Wested Memphis Belle A2

[BKLYN]

I was hunting around and came accross this site of interest on A2's. You guys are already very knowledgeable but, as the Proverb says: . . .A wise person will listen and take in more instruction. . .(Proverbs 1:5) So, I know you'll want to check it out.

http://www.geocities.com/ronin4hire2000/A2.html
Thanks again for all the help!

[HoosierDaddy]

BKLYN
I've never seen that Buyers Guide before...but I sure agee with much of his opinions!
HD

[Doctor Strange]

I recognize that buyer's guide - I believe that it's by Aero's Ken Calder, and it used to be up on the Aero site a few years back. While some of the info there is good, keep in mind that it was written by a jacket vendor and shows a bit of prejudice.

For somewhat more balanced info (especially regarding the original A-2s - there is some minor bias in the reproduction reviews), try Marc W's Acme Depot pages.

[BKLYN]

All of you have been a wealth of knowledge and I truely appreciate it!
All I initially wanted to do was aquire a nice A2 and now I may have become a fanatic. I do own an Avirex 440 (G8) that I aquired from their outlet store in LIC N.Y. back in the late 70's or early 80's when I lived in NY. Unfortunately, I've outgrown it (about a size 42). I've had it relined and replaced the zipper about 2 years ago. All the buttons are long gone but the shell is like armor! I probably ruined it's value by adding snaps to the cuffs and side entry pockets but that's what I thought it needed at the time in my younger days. Every now and then I sqeeze into it. I love that jacket! It's just a little too heavy for my daily needs and, as I mentioned, somewhat tight fitting around the middle.
Again I want to thank you for all your help! I'm really happy that I came across this forum.

[Kt Templar]

QUOTE=Kt Templar]The A-2 they canl do do for you will be well made, reasonably priced and made from horsehide and made to measure. But you have many other makers to choose from so do your research and take your time.

Aero do a steerhide for just under $300. and there are many others.

Thanks! This has been very helpful!!

Trying to help. (Would be better if actually I read the post before hitting submit!!)

Aero's steerhide is £200 so it's actually about $400 not $300 .

[BKLYN]

Trying to help. (Would be better if actually I read the post before hitting submit!!)

Aero's steerhide is £200 so it's actually about $400 not $300 .

Thanks again!
I actually appreciated what you brought to my attention about Wested Leather. I feel alot more comfortable about doing business with them.

[Better Duck]

Every now and then I sqeeze into it. I love that jacket! It's just a little too heavy for my daily needs and, as I mentioned, somewhat tight fitting around the middle.

In this age of healthy living, why not get your girth back in shape and stick to your original size? You will benefit in may ways. On VLJ there's a thread discussing a suggestion by a forummember to reward yourself by setting a goal of losing so many kilo's / pounds and rewarding yourself with a new jacket only after you've reached your goal. He got many enthousiastic reactions to his idea, including mine. I was planning to order ELC's new Werber 1933 jacket, but now I have made a weight loss of 10 kilo's a pre-condition before allowing myself the pleasure of this jacket. This way we have something to look forward too, and, more important, our health will benefit; most importantly, we will have re-acquired "the look" of a trim guy in a great trim jacket, that shows the sculpted body to advantage... Oh, well you can take your dreams to far , but essentially, you get my drift!

Peter

[BKLYN]

I registered for the VLJ site 2 times now and still haven't been able to gain access. Any suggestions? I'm not too much bigger (perhaps went from the size 42 to a 44. I'm close to 60 years old now and, I guess to some extent, that's to be expected. The fact that I usually wear a hooded sweatshirt under my jacket only adds to the problem and, as mentioned, that 440 (G-8) is kinda heavy. Is is a very nice jacket. Looks kinda like an "Indy" with far more details. (i.e. behind the zipper wind flap like a G-1, Diamond patches on the sleves, heavy duty zipper, zippered cuffs, etc.)
Thanks again!

[BKLYN]

The Memphis Belle movie is not known for its accuracy as far as flying jackets are concerned. The sheepskin jackets only superficially resemble original B3, the A2's have a modern, "roomy" cut, no throathook, the squadron patches are on the right chest, instead of on the left, underneath the nametag (if there was one) to name a few eye-catching things...
Cheers

Peter

You had me re-visit the movie once again. The jackets are cut relatively roomy for the era. And, it does appear as though the pilot's jacket lacks a throathook. However, if you look at the scene just after take off when they almost rear end one of their fellow bombers, you'll notice that the throathook on the co-pilot's A-2 is quite pronounce (the jacket also appears to have a "collar stand"). Then, immediately following, you'll notice that the throathook on Val's jacket is also quite visible as it is from then on in the film.
I did enjoy watching it again!
Thanks!

[Better Duck]

I registered for the VLJ site 2 times now and still haven't been able to gain access. Any suggestions?

I'll check with the site administrator and get back to you!

peter