Watching a pair of B-29's in formation for the first time in decades will be outstanding and will be cause for a mass outbreak of watery eyes from hay-fever... .......................................................................... The Boeing B-29 Superfortress known as ‘Doc’ is in the final days of her restoration. There are just a few minor details to finish with the avionics installation, and setting the limits for the flaps and gear doors, but other than that the old girl is ready to go. The restoration team in Wichita, Kansas had hoped to have her flying in 2014, but they ran into delays with the fuel system. Fuel management on a B-29 is extremely complex for a WWII bomber, having many different fuel tanks, hoses and pumps to deal with, to say nothing about the wiring, and valves required. Making sure that all of the components were working properly and, most importantly, that no leaks nor possibility of electrical shorts were on the cards, has been an intense process. The team took the time to ensure all the elements in the system passed their rigorous checks. The only thing delaying the first flight now is apparently cold weather. The engine oil needs to be at least 50F to ensure proper lubrication for engine start, and the team doesn’t have access to portable heaters to do the job. They expect to be able to run the aircraft outside in late March for fueling and engine testing. They will also hold a roll-out ceremony at this point. So many people have poured so much love and care into the old bomber, not to mention dollars, that there is much to celebrate. Taxi tests will follow. All being well, ‘Doc’ will participate in EAA AirVenture 2015. The EAA hope to fly her in formation with ‘FIFI’, which will make for an awesome sight and sound, and sure to be a huge draw for the public. Added Edit: As it stands today, Doc is scheduled to appear at AirVenture 2015 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, along with Fifi. Doc's restoration project manager, T.J. Norman told the Wichita Eagle, "It's the first time in 60 years that two B-29s have been able to fly in formation together." Doc is the last known B-29 airframe thought to be in a condition good enough to be restored to flight-worthy status. In March, a ceremonial roll-out is planned, which will be followed by engine run-up and taxi tests. Doc is expected to finally fly again in April or May. Doc's Friends - Restoring History B-29 “Doc” | Warbirds News
I'd love to go up in one of these some day. When I was a kid I must have built every Revell model kit plane they had. Used to hang them from the ceiling by a piece of fishing line. Some of the fancy ones even had DIY electric motors to make the props spin. There's nothing like the sound of radial engines in flight, *sighs, looks up wistfully*
Ditto @NotSoSneaky. Years back I got to go through a B17 and try out the ball turret-manually. Was money WELL spent!
You can ride in Fifi not cheap... Bombardier Seat....................................$1,495 Cockpit Seat (Flight Observer)...............$1,245 Cockpit Seat (Navigator)........................$1,045 Cockpit Seat (Radio Operator)...............$1,045 Cockpit Seat (Aft Cockpit Seat)..............$1,045 Gunner Compartment Seat 1.................$570 Gunner Compartment Seat 2.................$570 Gunner Compartment Seat 3.................$570 Gunner Compartment Seat 4.................$570 Gunner Compartment Seat 5.................$570 A B-17 is a bit cheaper and I keep saying this year is the year... Mission Flights Advance $409: EAA Members $449: Nonmembers Walk-Up $435: EAA Members $475: Nonmembers
