Warbird Information Exchange

I am trying to confirm the serial number of the one and only B-29 that was assigned to the USFS in 1947 as a fire bomber named "Rocky Mountain Ranger"

I have a photo of it, but no serial#.

Someone passed it along that it maybe 45-21804 but I cannot confirm it.


Thanks!

Paul,

This is just a WAG, but it could have been a Bell B-29B judging from the field applied camouflage and lack of turrets. The stripped airplanes seemed to find their way into all kinds of unique missions post-war. (Tankers, jet engine test-beds, etc.) If she was a B, there are only 300-odd serials to consider!

Scott

From what I gather, it had turrents on it, as it was assigned in the Pacific?

Still searching though.


Thanks!

Paul,

The "B" models were built without turrets similar to the Silverplate aircraft. Most of the B-29Bs were assigned to the 315th Wing and flew combat for the last couple of months of the war. The photo you posted seems to show no lower forward turret and the camouflage pattern is similar to the scheme applied to the 315th aircraft on Guam, so I made a wild guess. I'll keep my ears open for you!

Scott

MMMM now you have me thinking

Paul,

Here is a photo of General Armstrong's personal B-29B with a similar paint job that was applied on Guam. The irregular line where they sprayed the black usually went around the nose art as on Fluffy Fuz, but further aft it looks similar to the Forest Service airplane.

Sure does.....thanks for the heads up...I will have to dig in my "B" stuff now!