Author Topic: Restored B-29 "Doc" takes to the air yesterday in Wichita  (Read 800 times)

Offline oboe

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Restored B-29 "Doc" takes to the air yesterday in Wichita
« on: July 18, 2016, 10:19:59 AM »


What a majestic aircraft.   Good to see her in the air.

The other day I saw a young boy out for a walk with his mom.  I hear him yell "Oh my God!" and at the same time, I hear the unmistakable rumble of WWII radials.  I look out my window and see a B-17 flying south at low level along the foothills (I think it was the Collings Foundation B-17, on the way back to Colorado Springs - I heard it was there recently for a visit).

It just struck me, this scene could've been played out exactly the same 60+ years ago.  Such a large aircraft at a low altitude, with 4 thunderous engines.  Immediately impressive to kids everywhere, even so many years later. 

Heartfelt thanks to all those dedicated crews who work to keep these warbirds in the air. <S>

Offline Ratsy

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Re: Restored B-29 "Doc" takes to the air yesterday in Wichita
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2016, 02:19:02 PM »
Last week I visited the restoration website and watched the (all) engine start video.  $%^& #2 engine!

Watching the flight video today got me all misty.

I was a SAC brat in the 50's and 60's.  It was a world of big bombers I grew up in.  B-36, B47, B52, B58...

But watching Doc take to the air is different...like a birth...or a resurrection.  Awesome.

 :salute 
George "Ratsy" Preddy
328th FS - 352nd FG
Died December 25th, 1944, Near Liege - Ardennes

Operating with the Arabian Knights - callsign AKRaider

Offline oboe

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Re: Restored B-29 "Doc" takes to the air yesterday in Wichita
« Reply #2 on: July 19, 2016, 08:33:23 AM »
The B-29 is a pretty incredible aircraft. 

Here's another, better quality video that includes some footage from inside the cockpit:




Offline Vraciu

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Re: Restored B-29 "Doc" takes to the air yesterday in Wichita
« Reply #3 on: July 19, 2016, 08:53:13 AM »
Been following this project for years.

While "FiFi" is impressive in her own right, what has been done with "Doc" is staggering. 

I'm just sorry we don't have "Kee Bird" to join them.
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Offline oakranger

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Re: Restored B-29 "Doc" takes to the air yesterday in Wichita
« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2016, 11:29:10 PM »
I am only 10 miles McConll and missed the take off.  :furious
Oaktree

56th Fighter group