CAF Press Release: Fifi Agather Passes Away

[Ryan Keough]

Released by CAF Public Relations

FIFI AGATHER, NAMESAKE FOR B-29, PASSES AWAY

MIDLAND, TEXAS (Oct. 8, 2007) – Josephine “Fifi” O’Connor Agather, namesake of the Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) B-29 FIFI, passed away Sept. 22, 2007. The B-29 is the last airworthy B-29 Superfortress in the world.

In the 1960s, Victor Agather spearheaded the drive to add a B-29 to the CAF’s fleet and then successfully worked to remove the “no-fly” clause in the original agreement wit the Air Force. As a result, in 1974 the aircraft was named FIFI in honor of Agather’s wife.

The only remaining airworthy B-29 in the world, FIFI is currently on display at CAF International Headquarters in Midland, Texas, until the B-29/B-24 Squadron of the CAF raises $3 million to customize new engines for it. The B-29 was originally fitted with the Wright R-3350-57AM engine, which has had a less-than-desirable reputation since its inception. True to this reputation, FIFI has experienced numerous problems with its engines in the 30-plus years it has been flying with the CAF. Current plans are to combine R-3350-95W and R-3350-26WD

engines to customize engines for the B-29, but the B-29/B-24 Squadron must raise the funds before work on the engines begins. For information on donating to FIFI call (432) 563-1000, ext. 0 or go to www.commemorativeairforce.org and click on the “Save Fifi” link.

[Warbird Kid]

Always wondered where the name came from.

Sad to hear her passing though.

Now my question is this,

Is there a chance that during the rebuild process for the engines, we see Fifi shed her former scheme too? Blastmphy! I know but again, she can still be Fifi too.

What if you were to designate either the right or left side with the now famous name? Then you had the rest of the bomber to work with.

[Tigercat]

Always wondered where the name came from.

Sad to hear her passing though.

Now my question is this,

Is there a chance that during the rebuild process for the engines, we see Fifi shed her former scheme too? Blastmphy! I know but again, she can still be Fifi too.

What if you were to designate either the right or left side with the now famous name? Then you had the rest of the bomber to work with.

Agree with you.


TC

[Connery]

It would really been neat to see her fly with the original OD Green/Gray scheme. At least for a season.

[Mike]

I see they're still asking for $3m for the engines. Does mean that the promised $2m donation from Joe Jamieson never materialized?

http://www.commemorativeairforce.org/fo ... nity.shtml

[Second Air Force]

Our condolences to the family.

Scott and Ellen

[Django]

Godspeed to her.

[retroaviation]

All, thanks for the condolences for the passing of Fifi Agather. We appreciate the kind words and thoughts.

Warbird Kid & Tigercat, there has been discussion about changing the paint scheme to the way the airplane was painted when discovered in China Lake, however, the FIFI name will be retained. But frankly, I'm waaaay more interested in getting her flying first. We'll worry about the paint scheme later, okay?

Connery, this airplane never had the OD Green paint. That was primarily for the early B-29's, if my memory serves me right. Either way, 44-62070 was never green, so it's highly unlikely that I'll ever paint it that way.

Mike, as of right now, the money that was pledged has not yet been donated. I'm told it's still coming, but who knows? There are other fund raising ideas in the works, however.

I'll be happy to discuss any further FIFI (the B-29) questions on another thread, but let's save this one for Mrs. Agather.

Thanks,
Gary

[Robbie Stuart]

I have put the family in my prayers also.
Robbie

[Connery]

Connery, this airplane never had the OD Green paint. That was primarily for the early B-29's, if my memory serves me right. Either way, 44-62070 was never green, so it's highly unlikely that I'll ever paint it that way.

Gary,

That's what I meant, the OD/Gray scheme like the original (early) B-29's. I know it would never get painted that way, but it would be neat to see.

[retroaviation]

I like that scheme too, but unless it's temporary (for a movie or something), it's very doubtful that FIFI will carry those colors.

Gary

[Glen]

Had the honor of getting to meet FiFi at a Airsho in the Valley in the early Eightys very nice lady . She will be missed but not forgoten God Speed