B-17 Flying Fortress - Take Two

While I was waiting for the second flight in this B-17 Flying Fortress, I watched as they started the engines for the first flight. As you might imagine, seeing this cloud of smoke as they started the engines made me a bit nervous, you know, as to the operating condition of the aircraft. I mean, if I owned a car that blew this smoke when it started, (and I HAVE) I would most likely sell it off quick. (Which I DID, for $300) I consoled myself by saying, "That's probably what they ALWAYS do when you start them." I'm sure emission standards weren't what they are today back in 1935. -BN

P.S. I know this is TWO photos of the day but in looking back through May, I missed a day in there somewhere.