MICHAEL O’LEARY photographed North American B-25J Mitchell N5672V Betty's Dream, which won the Best Bomber trophy at this year’s Oshkosh show on July 28 - August 3, 1999.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

The ferocious bat motif on Betty’s Dream, a device worn by a number of the 499th BS’s Mitchells, gives the restored bomber a real personality.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

Aero Trader’s Carl Scholl (right) with Betty’s Dream co-owner Tony Ritzman, who piloted B-25 Photo Fanny for the photographic session.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

The B-25 heads into the Los Angeles haze near Chino. The restoration of N5672V is authentic to the configuration of Betty’s Dream, down to the high-profile top turret. This item appears on few airworthy B-25s today, partly owing to the increase it causes to fuel consumption.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

The famous “Air Apaches” insignia and bat nose artwork were painstakingly researched and applied by Tony Ritzman and crew. The authentic paint scheme adds much to the value of the finished bomber.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

A rare wartime colour view of Betty’s Dream at le Shima, Ryuko Islands, in August 1945.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

Mitchell N69345 in service with the Bendix Corporation during November 1967. Items of interest include the extra canopy atop the fuselage, the large aerials and the modified nose. The aircraft suffered a belly landing while in Bendix service.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

The crawling space leading to the tail gun. Note the ammunition bins and ammo supply running to the rear guns. The yellow object is the tow bar.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

The fully restored instrument panel. The central radio panel is a concession to modernity.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

The radio operator’s station, complete with Morse key.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943

Directly behind the pilots’ positions is the fully operational upper-turret mechanism. The seat is original, and is shown in the stowed position. This view gives an idea of just how little room remains with all the original military equipment reinstalled.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American B-25J Mitchell / PBJ-1G - СШАUSA - 1943