The Commemorative Air Force has just announced that their unique B-24A Liberator known as “Diamond Lil” will be making a tour of North America’s east coast in June. Some of the notable events that the venerable bomber will be making appearances at will include the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s WWII Weekend in Reading, Pennsylvania as well as the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s Hamilton Night Airshow in Hamilton, Ontario. The night time air show in Hamilton will mark the first time in decades that a B-24 has flown in Canada, and they expect to also run the engines at night, alongside the Lancaster, and perhaps even the Military Aviation Museum’s deHavilland Mosquito.
Diamond Lil will also visit Buffalo, New York and make several stops in Ohio, including an appearance at the Dayton Vectren Air Show.
While on tour, Diamond Lil will be available for guided tours (for a donation), and the public is invited to purchase Living History Flight Experiences aboard the aircraft. Rides, which sell for $395 each, can be booked in advance online at www.AirPowerTour.org. Information about each tour stop can also be found at that website.
The tour schedule:
June 6-8 Reading, PA (Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s WWII Weekend)
June 9-11 Buffalo, NY (Prior Aviation, Buffalo Niagara International Airport)
June 12-15 Hamilton, Ontario (Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum)*
June 18-22 Akron, OH (Akron Fulton International Airport)
June 23-25 Findlay, OH (Findlay Airport)
June 26-29 Dayton, OH (Vectren Dayton Air Show)*
*No living history flight experiences available at these stops.
About the CAF’s B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil:
Diamond Lil was just the twenty-fifth Liberator to roll off Consolidated’s production line in San Diego, California, taking flight in 1941. The Royal Air Force were due to receive her as an LB-30, serial number AM927, however a landing accident delayed her delivery long enough that she ended up staying with the factory as a B-24A test ship. Consolidated converted her into the prototype C-87 transport, which included deleting her bomb bay. After the war, she operated as a transport with a number of different civilian companies. The CAF purchased her in 1967, and she has flown with them ever since, thrilling many hundred thousand air show goers. She is the oldest remaining B-24 of over 18,000 produced, and one of just two still flying. The Liberator underwent a major restoration in 2006, receiving many modifications to more resemble a B-24A once again, and a new name, “Ol’ 927″. In the winter of 2011-2012 her operating Squadron voted to rechristen her Diamond Lil again with newly updated nose art. The Commemorative Air Force’s B-29/B-24 Squadron maintains and operates the Liberator, and are currently based at the Vintage Flying Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
I remember standing at Norwich airport UK, formerly Horsham Saints Faith, watching Diamond Lil coming in to land. It was 1992 and the 50th anniversary of the 8th Air Force arrival in Britain. Horsham was home to Liberators during WW2 and it was good to see one returning to the base after so many years. I have some photos of the event. First and last time I have seen a Liberator flying.
Since this specific airframe was converted by the manufacturer to be the prototype C-87 an aircraft that deserves recognition in it’s own right for the role it played in ferrying supplies over the “Hump” I think the CAF should have left it as a C-87. There is a B-24 of the type that served in combat flying but now NO c-87 thanks to the yahoos at the CAF. I guess a C-87 isn’t sexy enough for them.
You must be one of those guys who can find something to complain about in any situation. How about just appreciating those “yahoos” for all of the sacrifices they make to keep her flying! You Jack***!
I have never flown in a B24, but I have flown in the B17. Sentimental Journey! Took a one way trip with them from KAOH, Lima, Ohio around 4 years back. They were giving tours and rides. Landed at the Ohio County Airport in Wheeling West Virginia! I was a line guy at KAOH. I’m now a private pilot and the B17 was the best stick time ever! Most humbling experience of my life! Can’t wait to see them land the B24 in Findlay, OH soon! Hope they have a great turn out!
Schedule for B-24 on west coast of USA in 2015