The Aluminum Overcast's home is with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This B-17 has been flying a published tour schedule around the country for a number of years. Because of 398th BG Association member and former 601st pilot Hal Weekley's long standing involvement with the Aluminum Overcast, the 398th had the opporunity to have the Group's insignia painted on it's tail.

The history of the Aluminum Overcast (AO) can be found on the EAA's Fly the Fortress B-17 Aluminum Overcast History page.

AO tours and additional information about B-17s can be found on the EAA's Fly the Fortress Tour Schedule page.

There are various Aluminum Overcast items in ou 398th PX.

Aluminum Overcast Trivia

  1. The story goes that the origin of the name "Aluminum Overcast" came about as follows: One day a previous owner of the B-17 was flying along with a friend, who was flying a P-51 Mustang. The Mustang pilot was making a pass under the B-17 when the B-17 pilot asked him how it looked. The P-51 pilot replied, "It looks like I'm flying under an aluminum overcast." It's name has been the Aluminum Overcast ever since.
  2. As EAA's lead pilot of the Aluminum Overcast, Hal Weekley learned that the EAA intended to restore the airplane to WWII combat condition. He asked EAA for the opportunity to have the 398th BG Association fund the airplane's required corrosion control restoration. As a consequence, EAA offered to use the 398th combat colors and insignia on the airplane. So the 398th membership raised the necessary funds for that part of the restoration and the AO proudly displays our Triangle W. The EAA also accepted the 398th's recommendation that the airplane carry Hal's WWII 601st squadron markings and serial number (42-102516) of the B-17 that he was shot down in combat on August 13, 1944 over Le Manior, France.
  3. The EAA needed a pilot to fly the AO and Hal Weekley was available and eminately qualified. There was a major decision within EAA that they would put the AO on tour to show the public a magnificent WWII 'Flying Fortress'. The initial event was such a success that the AO has continued to tour every year. Hal regularly flew the AO for the EAA until his retirement in 2001.
  4. The 'pretty lady' nose art was added to the Aluminum Overcast for WWII authenticity.

The photographic scan was provided by Wally Blackwell, 398th President from his personal collection. If you would like to add information about this picture, please contact our 398th Photo Historian. The Picture Reference Number is PR03.