Dave~What's the plan for FIFI?

[warbird1]

I am sorry to tell you all this but I have been asked by my Squadron Staff to go into "Skunk Works" mode!! The B-29 will be flying soon but details on our efforts leading up to that day, will be very limited to those on a need to know basis.
Thanks for watching and continue to be mindful of the cause;
Honor those that served and remember there sacrifices.
Educate current and future generations.
Lest we Forget.
Dave

Why all the secrecy? I thought with this thread being started that you would want everyone to know about what is going on. Has there been a change in CAF policy regarding transparency?

- Confused

[Brad]

Why all the secrecy? I thought with this thread being started that you would want everyone to know about what is going on. Has there been a change in CAF policy regarding transparency?

- Confused

I don't think Dave will be mad if I answer for him....

It's not secrecy or any kind of conspiracy and nothing is being hidden. People are free to come on down to the hanger, preferably with a checkbook in hand, to see what is happening.

It's just simply because while we finish the last of the job of returning FiFi to the air, having people coming around just because they want to see the first flight, gear swings, first run of all four engines, first taxi, etc...is a distraction.

Anything that takes away from the job of finishing a multi year project like this is just a bad idea. In a nut shell, we don't need distractions. Dave is busy enough as it is. If all goes according to plan, FiFi will be airborn in less than a month.

[warbird1]

Why all the secrecy? I thought with this thread being started that you would want everyone to know about what is going on. Has there been a change in CAF policy regarding transparency?

- Confused

I don't think Dave will be mad if I answer for him....

It's not secrecy or any kind of conspiracy and nothing is being hidden. People are free to come on down to the hanger, preferably with a checkbook in hand, to see what is happening.

It's just simply because while we finish the last of the job of returning FiFi to the air, having people coming around just because they want to see the first flight, gear swings, first run of all four engines, first taxi, etc...is a distraction.

Anything that takes away from the job of finishing a multi year project like this is just a bad idea. In a nut shell, we don't need distractions. Dave is busy enough as it is. If all goes according to plan, FiFi will be airborn in less than a month.

Okay, thanks for the explanation. From what was said earlier, it implied that the CAF did not want the information out in the public domain, inferring that they wanted to control the flow of info with press releases, etc. When someone mentions "Skunk Works", it implies secrecy and evasiveness. So the real reason is not so much secrecy, as it is you don't want people to bother you with the added distractions of showing up during critical milestones on the road to flight. Now, it makes sense and I completely understand. Good luck guys and gals helping out!

Last edited by warbird1 on Fri May 14, 2010 6:19 am, edited 1 time in total.

[warbird1]

*duplicate post*

[Django]

I understand the need for focused work in the last part of the project, especially with folks just dropping in. But I do not understand the "need to know basis" message here on this site. What's the harm in continuing to post progress and a couple pics??

Best of luck in the home stretch!

[B29B24crewchief]

Shhhh, notice anything different??


Col. Mosquito!

[Bear]

That's fantastic!!!

[b29flteng]

The Sun is shining ?

We're having a turd floating rain today here....

[spookythecat]

My eyes feel watery. Must be allergies.

[Dan K]

Looks great, Col. Mossie...mum's the word!

Waiting patiently for that 72-cylinder carbon footprint.

Shhhh, notice anything different??


Col. Mosquito!

[Django]

I knew we could count on Mossie to keep us in the loop!

[Taylor Stevenson]

I understand the need for focused work in the last part of the project, especially with folks just dropping in. But I do not understand the "need to know basis" message here on this site. What's the harm in continuing to post progress and a couple pics??

Best of luck in the home stretch!

if I had to guess, it is that those working on the aircraft have a lot on their plate right now getting her safely in the air and may not have the time to post photos of their every step etc. I personally would rather them work on the aircraft so the following generations can experience a B-29 than get daily updates of the progress. Plus, if you have ever worked on a warbird the most unpredictable thing is predicting when the first flight will be. There is no secracy with most warbirds, there are just so many hours on the day. Gary Austin was the exception to the rule. He spent 12 hours working on the aircraft and sacrificed three more posting for us. From me to Dave miller and the restoration crew, thank you and keep turning wrenches. I'll see it fly, when I see it fly.

[B29B24crewchief]

Took today off to get some yard work done at home and spend some time with the Wifey and watch the Dover race! Have to do that every now and then. Kyle Busch won and that sucks!!
There are many things that are coming up, that will be very exciting. I'll do the best I can to keep up with what needs done and what I can post. There will be some things going to HQ that you will find on the CAF website and some things going to the B-29/B-24 Squadron website as well. Stay tuned to both would be my advise.
Here's a couple of pics from last weekends ground school crew that came out for alittle help.
This is Mac , working on the oil transfer pump I just aquired for the engine oil tank filling system that was installed about 10 years ago. The pump was toast when I got here last year and it took quite some time locating the right pump for the job but this one should do the trick. C-97 oil transfer pump!! For those that don't know, the center fuel tank was deactivated and a oil tank was fabricated to fit inside the old fuel tank after the bladder was removed. Then it was plumbed so that a pump and valve system could deliver fresh clean oil to the respective engine oil tanks. The pump was also capable of removing the oil from a 55 gal. drum delieved to the airplane for that purpose, and putting it into the storage tank. Very nice!!!

Of course, you know Chief Flynn, he is here working the torque wrench for the engine #4 mount bolts.

This is right after we got the #4 engine hung and the "Chief" is checking the alignment of the cotter pin holes.

I had a moment to go to the front of the hangar and look at this from a different perspective. The symphany was here setting up tables and chairs for a concert Saturday nite and the front of the hangar was free of the C46 and the JU52. I went to get my camera because it has been a year and a half since all 4 engines were on this plane. It just kinda hit me!!

This is some but not all of those "B-29 Superfortress Maintenance Crew" for a photo op.
Some have worked many and some have worked few, but all have been here and earned there share of this moment.

Dave

[B29B24crewchief]

Gear doors will reappear soon with some changes!!



Dave

[67N20]

Hope to see FIFI at Wings Over Houston this fall.