B-29 Replica Takes Shape

[rv6ejguy]

The builder of the B-29 replica sent me some more photos a couple weeks back showing the wings mated to the fuselage. Sorry I still can't share these until he says so but great to see more progress on this. I'm hopeful he'll soon be moving the airframe to another hangar in a few more weeks to start working on the final assembly.

 

[rv6ejguy]

I received some new photos today and the aircraft has had some panels painted and the fuselage, wings, vertical stab have now been mated and it's sitting on the gear now. Coming along.

 

[Bill-Higdon]

I know some ex "boomers" would love a KC-97

 

[rv6ejguy]

I talked to the builder today. He has taken the wings off to do the detailed fitting of the engines and radiators into the nacelles, X 4 of course. Once that is completed, it will be on to wiring runs and systems and hopefully with warming weather by Spring, he'll get each assembly into the paint shop in turn. He asked me to wait a bit more before sharing photos, hopefully by late Spring '22 when he has it painted and back together when he'll share more photos with me.

 

[sotaro]

rv6e, can you give us any hints as to scale, material, engines, years to date?

 

[rv6ejguy]

35% scale, 50 foot wingspan, 40" fuselage diameter, 2 seats in tandem. Four Honda Fit engines. I think around 10 years on the project now. Aluminum airframe with carbon greenhouse and nacelles.

 

[sotaro]

I will wait, but I can't wait to see the photos, and even more, to see it in flight! Amazing. In 1971, I read a Flying article about a scaled B17 with 4 VW engines. It was under construction as I remember...if I remember. Thank you for your report.

 

[plncraze]

How thick is the wing where it meets the fuselage?

 

[rv6ejguy]

Hard to judge from the photos, maybe 14-18".

 

[plncraze]

Wow! What a beast!

 

[rv6ejguy]

Well, wingspan is about the same as a King Air 90. This is a BIG homebuilt.

 

[Rhino]

This guy isn't related to Jack Bally, is he?

 

[rv6ejguy]

Not as far as I know. This has to be the biggest, most complex HBA project ever built by one man, at least that I am aware of.

 

[mcrae0104]

This has to be the biggest, most complex HBA project ever built by one man, at least that I am aware of.

Sure, it has two extra engines, but...

(I'll give you the built by one man thing)

 

[sming]

Does he has any relation to this gentleman on YouTube, Tom Hobgson? I don't really know if it's a RC plane or what but it's huge! Carbon fiber tips are good too.

 

[ScaleBirdsScott]

Does he has any relation to this gentleman on YouTube, Tom Hobgson? I don't really know if it's a RC plane or what but it's huge! Carbon fiber tips are good too.

That could be something. Very neat workshop.

Some illuminating videos for composite construction methods!

 

[terke]

Tom's wingtip video sure makes it look like that's the chap in question:

 

[rv6ejguy]

Yup, it's Tom who is building this. Multi talented guy with tremendous gumption.

 

[sming]

All hail the (increasingly concerning) algorithm then! The video was suggested out of the blue just after i read your post...
When I saw him put 7 layers of carbon, I was like "hmmm that's for man carrying planes! Is this it??"
incredible project!

 

[pylon500]

Wow, that certainly is something (especially at around 2:20, when you see the whole project).
Some different approaches to building concepts, although I need to look at all the videos as yet.