Memphis Belle - the real film stars (Updated 11th Dec)

[Maisie]

Thanks for the info!

[3Greens]

Although these have been posted some time back it seems a good opportunity to share them again. These were all taken at the main set for the film ...Binbrook. Much had been done to take the former Lightning fighter base back in time to a WW2 scenario. The large squadron crests of the last resident units LTF, 5 and 11 Squadrons were painted out from their prominent positions on the hangar walls, and a WW2 control tower was built for starters.
The film studio technicians had created numerous 'flats' around the field including many B17s, Jeeps and even a church tower in the woods opposite. These 'flats' were painted sheets of chipboards which when viewed head on were totally convincing but as one moved passed them disappeared only for the scaffold support frames to be left visible. Visiting B17 veterans over from the US were heard to remark "where did you guys get all these B17s from ?" before realising the airfield was full of fakes.
The model unit had created fantastically real radio controlled B17s to tackle many of the scenes of drama and crashes. I am sure Nigel Blake working on that unit will not mind me showing these again - (he's the good looking bloke sorting a wing out on the work bench!)
Anyway on to the shots



The fixed prop blade gives the impression of a 'feathered engine'

Miniature runway for 'wheels up' landing sequence

B17 in the distance with wing supported by scaffold - the 'mock' grass blends in with the real field in the background






This chap gives the models some scale

More to follow
Hope you liked them
Keith

[3Greens]

Just a few more from Binbrook ..
One of the P51s 'Ding Hao'


'Artificial' crash site


One of my little 'treasures'


A 'flat' B17 - note Jeep and 2nd Jeep that has 'blown over'


Another spare 'flat' B17 - headon view


Mounted on scaffold on 40' artic trailer for movong shots






Thanks for looking
Keith

[F-86]

Great shots thanks for sharing.

[comet4]

A fascinating insight into the filming. Thanks for posting.