B29s flying in US as warbirds

[Nathan]

I'd rather see a B-50 made flying!!

[Aircraft Mech Paul]

I'd rather see a B-50 made flying!!

Nathan,

Given the very few viable B-29 carcasess availible to be made into airworthy airframes, and this is excusing what the USN "doesn't" have on the China Lake Range any longer, It gives me pause to think that there are even less B-50/KB-50 airframes around to even be used as potential resto projects. Plus, you factor in the larger engine, which I believe that while the B-29 had/has R-3350's on them, and B-50/KB-50's had R-4360's on them with larger diameter props. The whole scenario would be put into one of those "wishful thinking" ideas....in my opinion.

Personally I would love to see all 4 viable candidates flying together, FiFi, Fertyle Myrtle, the one being offered for sale, and Doc. But about the only person that could do it all, as it would seem that he has an unlimited amount of coin is Paul Allen of Microsoft fame. Fertyle Myrtle will, at some point be put back together under the auspices of Mr. Weeks and when I was down at FoF about a year ago, one of the docents informed that one of Mr. Weeks, next projects would be to begin putting his B-17's back together, including the one on display. But that same docent informed me that the B-29 project is way down the list, but at some point will be restored. The docent put it to me this way, that the B-24 had priority over the B-29.

Just my .02 cents worth

Paul

[APG85]

But that same docent informed me that the B-29 project is way down the list, but at some point will be restored. The docent put it to me this way, that the B-24 had priority over the B-29.

Paul

Crap! B-29's get no respect...

[Aircraft Mech Paul]

But that same docent informed me that the B-29 project is way down the list, but at some point will be restored. The docent put it to me this way, that the B-24 had priority over the B-29.

Paul

Crap! B-29's get no respect...

Hi there,

I do not believe that it is like you say that B-29's don't get any respect. I think it is a simple matter of economics. The B-29 isn't known for "sipping" fuel" and neither would be it's counterpart(s) the B-50/KB-50 and KC-97. Mr. Weeks B-24, at least from what I know about it, is about as original as original can get. In other words, "Joe" or "Delectable Doris" is in the same condition as it was when it flew out of post war storage. And given the idea that that the B-24 Withcraft prior to it's own several incarnations took up a huge amount of dollars and man power to get her into an airworthy airframe and the same goes for Collings B-17 "909".

Now, please don't get me wrong, I would gladly donate every moment of my time as a pretty good sheetmetal/structural mechanic to make any of these occur, the trouble for me at least is my own personal revenew stream and then there is the distance issue.

Now, I think that Mr. Tom Reilly is or has aquired another B-24 hulk to put together, though I may be wrong, and that there is another dissasembled one in storage. And then you muct factor in the costs for parts, either hand made, or machined from new stock to the mfg. prints. None of this is cheap. Even if you had a ton of volunteer help. And even then, you would definitiely need some quailified....A&P's and Pro Structures guys in the mix that would willing to take up the cause.

There's alot there to consider.

just my .02 cents

Paul

[Nathan]

Thanks guys. I would love to see 2 or 3 more B-29's made flying again but I would so love to see a B-50 as well. I know that will never happen but just wanted to say i would love to see a B-50 flying. Just dreaming here but would be cool to see a KB-50 pumping gas to two fighter jets or maybe even to a B-29!

[Jason Langley]

CAF is in the right direction on this, I just wish the other partys would or could join in that endavour and do one big batch. Much like the B-17 guys have done.

Kermit's in on the deal at least partially. Remember, he loaned Ezell the nacelle to do the mock-ups. I will garuntee you that he will be in on all the engineering data and will make sure that Jason & whomever does the other 3350s for Fifi keeps the information around or provides a copy for when he's ready. While I do agree that sometimes quantity is better, with engines, you don't want to get too far ahead of the game because you'll end up having to overhaul the engine to get it yellow tagged if you have them built too far out. You're better just to acquire the parts now and only build the engine when you're actually ready to start using it.

Hopefully we will have the first engine by airshow and continue the testing and evaluation to ensure the other engines to be built will match our needs. I'm sure they will since so much time has been put into the project by Gary and others. As far as information on the engines...it will definitely be cared for and maintained for the future.

[Jason Langley]

Man..when I hear things like 2 to 5 million to get a B-29 up and running, it seems like a lot. Then I hear about movie stars spending hundreds of thousands on a party, or millions for some home they'll spend maybe a week in during a given year.

Last year a (20-something) co-worker and I were taking about some multi-bazzillion dollar lottery jackpot, and he asked what I'd do with the cash if I won. I said I'd give a few mil to the Fifi project, and he was baffled. He couldn't figure out why I'd want to spend that much on some old junk airplane when I could buy a snazzy new corporate jet for less. I tried to explain the historical aspect of Fifi, but he just didn't get it. And I suppose that's exactly why warbirds need to be preserved, flown, and kept in the public conciousness. Most of today's kids can't even tell you when WWII was or what it was about (although they'll quickly condemn our use of nukes on Japan.)

SN

You hit the nail square on the head! These aircraft must be restored and flying at all costs to ensure that we never forget the men who gave their lives so we could enjoy the freedoms we have and to pass that along so our children understand the cost and sacrifice made on their behalf by folks their age almost 70 years ago.

[Jason Langley]

Yes, and only time will tell.

Gary

I have to agree with only time will tell......

[The Inspector]

It appears that the AEROTRADER 29 is BELL built since the wings were unbolted @ the center section, I believe on the BOEING built ones the center section was one piece to outboard of the #1 & #4 engines.
Anyone have a tail # ?

[Second Air Force]

Inspector,

The Boeing/Renton B-29As (FIFI included) are the ones with the removable inner wing panels. Bell, Martin Omaha, and Wichita aircraft all have the integrated center wing/fuselage construction.

Scott