Hopes High That B-29 ‘Doc’ Will Fly in 2014

[Bomber_12th]

Here's a recent news article about the restoration of the B-29 "Doc": http://www.kansas.com/2014/01/01/3206432/hopes-high-that-restored-b-29.html

As mentioned in the article, the hope is to have the aircraft flying this year. As I've mentioned before, the decision was made about a year ago to fit the same upgraded engines that were built for "FIFI", and of which have been running superbly on that aircraft. I believe the "Doc" crew have all of the completed engines now, have all of the nacelles fitted, and have the first engine permanently hung. It sounds like they may have been able to source a complete set of turrets for the aircraft, but, if so, these will not be fitted until after the aircraft is flying (as with other authentic interior details, period radios, etc). The plan is to be having ground runs starting in May, and be flying in June or July, but there is a lot of work still remaining to be done. The "Doc" crew will also soon be having their first B-29 ground school, together with the CAF's "FIFI" crew. It also sounds like the aircraft is getting a new polishing, when/where possible, returning it back to the fantastic finish it had several years ago. For their Christmas party, they ran the formation/strobe lights on the wings as christmas lights. : )

Continuing updates on the project can be followed at their Facebook page (along with recent photos): https://www.facebook.com/#!/DocsFriends
(https://www.facebook.com/#!/DocsFriends)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Bomber_12th022/20131204_114354_zps670b4aaa.jpg~original (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Bomber_12th/media/Bomber_12th022/20131204_114354_zps670b4aaa.jpg.html)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Bomber_12th022/20131120_115456_zpsbed62b66.jpg~original (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Bomber_12th/media/Bomber_12th022/20131120_115456_zpsbed62b66.jpg.html)

[Bomber_12th]

Here's another little update: http://www.warbirdsnews.com/warbird-restorations/b-29-doc-update.html

I keep looking forward to the day we see it with all four engines, props, and cowls fitted - though the photos of Doc currently, look very reminiscent of a 1944/45 Boeing factory scene. The three engines not yet fitted appear to be ready now to be hoisted and bolted on, based on the first photo in the article.

I've heard mention that one of the team's goals is to fly the aircraft to EAA Airventure Oshkosh this summer, as long as they can get the aircraft flying by the end of June. It does sound like they are putting quite a large number of man hours on the aircraft every day.

[stansdds]

It would be absolutely incredible to have two airworthy B-29's! :jump:

[Bomber_12th]

Here's an indication of just how shiny this aircraft is going to be, having been polished up until this point when the photo was taken a month ago (note, this aircraft will eventually have turrets fitted, but very likely not until after it's flying and not until it is in for annual maintenance). They've been making some modifications to the interior, from the initial fully stock fit-out, to support the nation-wide cross-country flights and ride program it will be undertaking - more modern avionics, more room for passengers and seating accommodations, etc.

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/1383440_269508066548978_456713372_n.jpg

[Daveroo]

wow..thats cool..but..were they that shiney in WWII?.....and whats the best ?..shiny for show?..or dull and flat for accuracy?


and i just wanna see either one of them at some point..

[Bomber_12th]

Fairly close, but not quite so much - of course in original production the metal was indeed shiny, but that was because it was new, rather than purposely polished. The polishing being done on the aircraft is to take the grime off the metal which had collected while it was sitting outside for two-three years when it didn't have a hangar (prior to its latest ownership). It will look stunning when the polishing is completed and the aircraft is rolled out into the sunlight. I know with a bare metal aircraft, regular polishing is a must in order to keep corrosion at bay - which is the biggest reason why you usually don't see too many warbirds of great size operating today that are bare metal (that, and covering up bad sheet-metal work - it's amazing what some bondo and paint will hide).

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d3/B-29_in_flight.jpg

[Bomber_12th]

Note in the last photo posted, you can see sections of the wing upper surface and the center section (all one assembly, centering around the wing spars), painted silver. This seems to have been the common finishing process amongst all B-29 production - with these sections all primered first (yellow zinc chromate), and then painted silver to better blend with the natural aluminum of the rest of the airframe. This would have been the same silver paint/dope used on the fabric control surfaces.

[StormILM]

Been keeping up with Doc for a good while now. Maybe before long, a rare formation could happen between Doc and FIFI. I hope all goes well with Doc getting airborne and that no major problems arise prior to and during it's flight testing. I know Doc will be in expert hands but I think I'm not alone in having worries/nervousness about certain aspects of operating aircraft of such age and complexity. Fingers crossed that all goes well & safely.......

[robert41]

Thanks for the update. Hope to see her at Oshkosh.

[Panther_99FS]

Definitely good to get her airborne!

[Bomber_12th]

Here is the latest photo from the Doc's Friends Facebook page.

All four engines and props are now permanently mounted. What a thrill it is to see this aircraft ever more complete and looking closer to being ready to fly! As related on their FB page, the aircraft won't be flying in-time for Oshkosh, though they will have a couple of booths setup at the show. The first flight is now projected for sometime this fall. They are already beginning the planning stages for airshows next year.

Note, all of the engines except for the most recently mounted have been progressing further with the fitting of cowl formers and the cowlings themselves. The leading edges of the aircraft will likely be going on soon, as well as the fitting of the new fuel tanks. Still some systems work and some modifications to be done on the interior, and as one can see, there is a lot of airframe remaining to be polished (only the rear fuselage/tail has received a recent polishing).

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Bomber_12th001/10379919_311994998966951_104273310603831231_o_zpsa 2b22baf.jpg~original (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Bomber_12th/media/Bomber_12th001/10379919_311994998966951_104273310603831231_o_zpsa 2b22baf.jpg.html)