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  1. TXFlyGuy

    US Bomber Jackets

    I think $99 is close to a budget jacket for most folks!
  2. TXFlyGuy

    Reissue A-2, Cockpit USA

    Here is what my friend said: Most of the B17s now flying, if not all, have no heat. From what I've gathered they relied heavily on the electrically heated suits. Although I've been told that those were problematic. There's no doubt that bomber duty at high altitude was pretty difficult. G...
  3. TXFlyGuy

    Cockpit 100 Mission G-1

    Schott is the manufacturer, at least of their own jacket line, and perhaps contract for others. Been doing it since 1913. I'm fairly certain that Schott produced my Wings G-1...
  4. TXFlyGuy

    Reissue A-2, Cockpit USA

    My friend is an actual B-17 pilot. Plus he owns and flies a P-51. He did say that the cockpit heater on the Mustang was very effective. He flies it at altitudes in the low 20's. While Kent mainly flies the B-17 during the airshow season, I'm sure he is familiar with the heater, and how well it...
  5. TXFlyGuy

    Reissue A-2, Cockpit USA

    I have seen photos of the pilots wearing B-3's in the B-17 cockpit also. Somehow I doubt the effectiveness of the heater. I'll ask a good friend who flies Aluminum Overcast for the EAA.
  7. TXFlyGuy

    Cockpit 100 Mission G-1

    Deacon - Great review! I am a bit of a "Cockpit" snob, owning 5 (leather/nylon) of their jackets. They do make good stuff. And my mil-spec G-1 from them was a spot on perfect fit. But I made the huge mistake of selling it. Looks like a great fit for you also!
  8. TXFlyGuy

    Reissue A-2, Cockpit USA

    Plus the crews wore electrically heated long underwear. But it still had to be freezing, with the side open at the gunners position, winds blowing in at 275 mph, 30 below zero. I'll post a few "fit pics" later. Need the proper backdrop!
  9. TXFlyGuy

    Reissue A-2, Cockpit USA

    Natural light, on a large hanger that better fits the jacket:
  10. TXFlyGuy

    Reissue A-2, Cockpit USA

    The amazing thing to consider is that these jackets offer little in the way of insulation. Combine that with the B-17 crews flying without pressurization, at very cold temps (well below zero). The waist gunner's Brownings would freeze up due to the cold if the oil was not removed before...
  11. TXFlyGuy

    Reissue A-2, Cockpit USA

    My Wings Signature G-1, size 44, has a shoulder width of 18". It is a perfect fit for my frame. The A-2 here, with 20", is about an inch more than I care for. But it will be kept and used as a flight jacket during warmer weather. That extra 1" may come in handy over my nomex underwear and...
  13. TXFlyGuy

    US Bomber Jackets

    Deacon - Let me shirt tail your comments. Another thing to consider is how many 20-35 year olds today are interested in a classic fitting A-2? And if they are, how many have the disposable income to allow such a purchase? The mass market has no interest in stitch count, arm or back length...
  14. TXFlyGuy

    Reissue A-2, Cockpit USA

    This is a very nice jacket, for sure. On sale from Cockpit at 20% off, you can't go wrong. Well...some of you could, but I suspect you are in the minority! This most likely will become my summer "warm weather" flight jacket. Note the deep, rich, gorgeous seal brown color.
  15. TXFlyGuy

    Reissue A-2, Cockpit USA

    Updated photos:
  16. TXFlyGuy

    Reissue A-2, Cockpit USA

    Yes. And my G&B, size 42, has shoulders at 19.5". But to be fair, the hanger in this photo needs to be larger. The picture does not present the jacket in the best light possible. And this jacket supposedly is made to D.O.D. Specs.
  17. TXFlyGuy

    Reissue A-2, Cockpit USA

    Here is the down and dirty on a size 42R... Shoulder - 20" P to P - 23" Back - 25" Sleeve - 26" The leather aroma from this jacket is intoxicating, to say the least. Almost a classic WWII fit on my frame. Maybe an inch too much in the shoulder, but very doable. Great goatskin. Quality...
  19. TXFlyGuy

    US Bomber Jackets

    My employer used to make the flight attendants step on the scales for a "weigh-in" prior to reporting for work. One pound over, and they were pulled off the trip, and a young hardbody was substituted. Oh, the good old days. For the record, this was before the days of males working in the...
  20. TXFlyGuy

    US Bomber Jackets

    So those folks with wider bodies are guilty of corruption when it comes to A-2's? Maybe we could have a weigh-in whenever we log in. Just to make sure that our bodies fit the "slim" design and intent of the original A-2 makers. ;)
  21. TXFlyGuy

    US Bomber Jackets

    I do not think that the manufacturer makes any claims as to be an exact copy of a WWII era A-2. It is goatskin, and probably made in Pakistan. By the standards set here (on this forum), none of my jackets are satisfactory with regards to thread count, scallops / no scallops, collar...
  22. TXFlyGuy

    US Bomber Jackets

    Your eyes are far better than mine...please tell us what is wrong with this A-2 (aside from the patches). I'll wager that if the price was $525, some opinions may change a bit.
  23. TXFlyGuy

    US Bomber Jackets

    My Cockpit Reissue A-2 just arrived. It lists at $420, but real street prices are far below that, even in the mid $350 range on sale. Or less when Cockpit has their 20% off sale, and sometimes offering free shipping, usually in June. Full review coming in a dedicated thread. But, I agree with...

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