B-17s had a bomb sight installed. Where the lead plane in each squadron had one, and the rest of the squadron just followed their lead and looked for the payload to be released. This would mean these connectors would go elsewhere.

I can't offer much more, except a overall view of the bombarier's station, and a Boeing installation drawing of the equipment. Notice that in the drawing, the cable with the black arrow is the azimuth drive cable, but it seems to be connected to the body of the sight itself. Doesn't make sense to me. The cable with the red arrow I'm assuming is the 24v rheostat power supply. It doesn't show where it originates from. This is a tough one.

Yeah it is. Thanks for giving it a go.

I have the Pilots Manual for the Flying Fortress from 1943 if you are interested. Lots of interesting diagrams in that if you don't have it. Also the Osprey Aviation Production Line to Frontline #2 on the Fortress also has good period pictures that might be of help. Let me know if you want to borrow the books.

Thank you. I do have a pilots manual for the B-17. I have an account on Air Corps Library as well, and some other manuals I've been collecting. This info I just haven't come across yet and if I couldn't see it in my model I wouldn't even consider adding it.