Consolidated B-24 Liberator (N24927)

Woah

Wasn't this one originally an LB-30 (cargo) and not a true B-24 bomber?

Gravely is correct, also called C87. Had no turbochargers on the engines.

Reminds me of the plane Dana Andrew's character (Fred Derry) was the bombardier on in the movie "The Best Years Of Our Lives." I highly recommend the movie...many believe it to be the best movie ever made.

Gravely is not correct. It was originally a B24A, then once assigned to the RAF, designated an LB30, then crashed, and used as a miscellaneous plane by Consolidated to ferry people and parts around, as well as test modifications for later B24 models. It never had anything at all to do with the C87 except for maybe being the inspiration for the C87 I guess. The first C87 was converted from a B24D.

Got a nice long ride along in Terre Haute, IN. Yearsago as they had to cycle the gear several times to check out a possible problem, and I was the only who had signed up for a flight day that could make it to their early TKO time. What a thrill.

My uncle trained in these in WWII. Wound up flying 50 missions out of Italy in B-17's and then came back and instructed in 24's in Arizona.. He didn't particularly like the B-24 as he said you couldn't smoke in them as they reeked of gasoline fumes

Here's Joe Baugher's published history of this Consolidated B-24A Liberator...

"40-2349/2368", "Consolidated B-24A-CO Liberator"

"2366 to RAF as AM927. Prior to delivery to England, was involved in a landing accident, the damage being major enough that the aircraft had to be returned to San Diego for repaires (sic). Plane was deleted from the order to be shipped to England and was converted to a transport aircraft, acring (sic) as prototype for C-87. Sold by War Assets Corp to Paul Mantz Feb 19, 1946.To Continental Can Co as N1503, to XC-CAY of PEMEX in Mexico until 1959. Became N12905 "Diamond Lil" with Confederate Air Force and painted in colors of 98th BG, later N24927 with Commemorative Air Force. During 2006/2007 was reconfigured back to B-24A/LB-30B and was given the name "OL 927" noseart. In Apr of 2012 renamed back to "Diamond Lil". Involved in nose gear collapse May 26, 2012 on landing at Charlotte-Douglas airport, North Carolina".

http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1940.html

More on this Liberator, N24927, is seen here...

http://www.warbirdregistry.org/b24registry/lb30-am927.html

https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=24927

Yep. That isn’t correct either. The original C87 was converted from a D model, like I said. AM927 here was likely the inspiration to build a cargo version of the B24, because it was being used to carry parts and people around between Consolidated plants. Go watch Brad Pilgrim’s EAA webinar for the best, most accurate, most thourough telling of this airplanes history ever.

Dana Andrews Character in "The Best Years of our Lives" was a B-17 bombardier.
It IS listed as one of the top 100 movies. Gives a lot meaning to PTSD.

Trace Lewis - I do not believe that Joe Baugher stated this B-24 Liberator was converted into the first C-87. He merely related that it acted as a prototype for the C-87 Liberator Express.

NO FMS HERE JUST GOOD BASIC FLYING

NO FMS HERE JUST GOOD BASIC FLYING SKILLS