B24 at China Lake...

[m50a1ontos]

IIRC, and it has been a while. That's XE 501, one of the Boeing wing A-6's. I worked on that bird.......

When the Navy decided it no longer wanted them, They were dragged out into the desert and used as targets. Cheaper than flying them to DM. One did get saved, and is on display at the base museum.

[SaxMan]

There's also the remains of some kind of patrol boat on the east side of the range. Can't tell what it was originally.

[m50a1ontos]

I was told that it was a drug boat or some such. Confiscated by some agency. The Navy needed a similar type vessel for a target, so it was shipped up here.

Rumor control had it, a mission was planned and the target was a fishing boat......like that one.

This was back in the days when we did things like that.

Now we send aid packages!

[Nathan]

n/t

[Flat 12x2]

There's also the remains of some kind of patrol boat on the east side of the range. Can't tell what it was originally.

from http://www.chinalakealumni.org/1995/1995.htm

This was it, old hydro foil, ex navy ex passenger boat 'Gulf Streak'

[Flat 12x2]

The B-29's still at China Lake ranges 1995 from http://www.chinalakealumni.org/1995/1995.htm
The one at airport lake s/n 44-69957



The Echo range one s/n 44-62134



Both in the same locations/condition visible on new Google Earth images

This one was at airport lake just south of 44-69957 in 1995
Now in the museum compound, I/D as Here's Hopin 44-70102

[muddyboots]

Why the heck did I get fixated on a B24? I knew the danged thing was a B29 the whole time
Must have been the divorce messing with my head.

[davidwomacks]

Why is the Navy so against warbirds? I mean if someone finds a Corsair the navy wont let them recover it ect. Why is it that way? Did somone p*SS off the Navy or are they just jerks who'd rather see everything rot?

[Warbird Kid]

Why the heck did I get fixated on a B24? I knew the danged thing was a B29 the whole time
Must have been the divorce messing with my head.

Maybe you wanted to see a B-24. I know I would. I'd hope to discover one of those rare animals, way out there. Knowing that their we're B-29's there, only made it that much more possible. Would be amazing to see one recovered fairly intact.

[Digger]

Very interesting thread.

the layout of some sites look familiar in as much as they appear to be VIP Protection training sites and or anti terror training areas.

could explain the numerous "go away" responses people seem to get.

But what I wanted to say, which maybe obvious to most is, this thread, plus what's left of Kee Bird plus some other sites and collections that retain B-29

remains, doesn't that justify the effort to perhaps create another B-29? even if its a static? These wrecks, hulks, scrap heaps are now officially "Heritage" items

and perhaps that's an angle that cold be explored? just a few thoughts, back to you.

[sandiego89]

Very interesting thread.

the layout of some sites look familiar in as much as they appear to be VIP Protection training sites and or anti terror training areas.

could explain the numerous "go away" responses people seem to get.

But what I wanted to say, which maybe obvious to most is, this thread, plus what's left of Kee Bird plus some other sites and collections that retain B-29

remains, doesn't that justify the effort to perhaps create another B-29? even if its a static? These wrecks, hulks, scrap heaps are now officially "Heritage" items

and perhaps that's an angle that cold be explored? just a few thoughts, back to you.

Yes, interesting topic. As for the B-29's I think it is pretty clear that what is left on the range at China Lake would make less than an airframe, and would be a major project. Perhaps efforts could be better spent on getting the complete airframes that do survive into better shape and indoors. Several B-29's on oudoor display are marginal and may not survive much longer without help. The ones at Tinker, Hill and Barksdale arguably are those that need the most help. Some are stipped inside. There are also two in desert storage (one for sale!). Perhaps the B-29 "Lady of the Lake" in Alaska would be worth a more detailed look.

[Digger]

Thanks for that feedback, being in Australia and therefore making me an observer gives me limited information to what's possible and what's not.

but I most certainly agree that a priority list should guide any response to aircraft preservation, perhaps a hybrid B-29 could be made from all the bits and pieces

with an intent to replace one of those you have suggested is more worthy of attention. Nevertheless its a great thread and I have gleaned a lot of valuable insights

from the comments. Just sad to see these remains apparently wasting away.

[Digger]

Just adding a couple of more comments.

I've chatted with a few B-17 and B-29 collectors of recent, people like Bruce Orriss, does he still have that B-29 nose section?

Perhaps an good old fashioned parts drive (media coverage and radio, warbird publications) could also bring about some interesting items currently locked away or stored in a barn and forgotten about.

anyway, I'm sure these and other ideas have been considered especially when comparing the cost of travelling to Guam or other far off distant places, when a lot could be collected within the mainland states.