Araticle Re: B-29 "Doc"

[Pathfinder]

Picked this up off another forum this morning....

http://www.kansas.com/news/business/avi ... 46947.html

[Pat Carry]

A good article. We can for sure wait 'till spring!

[markboss]

Thanks for the link...
Looks good for the first flight!!

[p51]

At the risk of sounding crass, they've had plenty of dealines come and go, as have most groups in positions to restore and fly far simpler airplanes than a B-29.
Won't hold my breath. When I read that the FAA has signed off on the test flight and they've already done engine and taxi tests, THEN I'll start getting excited.

[K5DH]

The article states: "Doc is the last known B-29 able to be restored to flying condition." I disagree. Kermit Weeks has a former flier in storage that could be brought back to flying condition (with a suitably large amount of funding applied, of course!).

I'm really excited about seeing Doc fly. I'm also really excited about seeing Doc and FIFI fly together! Other than during the filming of "Last Flight of Noah's Ark", has there even been an occasion with two or more civilian-owned B-29s flying together?

As for Doc's first flight, the time will come when it comes. And I'll be waiting with great anticipation...

[Pat Carry]

The article states: "Doc is the last known B-29 able to be restored to flying condition." I disagree. Kermit Weeks has a former flier in storage that could be brought back to flying condition (with a suitably large amount of funding applied, of course!).

I'm really excited about seeing Doc fly. I'm also really excited about seeing Doc and FIFI fly together! Other than during the filming of "Last Flight of Noah's Ark", has there even been an occasion with two or more civilian-owned B-29s flying together?

As for Doc's first flight, the time will come when it comes. And I'll be waiting with great anticipation...

Doesn't he have 2, the one in Florida and the one currently for sale on the aero trader website?

[Pat Carry]

Well I just checked the aero trader website. The B-29 is no longer listed as being 4 sale.

[JohnH]

The article states: "Doc is the last known B-29 able to be restored to flying condition." I disagree. Kermit Weeks has a former flier in storage that could be brought back to flying condition (with a suitably large amount of funding applied, of course!).

I'm really excited about seeing Doc fly. I'm also really excited about seeing Doc and FIFI fly together! Other than during the filming of "Last Flight of Noah's Ark", has there even been an occasion with two or more civilian-owned B-29s flying together?

As for Doc's first flight, the time will come when it comes. And I'll be waiting with great anticipation...

Yea definitely Doc is not the last. But would take a very dedicated individual with a huge investment of funds like Paul Allen to get another 29 flying. Kermit certainly will
never do this. I hope somebody does.

[p51]

Unless a specific airplane is the last of its type anywhere, you can't say it's the last that could be restored. In most cases it's just a matter of how much time and money you're willing to throw into an airplane.

[tulsaboy]

I believe that Hawgs Wild, the one over in the UK, was flown there from the US in the 1980's. I'd be willing to bet that it could fly again, as it is substantially complete, though it never will.
kevin

[maxum96]

I believe that Hawgs Wild, the one over in the UK, was flown there from the US in the 1980's. I'd be willing to bet that it could fly again, as it is substantially complete, though it never will.
kevin

WIX's own Taigh Ramey flew on part of the trip to take the B-29 to the UK. Here's a link to Taigh's page with information and pictures of the trip,

http://www.twinbeech.com/B-29HawgWild.htm

[Chris Brame]

Other than during the filming of "Last Flight of Noah's Ark", has there even been an occasion with two or more civilian-owned B-29s flying together?

Yes, for the filming of the Enola Gay TV movie at Davis-Monthan in 1980; that one had FiFi and Fertile Myrtle as flyables plus Pima County's Sentimental Journey static as set dressing to fill out the shots.

[APG85]

Two B-29's in the air and on the ground together at one time. The warbird community is really in for a treat. Hope everyone has their cameras ready to go when the stars align for this...

[K5DH]

Other than during the filming of "Last Flight of Noah's Ark", has there even been an occasion with two or more civilian-owned B-29s flying together?

Yes, for the filming of the Enola Gay TV movie at Davis-Monthan in 1980; that one had FiFi and Fertile Myrtle as flyables plus Pima County's Sentimental Journey static as set dressing to fill out the shots.

D'oh!

How could I have forgotten that one? Patrick Duffy (universally known as Bobby Ewing from the TV series "Dallas") played Paul Tibbets in that film. I met Duffy once. Nice fellow. He was one of the featured "Meet the big TV/Movie Star" people at the Dallas Autorama car show. At the time, Dallas was going strong, and nearly everyone was calling him "Bobby" or "Mr. Ewing", and a few people were bringing up "Man From Atlantis" (ugh). He was astounded when I complimented him on Enola Gay. His face lit up, and he stood up from his chair with a huge smile and gave me a big, hearty handshake. He said it was a lot of fun making that movie, and he told me that I was the only person he'd met all day who'd even mentioned it! I felt pretty good for having made his day!

[p51]

The first time I ever saw CAFs FiFi, she still had the 'ghost' remains of the markings from the Enola Gay TV movie partially on the nose. I did see it when it oriignally aired but I was a kid then and don't recall any details.
I am curious how cooperative the CAF will be with flying with Doc once she takes to the air. I assume most operators would rather be the 'only game in town' most of the time to assure tour and flight fees where they go?