B-29 Superfortress "Doc" 15 year restoration to flying condition almost complete

[3930dave]

Re: B-29 Superfortress "Doc" 15 year restoration to flying condition almost complete

Not a restoration story per se, but raises some good points about new airframe design priorities vs. old.

The WWII-Era Plane Giving the F-35 a Run for Its Money | Motherboard

Rgds, D.

 

[dmccarty]

Re: B-29 Superfortress "Doc" 15 year restoration to flying condition almost complete

I certainly don't remember the numbers but I have seen comparisons of the cost of building and maintaining the B29's vs other weapon systems and the difference was huge/amazing. The B29 had huge teething problems and took quite a long time to be even sorta reliable due to its advanced technologies. Much time, money and people were required to get and keep the planes flying but the range and payload of the plane was outstanding. Glad to see another B29 is being put back into flying condition. To hear and see these old plane fly is a wonderful sight and sound.

What is interesting is that you can use Google Earth to look at the island in the Mariana islands and see the airfields from WWII. They are overgrown but still visible.

Later,
Dan

 

[Mysfyt]

Re: B-29 Superfortress "Doc" 15 year restoration to flying condition almost complete

I took a quick glance at the website. Is there any plans to take people up for rides? Took a ride on the EAA's B17 a year ago and it was the highlight of my summer!

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Re: B-29 Superfortress "Doc" 15 year restoration to flying condition almost complete

I took a quick glance at the website. Is there any plans to take people up for rides? Took a ride on the EAA's B17 a year ago and it was the highlight of my summer!

FiFi was here in Oklahoma a few years back, and they were selling rides then. The prices were so high (I can't remember what they were, I just remember they were high) that a state employee couldn't afford one.

 

[dmccarty]

Re: B-29 Superfortress "Doc" 15 year restoration to flying condition almost complete

I took a quick glance at the website. Is there any plans to take people up for rides? Took a ride on the EAA's B17 a year ago and it was the highlight of my summer!

FiFi was here in Oklahoma a few years back, and they were selling rides then. The prices were so high (I can't remember what they were, I just remember they were high) that a state employee couldn't afford one.

We toured one of the flying B17s a few years ago and the cost to fly was $400 per person. I saw a family of four get on board. Jealous was I. :laughing::laughing::laughing: There was a man getting read to ride I was talking too. He had some health issues and he knew time was running short. He sold his pickup to fund going on an Elk hunt that year and get on the B17. :thumbsup: I really wish we could have flown on the B17. If I never managed to fly on a B17 that will be one of my life regrets. Now I need to get on the B29. :laughing::laughing::laughing:

Later,
Dan

 

[Mysfyt]

Re: B-29 Superfortress "Doc" 15 year restoration to flying condition almost complete

FiFi was here in Oklahoma a few years back, and they were selling rides then. The prices were so high (I can't remember what they were, I just remember they were high) that a state employee couldn't afford one.

It wasn't a cheap date for sure, but the memory is priceless. Memories make us rich.

 

[Mysfyt]

Re: B-29 Superfortress "Doc" 15 year restoration to flying condition almost complete

FiFi was here in Oklahoma a few years back, and they were selling rides then. The prices were so high (I can't remember what they were, I just remember they were high) that a state employee couldn't afford one.

Shoot! This was in my neck of the woods last summer and I missed it. I'll be keeping an eye on their tour schedule next year. Thanks for the tip!

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Re: B-29 Superfortress "Doc" 15 year restoration to flying condition almost complete

Shoot! This was in my neck of the woods last summer and I missed it. I'll be keeping an eye on their tour schedule next year. Thanks for the tip!

CAF AirPower History Tour featuring the B-29 Superfortress FIFI

 

[mjarrels]

Re: B-29 Superfortress "Doc" 15 year restoration to flying condition almost complete

We have another airshow comming up in October at culpepper VA. which will include WW2 aircraft. Will also include a privetly owned harrier (some people have too much money).

mark

 

[Mysfyt]

Re: B-29 Superfortress "Doc" 15 year restoration to flying condition almost complete

CAF AirPower History Tour featuring the B-29 Superfortress FIFI

I just added the P-51 to my bucket list!