B-29 "DOC" Restoration Project

 

Status June 2010 Volunteer Charlie Cupp built a gunner's station mockup. Outboard wing restoration continues in Newton.   December 2009 Summary of major items accomplished on DOC Restoration and Support.

DOC memorabilia available:  A new desk top sized model of DOC is available for purchase.  Of course, proceeds go to the cause. DOC was moved from a Boeing hangar due to their increased production needs in March of 2007.  Restoration work continues on components of the plane such as the outer wing panels, central fire control seat and all gun sights.  We are also working on some engine top overhauls and were successful in firing up the number four engine that has sat dormant for over fifty-three years.  While space accommodations are at a premium at this time, we have been patiently waiting for the next opportunity to get back into a hangar to complete the right lower rear spar cap which will enable us to finally install the nacelles and engines. Ramp restoration during the Kansas summers, is a challenge because of the high heat in a closed aircraft.  In the winter, it is typically too cold without portable heating.  We will continue work as soon as we get clearance for a temporary opening in either a Spirit AeroSystems or Boeing hangar.  Our DOC Volunteer efforts have been expended in assisting KAM (Kansas Air Museum) in refurbishing the DOC Operations Center (Office), the break room and one other section of the museum.     The following events have hosted staffed DOC information booths: 2007, 2008, and 2009 Wichita River Festival MAFB open house, July 2007 Cessna Gun and Knife Show 2007 and 2008 Wichita Industrial Tool Show (WITS) 2007, 2008, and 2009 Newton Wings of Remembrance Air show 2007 Jabara Air Show 2007 Oshkosh (WI) Air Adventure 2007 (Sponsored by EAA) The 9th bomb group reunion was at KAM on 9-28-2007 The Tokyo Broadcasting crew was here the September 27-28, 2007 to record a video documentary including interviews with B-29 veterans.  Follow the above link to see pictures of the 9th Bomb Squadron Reunion Other work progress: Electrical power to B-29 ramp area is being installed. Outer wing repair is progressing at Newton.  Scott Malcomb is assisting with engineering dispositions on Discrepancy Reports (DR’S). Flap tracts and flap carriages are assembled and bought by inspection. Open DR’s are being checked and closed by inspection. APU fuel system is installed and we have powered up airplane from aft bomb bay aft to tail skid by running the Auxilliary Power unit (APU). ( see You tube Video link in this section) Wiring splice at station 646 is complete which connects cockpit to aft sections from bomb bay on aft. Motor mounts are being assembled. On Sept 21 a 3350 engine like Doc’s engines arrived from Bear Lake airport in California.  It has been donated to USAM by Bear Lake airport and was delivered by one of the airport guys who hauled it all the way here on a trailer behind his pickup.  He said most exciting part was coming down hill from mountains with a 2000 lb engine pushing him along.