Last Year's Fun

Posted:
By: Jim Rudnick
On: 01/13/2004

I'm building a model of the B-17G for my uncle who was togglier on a B-17G with the 401st, 614th BS, named "Last Year's Fun". He was part of Lt. R.E. Howlin's crew and they flew that particular aircraft for at least four of their six missions. I'm trying to find any photos of that aircraft if there are any which would aid me immensely in my little project. Can anyone help?

Re: Last Year's Fun

Posted:
By: Scott McElvain
On: 01/13/2004

Last Year's Fun is a big question mark. Nothing known about it. Get me a serial number and I can tell you if there are any known sources......

Re: Last Year's Fun

Posted:
By: Donald Byers
On: 01/14/2004

According to the history page the following 6 missions were flown in aircraft nr#'s

42-97322 ***
43-38791
42-102468
42-97322 ***
42-97478 Shade Ruff II
43-38077 Tag-a-long

The possible canidate is 42-97322 as it was flown twice.

Actual info would be best if you have it.

Don Byers

Re: Last Year's Fun

Posted:
By: Scott McElvain
On: 01/14/2004

There is a negative # NASA 65518AC in the National Archives for 2102468 and a picture on page 42 in the 8th Air Force Yearbook published by Newsfoto yearbooks of San Angelo TX.

There are several of Shade Ruff II. NASA #'s A65440AC, 65451AC, 65460AC, B65705AC, and B65782AC. These shots may be jacket nose art, crew shots, or just plane shots. One of these days, I'll find out what the prefixes and suffixes mean.......

Tag-a-long/Duke's Mixture has one archive negative - NASA #65742AC, and a picture (probably nose art) in Valant's book on nose art, plus a photo in McDowell's book "Flying Fortress: The Boeing B-17" on page 42.