Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress (Osprey Production Line to Frontline 2) [Paperback]

Michael O'Leary (Author), Mike Badrocke (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 1998 | Series: Production Line to Frontline (Book 2)

Evolved from a pre-war prototype designed by Seattle-based Boeing, the B-17 went on to become the icon of the USAAF during World War II, finding employment in all theaters. Through a selection of professional black-and-white images taken during the war, this volume shows the bomber on production lines and performing many of its varied operations in the war-torn skies over Germany and the Pacific.

A special eight-page section provides a unique slice of period color in the form of several company advertisements that have not been seen in print since the war. Comprehensive appendices include production batch lists of aircraft constructed during the war years and their delivery dates, scale drawings of all major types, and a double-page cutaway. A special introductory text outlines B-17 history and production techniques.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Text outlining aircraft production and history, combined with photography, scale drawings and cutaways and full appendices make these books an invaluable resource for aircraft lovers everywhere.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (October 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855328143
• ISBN-13: 978-1855328143
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,407,671 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars B-17 Production Line to Frontline, October 10, 2011

By 

Larry - See all my reviews

This review is from: Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress (Osprey Production Line to Frontline 2) (Paperback)

This product is a comprehensive overview of concept, development, production and front line use of the B-17 Flying Fortress. A "must have book" for B-17 buffs.

3.0 out of 5 stars Building the Flying Fort!, April 23, 2009

By 

Michael OConnor "Wordsmith" (Wausau, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress (Osprey Production Line to Frontline 2) (Paperback)

Volume 2 of Osprey's 'Production Line to Frontline' series is devoted to Boeing's mighty Flying Fortress. Michael O'Leary provides a 144-page illustrated overview of how the B-17 was born and evolved between the years 1934 and 1945.

Comparing the original Model 299 with a B-17G model reveals how far that war-winning design evolved. The B-17 didn't really become a true combat aircraft until the B-17F model but earlier models did see their share of combat.

O'Leary's narrative mainly focuses on the aircraft's development. Aside from details on the B-V-D manufacturing triumvirate, production line info is limited to some of the well-captioned photographs. There are a great many pix of B-17s under assembly, which bolsters the idea that, in many ways, WWII was won in American factories.

Reading BOEING B-17 FLYING FORTRESS, I got the feeling "almost but not quite." It doesn't really give many details on the Production Line aspect but rather focuses on airframe and power-plant development.

That said, bomber fans should enjoy this nuts-and-bolts guide to a classic warbird. Recommended.