I had the "pleasure" of changing an engine and nacelle on a B-29 back in the 1980's at the Bradley Air Museum. The aircraft had received minor damage when a tornado lifted it off the ground and carried it a short distance.
The new parts were obtained somewhere out west and were stenciled with the words, "Target Material".
My boys and I saw FIFI fly in for a Pratt & Whitney air show years ago. It was quite a thrill!
Just wondering? Did Jimmy Leeward ever fly in to check out these birds. Very sad such a fine guy is now gone, but at least he died doing what he loved and quickly at that. Great video guys! B29 is my favourite bomber..man I'd love to be here and chat aircraft all day, These old birds are worth every penny spent and the "guy's and gals who work on these planes I can't thank you guys enough for keeping such fine aviation history flying for future generations to enjoy.
Loved your video! Would have loved to have lended my expertise to the project (Instrument systems). Worked many, many hours on the old C-118A, "Liftmaster", airplane. Lots and lots of AC and DC instrument systems; some Autosyn Synchro sytems; also, Magnesyn systems; capactivite fuel quantity, et al. Would have been fun. Did you guys have to submit a load of 337's, through the FAA, to fly this plane? Hope not! How about any STC's? Again, hope not!
Still perplexed why the "Doc" team will not use these new hybrid engines also, since they will be offer better reliability and easier maintenance. I know Boeing specified that Doc be 100% original, but the new engines offer a better safety margin for flight.
I cannot express how happy this makes me feel, whenever I see volunteers like yourselves doing what you like. You are preserving, not only a plane but also, a legacy.
I had heard that most of the B29 engines were manufactured by the Dodge div. of Chrysler Corp. Were these "new" engines made by Dodge or Wright ? Are these "newer style" engines being installed in Fifi Post war or later WW2 vintage -Thanks
Watched her land, shutdown, startup, and takeoff at work at Meacham field in Fort Worth. There is nothing like the sound of those engines. Would LOVE to have a day of radial noise, instead of these damn jets haha...Live, and fly long "Fifi".
YES YES COME ON FIFI
OFFSHORERACEING 1 month ago
If i didnt live so far from where you work on these birds i'd be there in a heartbeat!!!
cott10r 1 month ago
It's incredible that after thousands produced just one survive...
dot13badj 1 month ago
If I lived in the USA you would have to fight me off with a stick to stop me working on something like this !!
turboslag 3 months ago
I had the "pleasure" of changing an engine and nacelle on a B-29 back in the 1980's at the Bradley Air Museum. The aircraft had received minor damage when a tornado lifted it off the ground and carried it a short distance.
The new parts were obtained somewhere out west and were stenciled with the words, "Target Material".
My boys and I saw FIFI fly in for a Pratt & Whitney air show years ago. It was quite a thrill!
albionsseed 4 months ago
Just wondering? Did Jimmy Leeward ever fly in to check out these birds. Very sad such a fine guy is now gone, but at least he died doing what he loved and quickly at that. Great video guys! B29 is my favourite bomber..man I'd love to be here and chat aircraft all day, These old birds are worth every penny spent and the "guy's and gals who work on these planes I can't thank you guys enough for keeping such fine aviation history flying for future generations to enjoy.
RFKFANTS67 4 months ago
Loved your video! Would have loved to have lended my expertise to the project (Instrument systems). Worked many, many hours on the old C-118A, "Liftmaster", airplane. Lots and lots of AC and DC instrument systems; some Autosyn Synchro sytems; also, Magnesyn systems; capactivite fuel quantity, et al. Would have been fun. Did you guys have to submit a load of 337's, through the FAA, to fly this plane? Hope not! How about any STC's? Again, hope not!
mmichaeldonavon 4 months ago
When I was a kid we heard large radials all the time. Now they are gone. Keep them flying, please!
sablatnic 5 months ago
Keep 'er Flying!!!! Just talk nice to her if she starts to misbehave lol!
chubsmagoo 6 months ago
I now have a spark plug from this plane.
BH061595 7 months ago
@BH061595 Are you addicted to "spark plugging" yet?
MrGotsquashed 4 months ago
@MrGotsquashed No, I just want to have the rights to say I own part of this plane ;)
BH061595 3 months ago
Thanks for keeping her flying!!!
Stack151 8 months ago 2
i would love to be taught engines by these guys
tippman2k01 9 months ago
America owes you guys a debt of gratitude for up keeping one of our national treasures!
tobigforyou 1 year ago
Still perplexed why the "Doc" team will not use these new hybrid engines also, since they will be offer better reliability and easier maintenance. I know Boeing specified that Doc be 100% original, but the new engines offer a better safety margin for flight.
FiveCentsPlease 1 year ago
I cannot express how happy this makes me feel, whenever I see volunteers like yourselves doing what you like. You are preserving, not only a plane but also, a legacy.
BikerRussell 1 year ago
I had heard that most of the B29 engines were manufactured by the Dodge div. of Chrysler Corp. Were these "new" engines made by Dodge or Wright ? Are these "newer style" engines being installed in Fifi Post war or later WW2 vintage -Thanks
4thstooge 1 year ago
Watched her land, shutdown, startup, and takeoff at work at Meacham field in Fort Worth. There is nothing like the sound of those engines. Would LOVE to have a day of radial noise, instead of these damn jets haha...Live, and fly long "Fifi".
Lostinkmart167 1 year ago
i saw her fly in midland tx at her home and the new ingens r wonderfull she is so butiful flyin in the sky angen go fifi
ya she is in the agean
pbrcowboy19851212 1 year ago
i wanna see this plane at our airshow in geneseo, ny. she is wonderful
ad356 1 year ago
I am loving the progress you guys are making! Keep it up!!!!
jonnybanger 1 year ago
good job lads,that would be great to see her somewhere over europe now...
radx78 1 year ago
man id love to see a squadron of these plus escorts for one last time
siralexu 1 year ago
need some KC-97L mechanics to show ya how to change engines.... hah!
watchgoose 1 year ago