Is the wind tip missing? I first saw this A/C at an air show when I lived in Oklahoma City, OK. While at Tinker AFB we got a B-50 weather version of the B-29. It's not a flying a/c just parked out front with others. This was back in 1986.
It was the only airworthy example for many years, but another is being restored to flight worthy if enough money can be raised. This one is being serviced to return to flight, including special engines modified for more durability and less maintenance to reduce operating costs. There are several static B-29s on display in museum.
The wing tips where removed to fit in the repair hanger easier and the prop was simply removed for the repair work, it nothing that can't be reinstalled.
I was told by a reliable source that they ffa wouldnt let these birds fly because the engines were not reliable enough. Col Morgan was one of the first to fly these and he liked his b17 much better. He said if you lost an engine (which happened frequently) you better find an airport fast because you were going to loose altitude. FFA found too much metal shavings in the oil screen on these engines and grounded them.
@denny1000o such a shame. i know it would be an original if they replaced the engines with something neweer and more reliable, but it would b great to see them still flying. regardless of what engine they have.
they could probably modify the exhausts and other components to try and imitate the same sound.
FIFI currently flies with custom 3350 engines using the best and most reliable parts combined from several engine sub-series. The custom engines were built to address reliability and serviceability, and offer more power if needed.
Where is this plane stationed? Im in Texas and have never seen a 29.
sultros 5 months ago
@sultros
The CAF B-29 is based in Midland, TX at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum.
FiveCentsPlease 4 months ago
B-29's are my FAVE!
vanson1200r 1 year ago
Is the wind tip missing? I first saw this A/C at an air show when I lived in Oklahoma City, OK. While at Tinker AFB we got a B-50 weather version of the B-29. It's not a flying a/c just parked out front with others. This was back in 1986.
RoadkillFXSTC 1 year ago
Comment removed
RoadkillFXSTC 1 year ago
These must be the Hybrid engines?
jimnrel 1 year ago
wmd
dopenhagen2009 1 year ago
I'm in love...
TV843 1 year ago
MUCH appreciation to you folks for keeping these wonderful planes flying!
taofledermaus 1 year ago
Gives me goosebumps.
twal1011 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
the entire wing is not together here, this was just an engine test up close the b 29 is huge...
TTBluez 1 year ago
The entire wings are not on the b 29 here, it was just an engine test, with the added wings it's huge...
TTBluez 1 year ago
as a little kid i remember watching on tv as they chopped up and scrapped a huge field full of old B-29's. Even then I had a feeling it was wrong.
totse1234 1 year ago
i always thought that plane was a little bigger then that compared to the person next to it. Maybe its the camera
pfcmarine0311 2 years ago
agree, it does not look as big as i thought, looks more b-17 size, maybe its the camera angle.
plane15 1 year ago
is that the only b29 left
5000TRAINS 2 years ago
It was the only airworthy example for many years, but another is being restored to flight worthy if enough money can be raised. This one is being serviced to return to flight, including special engines modified for more durability and less maintenance to reduce operating costs. There are several static B-29s on display in museum.
FiveCentsPlease 2 years ago
thank you for the reply I did get to see the boxcar that was great is doc the name of the other b29 that is being restored
5000TRAINS 2 years ago
Yes, Doc is the other one. They need to raise more money to finish it.
FiveCentsPlease 2 years ago
Why no fire suppression equipment on standby?
gettinghosed 2 years ago
It is honestly making me sad to see that airplane with cut wings and missing props... I'll get over it.
Critter145 2 years ago
The wing tips where removed to fit in the repair hanger easier and the prop was simply removed for the repair work, it nothing that can't be reinstalled.
roaklin 2 years ago 2
WAY TO GO!!! It's kinda eerie though, it reminded me of the B-29 Kee Bird. They cheered the same way when they started it's first engine.
Dylan1191698 2 years ago
i hope they keep this plane flying for many more years.
singningwongho 2 years ago 10
@singningwongho
I was told by a reliable source that they ffa wouldnt let these birds fly because the engines were not reliable enough. Col Morgan was one of the first to fly these and he liked his b17 much better. He said if you lost an engine (which happened frequently) you better find an airport fast because you were going to loose altitude. FFA found too much metal shavings in the oil screen on these engines and grounded them.
denny1000o 9 months ago
@denny1000o such a shame. i know it would be an original if they replaced the engines with something neweer and more reliable, but it would b great to see them still flying. regardless of what engine they have.
they could probably modify the exhausts and other components to try and imitate the same sound.
singningwongho 9 months ago
@denny1000o
FIFI currently flies with custom 3350 engines using the best and most reliable parts combined from several engine sub-series. The custom engines were built to address reliability and serviceability, and offer more power if needed.
FiveCentsPlease 8 months ago
@FiveCentsPlease
Very happy to hear that. Hope to meet her someday
24preacherboy 8 months ago
Beautiful! It's about time!!!! 3 more!
sprinkles2002007 2 years ago 8