National Geographic Channel: P-47D "Dottie Mae"

[Bomber_12th]

I thought I should post an announcement here, and to various other forums, just in case anyone who has the National Geographic Channel can watch it. The show will be airing this Wednesday, at 7 and 10 pm.

Titled "Shot Down: Search for the Lost Fighter", the show will be recounting the story of P-47D, "Dottie Mae", the last US plane lost in combat in Europe during WWII, and its recovery out of the Austrian lake where it had gone down on May 8, 1945.

I'm not sure if it will be included in the show or not, but Dottie Mae was just recently purchased by a new owner, and is undergoing a restoration program to flying condition! Such outer skins as the ones painted with nose art are of course being kept out of the restoration, to be displayed as is. Word has it that the wings still contain foot prints from the ground crew back in WWII!

I already have reminders posted around the house so that I don't forget to tune in.

[Blackbird686]

Thanks for the H/U, Bomber...:wiggle:

BB686:USA-flag:

[bazzar]

Blatant plug but relevant. Check out Larry Khul's piece.

Oh BTW, since these shots were done, there have been several updates to engines, props etc. :mixedsmi:

http://www.heavenlyhangars.com/READMORE/P47/rep_main_content.html

[Cazzie]

Dialed-in and saved for recording in case I miss the initial showing, thanks Bomber. :ernae:

Caz

[brad kaste]

Dottie Mae link:http://www.dottiemaep-47.com/

[brad kaste]

In the Chicago area....providing you have Comcast cable (maybe ATnT dish or Direct TV too) the story of Dottie Mae will be shown on the NGEO channel from 7-8 pm Central time.
The title is "Shot down. Search Lost Flight"

[Bomber_12th]

Here are some shots taken of her just days ago:

http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=26426

The new owner is Jack Croul, the same person who owns the beautifully restored P-51D and P-38L that are operated by Allied Fighters. His second P-51D is the beautiful example shown behind Dottie Mae in the first photo, nearing the end of its restoration.

[racartron]

Nat Geo is very good about re-running their shows. In fact, this one will air again about midnight - at least in the Atlanta area. And of course if ya have the Comcast's On Demand function (or something similar in other venues) Nat Geo will have it up for playing at your convenience.

[dogknot]

West Coast/Pacific Time
5-6 pm Wed
8-9 pm Wed
11-12m Sat

[Odie]

Watched it last night in HD and it was very good. I like these efforts to rediscover and bring back a part of history.

Glad to hear that the pilot that was at the controls when she went down survived and after many years, reunited with his wingman that was on the flight with him that day!

[BillgjCook]

I have been waiting to see this program for a year or two, I was privileged to be working in the hanger right next to that p-47 and was able to get some good up close looks at it, I was not able to take any photos of it at the time due to a dispute going on.
I have to say that it is in very good shape and it will not take very much work to get it up and flying agene.

[Odie]

Blatant plug but relevant. Check out Larry Khul's piece.

Oh BTW, since these shots were done, there have been several updates to engines, props etc. :mixedsmi:

http://www.heavenlyhangars.com/READMORE/P47/rep_main_content.html

Thanks baz! I knew I had a Dottie Mae in the hangar. AH's Thunderbolts are a fine addition to any hangar!:ernae:

[dmachoe]

The P-47D may possibly in the future be in Planes of Fame Museum.