I was able to spend some time on the Superfortress.  I'm using 1/32" balsa sheeting for the covering.  This is my first time using this technique, so I took my time.  One lesson I learned was to expand the "landing" surface of the sheeting by gluing extra balsa pieces to the frame in order to help hold the sheet edges around the tight corners such as the leading edge.

I played with different wood fillers and putty's on practice pieces before starting on the wing.  I'm glad I practiced before moving to the actual wing.  I made quite a mess of the joints at first.  I settled on Mr. White Putty.  I'm pleased with the progress so far.

B-29 stories...have a 29 just up the road from here..."Haggerty's Hag."  I served in the Army as well as the Air Force and used to "eyeball" this aircraft from a distance out at Michael's Army Airfield, Dugway Proving Ground.  Story is that it was used during atmospheric testing extensively...seriously contaminated.  Was "parked" way out at the ends of the Earth for many years, abandoned...until finally approved for "rescue."  Is now restored at Hill AFB Aerospace Museum...painted up as "Straight Flush," 509th ac that flew weather recon over Hiroshima three days prior to Enola Gay mission.

Stories...I once knew a former 29 tail gunner who related his one and only experience of a bailout.  Tail position was pressurized...was supposed to be evacuated only after depressurization.  Engine fire at night...crew ordered to prepare for emergency evac.  Dale (his name) took things just a bit further.  While "preparing" things, he somehow blew the evac hatch...was not strapped in...found himself "gone," flying through the darkness of an Idaho night....   Fire was extinguished and ac landed safely...without him.  Opps.  Dale was ok...rescued by locals...but says he "pissed" is flightsuit, but no one said anything about it.  What NOT to do....

Neal

Now that the Spitfire is complete, I'm ready to move on to my next project.  My father gave me several models, including a partially built B-29.  I've attached pictures of the plane.  Knowing this will be a static model, I am planning the various aspect of the plane to detail.  The cockpit, bomb bay, and gear wells quickly come to mind.  I've also reviewed sections of this website to help with the engines.  While modeling the "Enola Gay" or "Fifi" would be great.  I want to seek out obscure planes with fascinating stories that could be an inspiration for the model. There a ton of B-17 and B-24 stories, I just haven't found as many for the B-29.  Please share any thoughts you might have as I begin to plan out the build.  My father has over 70 years of experience building static "stick models".  He loved the hobby greatly.  I'll share pictures of his work in future posts.