Fifi is one of two B-29s that can still fly. (Image/OnAllCylinders)
Cincinnati, OH – Every once in a while, we’ll take a break from hot rods, race cars, and off-roaders to focus on some other piston-powered pursuits.
So when we learned that one of the only two airworthy Boeing B-29 Superfortresses AND one of the only two airworthy Consolidated B-24 Liberators were landing at a nearby airfield, we had to go check them out.
Even better, the signature snarl of a Merlin engine filled the air as a P-51 did occasional flyovers, and plenty of other vintage military aircraft and vehicles stopped by as well, making it an incredible historical experience.
The event was part of the Commemorative Air Force Air Power History Tour, which will be flying around the United States through the fall. Check out the website, because it might be coming to an airstrip near you!
We were lucky enough to see the B-24 Liberator “Diamond Lil” take off and land during the event. (Image/OnAllCylinders – Alan Sakalas)
***
The Boeing B-29 Superfortress “FiFi”
Introduced in 1944, the B-29 was one of the most technologically advanced aircraft of the era, with computer assisted remote control gun turrets and a pressurized fuselage. Close to 4,000 were built, 22 are left, and only two remain airworthy. (Image/OnAllCylinders)While the crowds around the B-29 meant we couldn’t get many exterior shots, we were lucky enough to get a tour of the cockpit. (Image/OnAllCylinders)Think keeping a vintage hot rod or musclecar running is tough? How about maintaining four 18-cylinder twin-row, supercharged, air-cooled, radial engines. (Image/OnAllCylinders)
***
The Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Diamond Lil”
The B-24 Liberator is the most produced heavy bomber and multi-engine aircraft of all time. Though Diamond Lil was assembled at the Consolidated plant in California, many others were made by Ford under license in its famed Willow Run factory—where at its peak, Ford was able to produce one B-24 every hour. (Image/OnAllCylinders)The B-24 featured a unique high-mounted “Davis” wing which enhanced its range and speed. Yet by the end of the war, it was rendered obsolete by the imminent arrival of the jet age. (Image/OnAllCylinders)
***
Other Military Planes & Vehicles at the Event
A plane that needs no introduction, this particular Mustang “Gunfighter” is a two-seat P-51D variant and one of the many aircraft operated by the Commemorative Air Force. (Image/OnAllCylinders – Alan Sakalas)A Willys MB is always a welcome sight. (Image/OnAllCylinders)This AT-6 Texan, dubbed “Nella” is part of the CAF’s WASP Squadron, which highlights the role of the Women Airforce Service Pilots. Read all about it here. (Image/OnAllCylinders – Alan Sakalas)Squint your eyes a bit and you’ll see some family resemblance to the legendary P-51 Mustang in this 1947 Navion—they were both designed by North American Aviation. This one’s part of the Cincinnati Warbirds group. (Image/OnAllCylinders)Plenty of other classic cars showed up too, like this postwar Jaguar saloon with a very special passenger. (Image/OnAllCylinders)Easily dwarfed by the B-29 in the background, the Beechcraft T-34 was one of many trainers developed after World War 2. This one is part of the CAF’s Florida Wing. (Image/OnAllCylinders)While they may not have the fame of a Jeep, plenty of civilian vehicles donned olive drab for military service, like this Plymouth Special Deluxe Staff Car. (Image/OnAllCylinders)Here’s a 1943 Fairchild PT-26 operated by the CAF’s Buckeye Wing. It’s wearing the colors of the Canadian Royal Air Force, where it served as a primary trainer during World War 2. Note Cincinnati’s historic Lunken Airport Terminal in the background. (Image/OnAllCylinders)
Paul is the editor of OnAllCylinders. When he's not writing, you'll probably find him fixing oil leaks in a Jeep CJ-5 or roof leaks in an old Corvette ragtop. Thanks to a penchant for vintage Honda motorcycles, he spends the rest of his time fiddling with carburetors and cleaning chain lube off his left pant leg.
Comments
3 responses to “Photo Gallery: B-29 & B-24 Fly-In with Vintage Military Aircraft & Vehicle Show”
I took a ride on a B17 a few years ago when the Wings of Freedom tour came to our nearby airport. I highly recommend it to everyone just to get a glimpse of the experience our pilots and crews endured during WWII.
I was lucky enough to fly in a B 25 several times. Ones in the nose and the second flight I got to fly it from Akron to Cleveland and back. It was a blast as it had so much power but still the controls felt like a Old Dump truck with no power assist. The sound and smell are what you will always remember.
Rev up before take off was the most amazing sound I ever heard from engines in my life.
Just a couple years ago I got to go up in the Nine O Nine just before her crash. I was glad I went when I did as so few are flying today. The top hatch was open and you could stand and look outside as we were flying. It was a memorable
flight.
Then even farther back I went up in a Boeing Stearman BI plane. This was one of the stunt planes from Kings Island. He was giving rides at Marysville Ohio. I was just expecting a normal flight but the wing walker perch should have been a warning. We flew over to the other side of town where the pilot began a number of wing overs. In an open cockpit it is like those rolls on the Magnum at Cedar Point. Then we leveled off and started to climb. All of a sudden I was pulled to the floor of the plane and as I looked up I saw cows in a field over my head. We were in a loop.
Once back on the ground the heavy g forces you are not used to can make you wobbly for a little bit but it was worth it.
If you ever have a chance to go up in a war bird do it. But when you do remember what the crews went through in the war. They were flying in 50 below Zero temps with others shooting at them in a plane with little protection. Most would never make the first 7 runs let alone the need quota to go home. If they were lucky they would survive the crash and then be imprisoned. These crews paid a heavy cost to keep us free.
I took a ride on a B17 a few years ago when the Wings of Freedom tour came to our nearby airport. I highly recommend it to everyone just to get a glimpse of the experience our pilots and crews endured during WWII.
Went to the show and Mansfield Ohio! My dad flew b-29 bomber world war II
I was lucky enough to fly in a B 25 several times. Ones in the nose and the second flight I got to fly it from Akron to Cleveland and back. It was a blast as it had so much power but still the controls felt like a Old Dump truck with no power assist. The sound and smell are what you will always remember.
Rev up before take off was the most amazing sound I ever heard from engines in my life.
Just a couple years ago I got to go up in the Nine O Nine just before her crash. I was glad I went when I did as so few are flying today. The top hatch was open and you could stand and look outside as we were flying. It was a memorable
flight.
Then even farther back I went up in a Boeing Stearman BI plane. This was one of the stunt planes from Kings Island. He was giving rides at Marysville Ohio. I was just expecting a normal flight but the wing walker perch should have been a warning. We flew over to the other side of town where the pilot began a number of wing overs. In an open cockpit it is like those rolls on the Magnum at Cedar Point. Then we leveled off and started to climb. All of a sudden I was pulled to the floor of the plane and as I looked up I saw cows in a field over my head. We were in a loop.
Once back on the ground the heavy g forces you are not used to can make you wobbly for a little bit but it was worth it.
If you ever have a chance to go up in a war bird do it. But when you do remember what the crews went through in the war. They were flying in 50 below Zero temps with others shooting at them in a plane with little protection. Most would never make the first 7 runs let alone the need quota to go home. If they were lucky they would survive the crash and then be imprisoned. These crews paid a heavy cost to keep us free.