Any idea which bit of a B-17 this is?

Can any of you knowledgable people tell me what this is? Came from a B-17 that crash landed in France.

Russ

Attached files [IMG]/community/91086=7051-b-17 bit.jpg[/img]

Looks like an interesting find. Whatever it is, the markings suggest that it is handed. Have you managed to find out which a/c it came from? I thought that perhaps going to see Sally B one Sunday would help identify the part, whilst she's hangared in Hangar 2 for the winter. Also, the IWM's B-17 is in pieces in Hangar 5 at the moment. I'm sure someone there would be able to help.

Looks like a job for PB.

creynolds;91087 wrote:

Looks like an interesting find. Whatever it is, the markings suggest that it is handed. Have you managed to find out which a/c it came from?

Tar Heel Lemon, 398th BG bird.

Any help would be very much appreciated. Cheers Chaps.

Russ

I think it's the Remote Compass access hatch from the alignment of the ribs, although it may be one of the landing flap control access doors.
Somewhere on it should be stamped or printed the part number, which I would expect to be one of the following;

14-1337-4: Door Assembly
15-10439: Installation - Remote Compass Door

All the best,
PB

Thanks PB...I'll ask the lady in France to see if she can find any stencilling. I'll let you all know.
Much appreciated.

Russ

No problem Russ,

The numbers are more likely to be stamped somewhere on this panel, and will only be about 3mm tall.
Once they are spotted they are obvious, but finding them in the first place is the tricky bit...

Cheers PB. Unfortunately looks like the French lady can't find any other stencilling

Your help is much appreciated though...thanks.

Russ

Not to worry, at least I've now been able to identify which access door it is.
Both wings had a Door Assembly 14-1337-4, fitted in the underside of each wing immediately aft of the inner engine nacelle giving access to the back of the turbocharger and some of the landing flap controls. Due to the placement of these hatches I'm struggling to find you a clear photo to illustrate...

PB

More info about the aircraft:

www.ww2talk.com/forum/war-air/39703-8th-...sh-8-jan-1945-a.html