Warbird Information Exchange

Hi all,
Well I thought I'd follow Forgotten Field's lead of posting images of unidentified parts. This part is clearly labelled as being a Boeing item and I'm thinking that it almost has to be B-29 (yes there was a B-29 in the area where I acquired this part).

Perhaps someone here might know something more specific about its use.

Cheers,
Matt

...but cool item. Angle gear box, heavy forging- cowl flap actuator, or part of the linkage? What do the input and output shaft ends look like? A photo of those might be useful. Trevor will be on here salivating after too long. Trevor, you owe me inspiration tax for this "find" if it turns out to be B29! Got more of this great stuff? Got any B24 Liberator, Grumman Duck, or other goodies?

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Hi John (FF),
If it turns out that more detail is required then I'll snap some more shots. I've certainly got a bunch of unidentified parts and I'll slowly post images on here. Thought I'd start with an easy (well it's most likely B-29) item first. There are definitely some B-24 bits amongst the stuff and although I might show these on here, the Australian B-24 restoration crew have first option if I decide to dispose of them. Those guys need all the help they can get for their great project.

I'm looking forward to hearing Trevor's thoughts since he does seem to be quite knowledgeable on the B-29. As an aside, I've tried on numerous occassions to access the 'Airframe' section of your website without any success. I know that others have had similar problems. It seems strange since all other sections of the site work perfectly.

Cheers,
Matt

It would appear my reputation proceeds me! (sorry, always wanted to say that!)

Guys, this is an interesting part. When I first laid eyes on it, I was really racking my brain trying to figure out what it was exactly! I went through the whole A/C in my head, and then hit the manuals...and yet I still cannot say with a certainty what exactly it is. I do however, have a strong suspicion that it is a gear box for the bomb bay doors. In fact I'm almost sure of it. Of course, none of my books have a picture of these things, only simple drawings showing how the whole system works. I even went so far as to remove the "holy grail" from it's gold inlaid, crushed red velvet display case -- My XB-29 manual (yes, original!) Even it didn't have a picture of these gear boxes, but it did give a part number, which was very close to what's on your box Matt. I'll have an IPB in a few weeks, so I'll be able to say for sure then. But again, it really couldn't be anything else that I can think of.

Do you have other B-29 parts?

Trevor~

John, are you secretly building up a -24 and not telling???

Man, I gotta tell ya about the stash of -24 parts I passed up a few months ago. YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE! Enough to make you cry, I feel a little misty eye just thinking about it!

Hi Trevor,
Your reputation certainly did proceed you as a result of reading your various posts on here over time. I have to say that I'm glad I've provided something of a challenge mate. Can't have things being too easy!

It'll be interesting to hear confirmation of whether the part is definitely part of the bomb bay door set up, although your knowledge/research indicates it will be. If you think that any other photos of it might be of assistance then let me know and I'll snap some. If I think of it sometime then I'll also try to let you know of any other numbers that might be on the piece.

I seem to think that there's at least one other (that I know of) B-29 piece among the miscellaneous bits. I'll be slowly posting photos of unidentified bits much like John does so keep an eye out over time.

As an aside, what are your exact ambitions with the B-29 mate? I think I've read that you're working on a tail gunner's position at least. Hope you don't mind me asking. If you'd prefer to answer through PM then feel free to do so. They're a great looking plane and it'll be great to see one in the flesh when I can return to America one of these years.

Cheers,
Matt