On June 5, Mitchell Rattlesden Heeb got his first real taste of the heritage that is associated with his name. A B-17 decked out in markings from the 447th BG (dolled up as Fuddy Duddy) made a stop at Boeing Field and the family went to see the rare flying warbird. Mitchell's great-grandfather Loran Heeb was top turret gunner aboard Ol' Scrap Iron, one of the 447th's Flying Fortresses that were based in Rattlesden, England, during WWII.
While Steve, Michelle, Mitchell and uncle Charlie were on the way to the airport, they had a chance to see the vintage bomber float gracefully into the Seattle sky. As you can see in the shots Steve took of the plane in flight, a mechanical problem caused the starboard landing gear to not retract after takeoff. I suppose that is a little better than if the port landing gear had refused to extend just before landing.
Unfortunately, we were not allowed to board the plane for a tour of the interior while the ground crews tried to make repairs.
Here's a few early shots from the experience. There'll be more later.
 Mitchell finds the vintage bomber truly riveting. |
 Mitchell and uncle Charlie had a good time. |
 The starboard wheel refused to retract as the B-17 floated into the skies above Boeing Field. |
 Proud dad Steve finally lets Michelle hold the camera so she can take this shot of the boys with the plane. |
 Mitchell checks out the twin .50s in back. |
 Seriously folks, this is truly a magnificent plane. Readers of Inside Track may note the color and shape motifs captured in the familiar logo for Rattlesden Productions.
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