The Museum of Flight’s B-29

By Paul Tannahill

Boeing B-29, T- Square 54, positioned on the lawn in front of the Museum of Flight on Boeing Field in Seattle, Wash. The aircraft has been encased in thick white plastic, designed to protect the aircraft from the elements, until a suitable indoor location can be found to complete the restoration on this historic veteran. (Nicholas Rosenbladt) Visitors to Boeing Field or The Museum of Flight may have noticed the unmistakable shape of a Boeing B-29 has appeared on the grass in front of the museum. However the shape is just about all visitors may be able to notice, at least for the time being.

The Museum of Flight’s B-29, Serial Number 44-69729, known as T-Square 54 is a combat veteran of World War Two, participated in 37 missions in the Pacific, flying with the 875th Bomb Squadron and 498th Bomb Group. For the Korean conflict, the aircraft was once again called to service, this time reconfigured as an aerial refueling tanker.

Since the aircraft arrived at the museum, on loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force in 1993, it has been the subject of an extremely intensive, long-term restoration, undertaken by a team of nearly seventy dedicated volunteers. Recently however the The Museum of Flight’s Boeing B-29, T- Square 54, shown with its dedicated volunteer group prior to the aircraft being “cocooned.” The high quality of the restoration is evident. (Ted Huetter / The Museum of Flight, Seattle)museum was forced to vacate the building where restoration of the aircraft had been taking place. The museum found itself acing the difficult dilemma of what to do with the B-29 until another suitable facility could be found or constructed to house the project. Realizing the aircraft would need to be stored outside, exposed to the wet climate of the northwest, the museum came up with an innovative solution.  In order to preserve the aircraft and the massive amount of work that has already gone into its restoration, the entire airframe has been “cocooned” in protective plastic. The protective covering is able to withstand up to four or five years of exposure if necessary. It is hoped that within that time period a facility can be secured and the finishing touches can be completed on this historic aircraft.

Individuals wishing to make donations towards the completion of the restoration of this aircraft, or any of the Museum of Flight’s other worthy restorations are encouraged to explore the museum’s Adopt-A Plane program. This program enables donors to direct funds directly to a museum project of their choice.

More information on the Museum of Flight, their collection, upcoming events and the Adopt-A-Plane program are available on their website at, www.museumofflight.org or by calling 206/764-5720.