Stealing the B29
03-25-2002, 04:22 AM
#1
Stealing the B29
Did anyone else see this fantastic documentary on the History Channel tonight? This was two hours of pure aviation delight. I was aware of the Russian built B29, but only knew a small fraction of the story.
I was amayzed at how Stalin ordered the entire Russian aviation industry to literally copy one of the three B29's that made emergency landings in Russia during WWII. They eventually produced 800 TU-4's (their B29). I was also astounded at how they even copied a repair patch that the B29 they copied had. The workers were so terified of Stalin that they did not want to deviate in any manner form the original.
I also like the ending, there will soon be a second B29 flying and making the airshow circuit. "Doc", a Wichita built B29 is being restored at the Boeing facility by 900 volunteers with Boeing assistance. It will have some modern safety features, but will retain the original B29 look.
If you haven't seen this documentary yet on the History channel, I strongly advise you to look for it's repeat and mark the date, it's a must see.
Vince
I was amayzed at how Stalin ordered the entire Russian aviation industry to literally copy one of the three B29's that made emergency landings in Russia during WWII. They eventually produced 800 TU-4's (their B29). I was also astounded at how they even copied a repair patch that the B29 they copied had. The workers were so terified of Stalin that they did not want to deviate in any manner form the original.
I also like the ending, there will soon be a second B29 flying and making the airshow circuit. "Doc", a Wichita built B29 is being restored at the Boeing facility by 900 volunteers with Boeing assistance. It will have some modern safety features, but will retain the original B29 look.
If you haven't seen this documentary yet on the History channel, I strongly advise you to look for it's repeat and mark the date, it's a must see.
Vince
03-25-2002, 04:31 AM
#2
Stealing the B29
I saw bits and pieces of it. Very interesting documentary. I new the Russian TU-4 looked just like the B-29, but never knew why.
I think I heard "DOC" was about to moved in a few days or weeks to the assembly area. Where the structures will start to be joined.
I think I heard "DOC" was about to moved in a few days or weeks to the assembly area. Where the structures will start to be joined.
03-25-2002, 09:08 PM
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Yeah I saw it!
It was a wonderful documentary. There were the usual archive-footage boo-boos (such as B-47s standing in for a Wichita B-29 production line, and a much-repeated picture of what was supposed to be one of the interned aircraft--but which had a humongous guided missile under one wing), but overall it was just mightily impressive. The interviews with US B-29 crew members really choked me up. These were guys who knew what they were fighting for.
Patrick
Patrick
03-26-2002, 05:13 PM
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Stealing the B29
I hope they leave Doc in bare metal. I understand why the CAF wanted some extra protection on Fifi, but it never did quite look right. A pretty minor quibble; it's a real flying B-29 for pete's sake!!
Now, when they restore a B-36 to flying condition... I want to be there.
Patrick
Now, when they restore a B-36 to flying condition... I want to be there.
Patrick
03-28-2002, 06:40 PM
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Doc
I saw that documentary and thought it was one of the best I've seen on the HC (and thay have some great ones). If you'd like to follow "Doc" through her restoration check out this site.
http://www.boeing.com/news/feature/b29/index.html
Enjoy,
Doug
http://www.boeing.com/news/feature/b29/index.html
Enjoy,
Doug
03-28-2002, 09:42 PM
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AIr & Space
There was also an article in Air & Space sometime last year about the TU-4 copy. That also told the story about the copied patch. I would recommend the article if you liked the show.
03-30-2002, 04:11 AM
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Well, Seems like we have a good group of folks intereseted in Doc. If you see something on the news about it please don't forget this thread.
Chow,
PS Your quite welcome Bolar.
Chow,
PS Your quite welcome Bolar.
03-30-2002, 04:07 PM
#12
Stealing the B29
How about a DOC cam???
http://www.boeing.com/news/feature/b29/webcam2.html
Opps. Sorry Doug I missed your post, didn't realize you had given the URL. Oh well.
http://www.boeing.com/news/feature/b29/webcam2.html
Opps. Sorry Doug I missed your post, didn't realize you had given the URL. Oh well.
