This is in reply to previous messages concerning the thickness of the aluminum plating used on B-24s. The attached diagram shows where different gauges of sheeting were used. These specs would NOT be allowed to vary by manufacturer.

Al Blue

As has been my past practice,  I am attaching this post from another Thread for continuity purposes.  Best Regards!  Steven  


B-24 Liberators Over YAM - 09/06/2008 10:27:20 AM On Sunday, 10AU08, under heavy and ominous skies, those attending the 2008 TOM were treated to a sight not seen in many, many decades over the Willow Run Plant and tarmac: B-24's flying in tandem. Thanks to the Colling's Foundation B-24J, the Witchcraft (named after a FO WR built B-24H), and the CAF's B-24A, Ol 927, the visitors at TOM were given a "snapshot" of history.  In two of the attached pics, the B-24J is to the right and the B-24A to the left.  The 3rd undated, archived pic shows B-24's queued up on the tarmac during the FO WR "hey days."  Hopefully, I'll have more/better pics later!  Best Regards!  Steven




Attached Image(s)

With the housing market in such a slump in these troubled times, I reflected back on those early days at FO WR when, as the increasing work force required "living accomodations," housing projects such as "West Willow" began to spring up.  Sanitation, along with basic accomodations were lacking to say the least, but Henry Ford's pay couldn't be beat for the "unskilled" work force.

As the winds of war blow across the Pacific, Europe, North Africa and the CBI, a late summer storm flashes above the FO WR Plant.  The plant was already a beehive of activity even though the facility was continuing to struggle.  This pic is from a collection of Life west coast Liberator production series.

arrow1

Steven and Gang :
I wonder if you guys can help me out to obtain B-24D  production line flight departure photos ( while airborne)  in  similar to the B & W  photo of the B-24J overflying Detroit.  Also some clear assy. lines photos  1941- 1942  of the B-24D's  used on HALPRO and TW.  Sofar I havent seen even one of the HALPRO and Ploesti TW at Consolidated assy.lines.
Alex  TW Historian

Alex,  If you are looking for FO WR B-24E  pics similar to the Detroit Overfly pictured in this Thread, I do not have a similar good one.  Also, since there were no "E's" from FO WR in the Halpro or TW Missions, there will not be any Assembly Line pics. Beyond that, I'm not sure of what assistance I can be on this one.  Let me know!

Tony Morales has the accident listed in his Volume 1 of Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States 1941-1945.

Jim :-)

Airgokky

 What I am really looking for is info about sabotage at Willow Run and any arrests that were made.

Dave,  I do not have currently, at hand any exact information you are requesting.  However, when I get into the "archives" at the Henry Ford Museum, I'll have this added to my list.  The articles and documents that I possess are minimal at best.  Will continue to look!

My Dad Graduated from Wayne High School 1944. He joined the AAF in January !944. Before graduation and after Basic he went to  Michigan Tech for flight crew training ( navigation I think). He was home on leave and went Willow Run for the roll out of the 6000th B24. I have his souvenier cards from that day.

My Mom's Bother was a chief petty officer on the USS Hornet from its shakedown criuse--The Doolittle Raid--the Battle of Midway--Guadalcanal--And the Battle of Santa Cruise where it was sunk. And then to other carriers for the rest of the war. My Mom had Five brothers that were all in the service then. All of them saw battle and survived to be old men. Two are still with us. I grew up knowing I lived among HEROES!


Regards

Dave Meek

Airgokky

My Dad Graduated from Wayne High School 1944. He joined the AAF in January !944. Before graduation and after Basic he went to  Michigan Tech for flight crew training ( navigation I think). He was home on leave and went Willow Run for the roll out of the 6000th B-24. I have his souvenier cards from that day.
Regards
Dave Meek

 
Dave,  Thanks for the post and will continue to search.  There were two later incidences at FO WR, one involving a collision on the tarmac and another while moving (relocating) an A/C that had been disabled.  Neither of these involved early production models.  Also, I believe there is a "Thread" on this Site in which that post card is pictured. I've also attached a few pics of FO WR #6000. 

Dave,  I shall definitely revisit "anything" involving "alleged sabotage" at FO WR.  However, until I get  into  the "Archives" at the Henry Ford Museum after the holidays for more info, I have gone through my documentation and references again without much success.  I've "heard stories" about incidencies which may have occurred, but again, having worked in a factory for almost 32 years, "urban legends" abound and often are non-existent.  (As an example, I just did an historical section for an article by the current Manager at GM WR in the Ann Arbor News for Sunday, 07DE08.  I've attached the link.)  Merry Christmas Night!
 
http://www.mlive.com/annarbornews/business/index.ssf/2008/12/future_of_historic_willow_run.html