SOUTH MICHIGAN - Willow Run Airport, Detroit

[TommyUSA]

Willow Run was an enormous Ford automobile factory that was converted to produce B-17s and B-24s during the Second World War. Today the building that was used to build the B-24s has been converted to an enormous hangar that houses, among other things, the Yankee Air Museum. I paid a visit there yesterday...

Here is Willow Run when they were churning out B-24s:


Here it is today from about halfway down the buidling:


Here are a couple of the Y.A.M. aircraft. The Yankee Lady (B-17):


The Yankee Warrior (B-25). There is a 707 trainer/simulator in the background:


They're still restoring their B-24. It's just an airframe now (no pic - sorry).

Tom

[philbasildon]

Willow Run was built as an aircraft factory. It was operated as such by Fords. It was not until after the war that it was changed to automobiles.

[TommyUSA]

Right you are, Phil. Thanks for the correction!

[Brothmark]

The 8th Air Force Historical Society is hosting veterans, family members, and their guests at the Willow Run Air Show, located just outside Detroit, August 5 thru 8, 2010. The Air Show organizers are expecting 8 to 10 B-17's to attend , 2 B-24's, 12 P-51's, the usual cadre of other WW-II aircraft, as well as a flying ME-262 and an ME-109. (NOTE: Detroit is also a Non-stop flight from several airports).
http://www.8thafhs.org/detroit.htm

[PNK]

WOW! That's a lot of spinners for Detroit!

[WiganMick59]

Fantastic......I notice the re engined Me 262 is there too. Wish we could see this over here.

PNK....I've got one of their records somwhere!

[Another Number]

Future not looking good for the site;

http://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-...emolished.html

Any of our American friends on the forum close enough to get some photos before it goes?