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B-29 |
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The SAS Museum's B-29 was built by Bell Aircraft, Marietta, Ga. on Aug. 4, 1945. The plane was assigned to several bases throughout the 40's, Hamilton AFB in 1951 as part of the 11th Radar Calibration Sq., and finally to the 4754th Radar Evaluation Flight in1954. Zero Seven Six was dropped from inventory and transferred to the SAC Museum in 1959. Though originally polished silver with orange markings, over the years it was painted grey and black, and named "Man O War." If anyone knows about zero seven six, or has knowledge about Radar Calibration or Radar Evaluation, please send a comment. |
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After sitting outside in Nebraska weather for over 40 years, the cockpit is faded and weathered. The insulation would crumble in your hands. The wheels were cracked and broken. The instrument panels were missing several instruments. |
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This is a look at the pilot’s seat with instrument panel, and then with the instrument panel removed, prior to restoration. |
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These pictures show a before and after look at the pilots instrument panel. |
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A before and after look at the copilot's restored instrument panel. |
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The pilot's floor pedestal contains the engine feather buttons, auto pilot, prop speed control, bomb doors, bomb salvo and more. This is a before and after look at restoration. |
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These pictures show the new paint, new wall insulation, and instrument panels installed during the restoration process. |
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Finished cockpit. |
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The forward compartment in a B-29 has 6 positions: Pilot, Co-Pilot, Navigator, Bombardier, Flight Engineer and Radio Operator. This is a before and after restoration of the navigator’s table. |
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These pictures show the before and after restoration of the flight engineer’s station. |
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Before and after restoration of the radio operator’s station. |
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This is a picture of the middle section of the aircraft’s crew compartment, forward looking to the rear. This section has 4 to 6 positions including radar operators, left and right blister gunners, and central fire control gunner. |
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Another picture of the middle section, looking forward from the rear. |
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Sept. 2006 - Soda-blasting begins on our B-29 - zero seven six. |
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October 27, 2006 - Soda-blasting completed. Control surfaces removed. Bomb bay and front wheel doors removed. |
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Restoration of the B-29 (foreground) will be delayed several months in order to restore a RF-4C Phantom (back left) that was delivered to the museum in Feb. 2007. Note the restored T-29A in the back right, we have a full house in restoration. |
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April 2007 - Cleanup continues on the landing gear and engines. When the weather warms up, the plane will be towed outside and the engines power washed. |
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Sept. 2007 -After power washing the engines, key engine parts will be removed. They will be sand blasted, painted and returned. |
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End of year (2007) update - Extensive restoration is in progress on the tail and rear position. Restoration of the middle section is nearing completion with tables painted, air handlers painted, gunner’s positions completed, radar position and components restored, insulation cleaned, flooring restored and more. NOTE: None of these items will be install into the plane until the exterior is completed. |
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2007 update continued - Engine #1 has been reassembled. The nacelle has been polished and primed, and the prop has a fresh coat of primer. |
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More 2007 update - The rudder has been covered with fabric and primer paint applied. The elevators are next. |
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May 2008 - Engine no. 2 has been restored and reassembly has begun. May 28, 2008 - Engine no. 2 is complete. May 2008 - Restoration begins on Engines 3 and 4. |
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August 2008 - Engine No. 4 is about 75% complete. Work begins on Engine No. 3. |
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Oct. '08 - Engine 4 is complete, and work continues on no. 3. Work continues in the wheel wells and bomb bays. Fabric has been applied to the elevators, and they will be primed soon. |
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