Years ago was having lunch on the Westchester side of Long Island Sound waterfront and felt rather than heard something. It was a B-29 climbing out at full power from an airport in Long Island. Flew right over us and the whole place reverberated. Told my son to watch it carefully since he might never see one again. I can imagine what a flight of 300 would have sounded like.
As a Wichitan, I get to see Doc every once in while. The last time I heard a very deep thundering rumble coming, from the sound you know it’s something big and heavy. I dashed out of the house and into the open so I could see Doc slowly climbing into the sky. Makes me extremely proud of my neighbors, city and nation. 🇺🇸
We can only imagine the sound of many together. The Germans were very lucky to see and hear flights of 1,000 B-17s overhead. The world will never see such again.
@@stevek8829Very true. I suspect the Germans at the time, were not able to appreciate the industrial prowess of the USA. Conversely, they knew defeat was coming. Today we can be grateful for 80 years of post war peace.
Japan has fully restored Zero's that took part in the bombings at Pearl Harbor so what is your point? Japan is far from being petty unlike China that crys to this day and chants revenge on Japan from what happened in WW2.
....... other than that japan had nothing that could fly high enough to really threaten a b29? If someone did a 'rape of nanking' here (and then lionized the perpetrators as heroes) then I probably wouldn't be too forgiving, either. Perhaps it would be different if they'd ever apoologized.... or even acknowledged it. Their atrocities weren't limited to the chinese and the koreans, though. They did 'medical experiments' of sickening barbarity on plenty of brits, anzacs, and yanks, too.
B-29 'Over Exposure' a photographic reconnaissance aircraft crashed in heavy fog on desolate high ground between Sheffield and Manchester, UK, in 1948. Some of the wreckage was left up there as a memorial to all 16 crew members who died. To this day there are wreaths and tributes laid down almost weekly and two US flags are constantly flapping in the wind. They will never be forgotten.
It's hard to preserve old planes like this. It's insanely expensive with no real way to generate revenue. These guys do it out of love. And god bless them for it.
From the area; Wichita natives are very proud of their title as, "air capitol of the world". I'm sure for many, it reminds them of a lost past, and hope for the future.
@@elliottesayian2711 Which defiantly helps. But probably not nearly enough. The more people they take the more flying hours. And I bet they spend thousands on each flying hour with an old bird like that.
That’s why a lot of these planes get designated to clubs like the commemorative Air Force chapters. They do everything possible to bring in money through donations and club fees to help with the preservation of these airplanes and to keep them flying
+ @proxygaming8590 She did not fly in WW2. She started out as an aircrew trainer and then transferred to NY with a radar calibration squadron (flying with the other "seven dwarf" B-29s.) It was then given to the US Navy to use as a target tow aircraft and finally retired to China Lake as a target. It was the last B-29 at China Lake that hadn't been blown up.
"It was a sanctuary for desert birds and critters, yknow?" *immediately followed with footage of it being towed away.* The video was really cool and adorable, though. I really liked how the woman who worked on that same plane when it was first being built got to work on it as well. The old dude at the end letting out his excitement was really cute too!
Worked at McConnell AFB installing new communications fiber to all the buildings and was lucky enough to have my AF liaison get me in the hanger for a private tour of DOC. Even got to go onboard…was totally awesome.
I volunteer at the national warplane museum in New York, and I can confirm how important volunteers are to the conservation and restoration of these old aircraft. Fantastic to see a flying B-29!
there are currently 26 surviving b-29's and only two are in flying condition. The other one in flying condition still is the enola gay which i had the privilege of seeing on display at the air and space museum in Virginia pictured here. this is also the exact same plane that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_surviving_Boeing_B-29_Superfortresses#/media/File:The_enola_gay.jpg
Tower: Why are you heading towards Japan? Pilots: Oh, nothing to worry! I got one *little boy* who needs a ride to Hiroshima. Tower: *Wait a minute, I heard that before*
My uncle was a tail gunner on the B29. He was killed in the crash on takeoff, Aug. 5th 1950 at Fairfield-Suisun AFB outside of San Francisco. Brigadier General Robert Travis was co-piloting the aircraft and was one of the 20 killed that morning. The base was renamed for him but I don't know if Travis AFB is still operating. The mission was to ferry the explosive shell of an atomic bomb to Guam for possible use against North Korea. The nuclear core was always shipped on a separate plane in case of a crash situation. My uncle was, I am told, a gentle young man twenty five years old and an aspiring artist. I own one of his last paintings. It would have been an honor to know him.
You honor your uncle by telling his story. My dad was a mechanic at Travis Afb in the early 1950s and i worked for the Exchange Service there in the late 80s.
I am from the hometown of the Confederate Air Force, today called the Commemorative Air Force. Growing up they had air shows regularly. It was awesome to see those planes flying even back in the 1950s
I agree with you Epicbagelswag. I get emotional watching videos of WWII aircraft and stories. My Uncle Cecil, Cap. Cecil E Manning, flew a P51B. He was downed over France, 1944, and captured. Remained a POW till the end of the war. He never spoke about his POW time. We owe our current freedom to all the brave selfless men who served. They really are the Greatest Generation.
I remember nearly crying when the B-29 they rescued up in the Arctic caught fire while taxiing before its ferry flight before restoration. Gut wrenching. This is a bit of vindication.
I saw that story on, I think, an old episode of Nova. They actually dug it out of the ice, restored it on site, built a runway and it caught fire while taxiing. Truly heartbreaking.
To think that 80 or so years ago the skies over the Pacific were swarming with these beasts. All those pilots, mechanics, and support crew that went into it.
@CastAway_Dave yeah because the inventions made by the axis. Powers are used till today and shaped our modern world. The US basicly stole everything even the idea and the material (in parts) for the atomic bombs..
My great grandfather was one of the key designers on the team at Boeing which developed the B-29. He was modest about his contributions, saying he only designed the tail. But you could tell he was proud of that plane.
Personal Information using them at target practice is a waste of resources. Scrapping, or using them for historical demonstratiin, is *not* such a waste. :)
@@oldgeezer7484 Rosie the riveter is dead . Naomi Parker Fraley, who was photographed working in the machine shop at the Naval Air Station in Alameda, California. In the 1942 photo, she is sporting a telltale polka-dotted bandana. Fraley passed away in January 2018.
@@eksine I am sorry to hear that. As with all the members of the generation that fought in WW2. My Aunt taught riveting at the Burbank facility for Lockheed as her husband worked in the Engineering Dept. They are passing faster than we can count. My father and his brother flew B-17s and three of my moms brothers fought from Africa to 3rd Army in Europe. My father in law was a gunner in Douglas Dauntless flying from the Lexington and later the Saratoga.
Seeing this and knowing that she is the only flyable B-29 and one of the pilots and of course a historical icon such as Connie get to see it take off brought a tear to my eye. Thank you so much for saving Doc.
What a beauty she is, that shiny silver bird named "Doc!" They store them in a desert boneyard because it's so dry and rust would be terrible for an old aircraft. Truly a labor of love, finding this old B-29 and restoring it to even more than its original glory -- well done, guys, and THANK YOU for showing us how it happened! (My twin uncles worked for Boeing in Wichita and then in Seattle years ago.) I still think "if it's not Boeing, I'm not going!" The last big bird I flew in was a B-747 -- Queen of the Skies -- loved that aircraft, I've yet to fly on an Airbus! I flew on the Concorde years ago and as a GA pilot, I was in heaven in that dark purple sky! What was a thrill that was! Maybe one day, I'll get to fly hypersonic, if I live that long!
@@fiscalcpiano No -- hypersonic for the public is still about a decade away! And it's too late for me to join the military and hope to fly a hypersonic fighter jet now! But I can still dream!
Agreed. But any country with such an iconic plane would have done it, especially as the last of its kind. I just wish Canada has saved an Arrow, maybe hid it away... it was the most advanced plane in the world and they threw it away.
The B-29 had massive problems with it's engines and they regularly had break downs and flaws. Was it a great machine? Yea. But it was not made to last. It was made to quickly be used to have an upper hand in the war.
Very few of them lasted with a lot of work invested. Actually most American built weapons and weapon systems during WWII were not built to last. Why would you build something more stable and more sound than necessary, thereby making it more expensive, more difficult to make and ultimately also heavier than necessary. Most weapon systems were made to be worn out in heavy combat within months. And rightfully so. Bombers usually survived only a few bomb runs, there was no need in building a bomber that could fly a mission a day for a year or longer.
Such a beautiful air plane. Could you imagine being the test pilot and walking up on her the very first time, had to of been breath taking. Thank you to each and everyone that gave there time to save our history.
What’s really amazing is how they were able to build all of the planes in ww2! It’s just crazy the amount of engineering that was accomplished in ww2. We had only been flying planes for a few decades and then in the 40’s we were cranking out thousands of planes it just amazing
Right!? That’s why aviation from the 30s-50s is my favorite! Big radial engine planes that were just being cranked out left and right from really all nations. But especially in the U.S.A and Germany imo had the best top notch/strongest warbirds. Just sooo many designs and funkiness that seemed to work perfectly. And these planes from the old era look sexier and more badass than anything cranked out today. I can respect the new bombers/jets, but ehhh it’s all too high-tech and nothing really exciting to me. Of course it gets the job done better, but nothing even beats old dog fights!
@@lookoutforchris You're right, it would be impossible today. Part of the problem is everything needs (or is expected to need) a bunch of complicated technology. A basic air-plane would never be approved for production. We can't even make cars or trucks when we don't get a supply of little ICs (chips) from a supplier. Too many interconnected supply chains and other dependencies. When something breaks in the chain, everything stops.
I dearly love my time as an F-4 Crew Chief. I had the pleasure of seeing Doc and Fifi at the same air show at Randolph AFB in San Antonio. B-eautiful! To see these great birds take flight is truly a thrill, including the F-4 used at air shows from Collins Foundation.
This film brought tears to my eyes as soon as the B-29 left the ground and seeing these wonderful Vets Pilots teared in emotion im honored to say their job and mission had been completed. God bless the eternity.
I honor all people who even serve for their country including Allies or Axis (even Germany they just wanted to become a global power again just we didn’t agree with the way they did it)
What remarkable people who made this piece of aviation history possible....even a 92 yr old riveter!!!!!!!!!!! Well done America. Les Griffiths ( Australia)
I worked at Boeing Renton back in 1997 and watched a B29 land at Renton. As it approached the sun was glinting of its shiny aluminum to such an extent that it looked like bright star coming in to land. It looked magnificent and I felt very privileged to see it. Such a beautiful aircraft, such a historic moment, I will never forget it and treasure the moment for ever
The B-29 aka Doc flies over my house all the time. I've taken many pictures of Doc. I live 1/2 mile from Docs Hanger and Educational Center here in Wichita Kansas.
So I'm watching this video, and I'm like, this story couldn't get any more awesome... and then this little 90yo woman turns up and she's like "oh yeah, I made this plane, look, these are my rivets". That was the point when, for me, the story just jumped from awesome to sheer, over-9000 level mega-win.
Doc is labeled as experimental with the FAA. It takes many hours to get certified. When doing test flights, only those essential to the flight are allowed on board. Think of it this way, if the unthinkable happened and Doc crashed, would you want Connie in the plane? I am sure Connie will go up in Doc as soon as all the test flights are done.
When I went up there couple years ago I was told her airplane was getting rebuilt I didn’t understand at the time but now I’m proud to be related to her
Heartwarming stuff. I have so much appreciation and love for these enthusiasts and volunteers. They aren't just preserving history, but bringing it back to life for us all.
My heart sank with emotion and admiration. Respect to all veterans, living and dead. Glory to you who won that terrible war! Health to you and all those whom you love and respect. We in Russia remember you. We were together then. My respect and admiration to those who restored this symbol of your might and lifted it into the air.👏👏👏❤🌹
Old Boeing workers never die....they just keep restoring old Boeing Aircraft! more for the love of it than anything else! we have a lot of pride in what we build!
@@svtirefire that's computer hardware, not the actual aircraft and the 737 itself has been one of the must sold commercial aircraft in the entire world. Just let the man have his comment
Brought back the memories of my Mother and Father both of whom did their bit in WW2 and my Uncle who went through North Africa and Italy. I miss them all so much and I hope to be reunited one day! We owe that generation so much that we will never know I hope we don't throw it all away one day! Great video of a fantastic aeroplane and moreover great people!
Wow what an achievement Tony! I can imagine how you feel to preserve an object that you had been involved with decades earlier and see it fly once again, a fabulous bomber. I was able to preserve a diesel locomotive which I commissioned in 1961 then saved from scrapping twenty two years later and is now once again pulling trains on British railways main lines.
There's a special spirit to old warbirds. It's hard to describe but when you see one in person and you're next to it able to touch it. You feel an energy. It's truly astounding. God bless all who have flown and served in ww2
@@fuzzyli1974 Kid, this place isn't for you. He might be part of low chance. Plus 8 billion people on the earth? Ever seen some foreigner using it like Chinese people or North Korean people? Also, his grandpa fought our country for this, so you need to respect them. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
This is such a special piece of history, thank you for bringing this to the public to learn and see. Great job to all involved. "Rosie", it was awesome to see you reunite with Doc
It's heartwarming to see these old warbirds restored to fly again but very sad to see the the servicemen from that era leaving us. Very few of them left.
I've gotten the opportunity to ride in FIFI twice. Once out of South Bend and once out of Lufkin Field. It's an amazing plane. My grandfather was the radio operator for an RB-29 during the Korean War. They flew 52 reconnaissance missions over Korea.
I'm crying so hard right now. What a beautiful plane he is! Watching this video reminds me of my Dad. He used to take me to the airport to watch the planes take-off and land. He used to take me to watch the trains on the tracks. He had a model of the B-29 Superfortress, among some of his models. He even had a model of a Huelette that he used to operate at LTVSteel when it was still in business. He started putting the Heulette together, but never finished it because he passed away on December 26, 2014. He spent alot of hours putting the B-29 together....I used to love the smell of the model airplane glue..lol. Watching that plane take off brought me to tears. And Rosy having worked on that plane and putting those rivets in decades ago.....just wow! It was a homecoming for so many people and for that plane. My Dad used to have 2 books titled "Lady Be Good" and "Enola Gay". I haven't read them but maybe I should. I miss you Mom and Dad. Loved the video. It brought a big smile to my face.
Four things brought a tear to my eye here. 1)Tony seeing the plane fully restored 2) 91 year old Connie taking part in the restoration, having helped build it originally in the '40's 3) seeing Doc leave the ground for the first time in 60+ years 4) seeing so many volunteers give their time and skills to make it all possible. I hereby bow to everyone involved in this remarkable, heartwarming project.
This aircraft is a flying museum. Doc served his country and now he is preserving his country’s history. Keep on flying, Doc! Lord know I’d love seeing you being escorted by a couple of F-16s for a legendary shot.
I've been in one of these old Ww2 planes at a air show in 2011. And they are much beautiful machine of art . Much respect to these service veterans that restore history so it isn't lost forever . And it's deserves to fly again they are cool machines. And I love and respect all U.S. service members of the military like my late dad. My army Grandfather passed in 05/02/1997 & my dad James E. Barksdale passed on 04/23/2017 . R.I.P. to all U.S. service members of the United States. And to any country around the world too. I could never became in the armed forces of the U.S. but I've always shown much intrest into being fascinated about WW2 history from all sides. And other wars of world history , but WW2 is always been the most fascinating to me . Since I was a child looking at books and reading magazines and watching movies and such. Even though I don't wish for war but believe in peace. Much respect to these aviators that flew planes when they were young men . Now they can fix and fly them again now that they are old men. I always loved aviation of all kinds past present and future. Ever since I was a little boy , reading books in the public library or school. I've flown an TWA & Continental . United . Eastern. & Braniff . Even though I never became a pilot for mental reasons . Or even worked for any airlines . And never repaired or fix them as a mechanic. Bit I love seeing these old timers bring these old war birds back to life so the could fly again and live again . " God Bless all United States Service personell ". Past and Present much love Timothy Mathew Jacques. Aug/26/2021.
For Connie to touch her work again must have brought back some very Deep emotions. You can see it in her eyes as she looks DOC. This generation War Fighter was the greatest America Had I`m truly Honored to not only have had a Stepfather that fought in WW2 but to have meet some very great men of that generation. Sit and talk with them and listen to them as they told me their stories of distant lands. I`m a 26yr Navy veteran and I have shared some stories with other vets. We`er one big family, it dosen`t matter what branch you served. We all served and have payed with Blood Sweat and Tears. What a flight this would be to fly in this time machine and listen to the rumble of the engines and sit where so many young Airman have wondering if they were gonna make it home. God Bless America.
I'm glad a got to live in an era where some of the hero's who flew these giant birds still walked among us. I'd rather meet & be able to shake any of their hands than some famous sports figure or celebrity.
Amen! Same here! Luckily, my grandfather was a WWII vet, US Army Air Force. He was a gunner on many different bomber planes in the European Front of the War. He 2as a g7nner on B17s, B-19s, B-25s, and B-29s.
David Tucker shut up no one cars,no one likes war,u war people are lame like the devil and hitler,and my grandfather he was so stupid going to WW2,and that’s no bravery,Jesus way braver then those men,he even step up to the devil,ha I want to see them do it,oh that’s right they didn’t created him.
I live in Wichita, so I've seen this fly over a few times One day it flew over my house in the middle of 12 O clock in the afternoon, right when the city tests all the Tornado sirens.
How beautiful, perfect and wonderful it is to have the opportunity to see images, people from a distant time, bringing back to life such a perfect and glorious machine!! A part not only important, but also to remind us of difficult and glorious times at the same time!
