Posted on 11/07/2016 6:34:11 AM PST by PeteePie
I know we're all wired into the 'best election ever' but here's a little slice of cool news and views regarding the B-29, Doc. Video at link.
(Excerpt) Read more at b-29doc.com ...
Thought you’d like this.
What a beautiful machine!
Awesome!
Isn’t the sight of that polished metal glimmering just the best? I can’t wait to see this on the airshow circuit this summer, hopefully.
Looked like they made the softest landing possible. What a great video!
Curious, is DOC a line-sister of “FiFi” and “Enola Gay”?
I’m a car guy at heart, and these days I barely make it to one car show a summer, so an airshow’s pretty much off my radar.
But those old bombers really do something for me. B25’s are one of my personal favorites, but I’d love to get up close to a B17 or B29 too.
Doc is one of 1,644 manufactured in Wichita during World War II. Fifi was built in Renton, WA. Enola Gay was built at the Nebraska plant. Man, the power of our industrial might during that war is staggering.
To me the sight of those old aircraft are a beautiful thing, but the *SOUND* is the most glorious industrial ‘music’ you will ever hear.
I have heard B-17s, DC-6s, Lockheed Constellations, B-29s, even B-36s.
NOTHING beats the sound of those 4 big radials.
First DOC engine start — https://youtu.be/3QkXOdX6iR4
I hear ya, love those vintage autos, smitten with chrome and the deep-throated hum of their V-8s! I try to hit the local car show here on Fridays during the summer. But hearing the chug of a radial or the precision buzz of an inline aircraft engine beats them all hands down.
You’re a lucky man! I’ve only heard the sound of a B-36 on film. I’d give anything to see one fly again. Pipe dream for sure. Those machines were so complex and had so many moving parts that there was always something different breaking down. I guess the magnesium components would have long since degraded on any of the nicer static examples too. I’m guessing that would be a multi-hundred million $$$$ project these days. Oh well, there’s always imagination.
Agreed. I am related through several “layers” to the Willow Run facility in MI. My grandfather (WWII), father (Korea) and past employer have real history in SE-MI manufacturing extending into the automotive industry, post 1945.
I also was employed (for a time and long after the war) by the same factory that produced the Mg-Al engine block that flew out of W.R. in WWII. They (our workers) embraced their history. They are now gone and shuttered; Bohn Brass & Metalworks.
Although I was born in 1958, I enjoy maintaining the history of SE-MI in my family.
There are a handful of American airplanes and one Japanese airplane that I can identify from the sound alone.
The B29 was the first. On the rare occasions when I get to hear one again it brings back very clear memories including crawling through the tunnel to the rear gunner position.
Thank you for this post!
This plane is a work of art, For the design, engineering and all those who built her and her mates. Especially those who rebuilt “Doc”!
The Mustang looked great alongside.
In 1945, at age 10, I built a B-29 balsa model, and now at age 81, I see this though tears.
The watch I’m wearing since 1990 was worn by a Radioman on a B-29, that flew missions over Japan.
Awesome! Thanks for posting.
Her first flight was from McConnell AFB. I was stationed there for six years and wish I could have been there to visit and see her fly that first time.
Back in 1983 or 84 (time blurs memories) I was asked to lead an Honor Guard for FiFi after she arrived at our local airport for an airshow. After my troops were done the crew let us inside and we got a nose to tail tour and I was just awestruck. She was beautiful.
While my Dad was over in England with the B-17s and the 8th Air Force my Mom was at Willow Run riveting wing panels on B-24 Liberators.
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