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
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.
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.
As an old ME who built the Renwal “Visible Radial” around 1962, I know what you are saying about that sound! Still sends shivers down my spine and arms.
Loved the “Little Friend” escort / chase plane — what a great touch!
When I was a young boy in El Paso, Texas I often saw those 6 enginened, 4 jet monsters landing at Biggs Field. It was impressive. Later I saw B47s and lastly the greatest beast of all, the B52. The BUFF is still flying and ready to render great grief on enemies a continent away.
The B52 has 8 jet turbines. A 52 had a turbine out and requested priority landing. The next thing heard on the radio from a fighter jock was, “Ah, the dreaded 7 engine approach.”