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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.
The Boeing Bee
By Paul Tannahill
Since restoration began on the aircraft in 1991, the Museum of Flights rare B-17F “Boeing Bee,” has been for the most part, inaccessible to the general public, largely viewable only by special appointment. (Paul Tannahill)One of the most iconic aircraft of WWII is the B-17. And nowhere is this sentiment more true than in the birthplace of Boeing, Seattle, Wash. After years hidden from public view, the Museum of Flight’s rare B-17F Boeing Bee has emerged from the shadows and has gone on display following an intensive restoration by museum volunteers.
Constructed by the Boeing Airplane Company in their Plant II facility at Boeing Field in Seattle, Wash., B-17F-70-BO s/n 42-29782, was accepted by the Army Air Force on Feb. 13, 1943. The aircraft was immediately flown to a modification center operated by United Airlines at Cheyenne, Wyo.