Jack's hack

Air Classics, Apr 2002

The New England Air Museum is making excellent progress on their static restoration of a Boeing B-29. The museum chose to finish the aircraft as Jack's Hack, B-29 s/n 44-61566 which served with the 58th Bomb Wing, 468th Bomb Group, 794th Bomb Squadron, based at Tinian. The aircraft went into active service starting on 9 June 1945 and completed 20 bombing missions. There were some good color photographs of the aircraft and the museum contracted with aviation artist Gary Velasco (who advertises his nose art panels in Air Classics) to do the very elaborate nose art and the result can be seen in the color photograph.

Other work recently completed included the number one nacelle which was corroded so new skin was added along with needed parts. Also the superchargers have been redone along with the APU. Three gun turrets have been redone and look brand-new.

The 58th BW Association building which will house the B-29 is on its way to completion and should be finished by Thanksgiving of this year. Dedication and opening of the building should take place during April 2003.

ENTERPRISE HANGAR

At Planes of Fame, work is underway on the new USS Enterprise CV-6 hangar. This 9000 square foot hangar will be finished in a hangar deck motif and will hold many of Planes of Fame's flyable Navy Warbirds including Wildcat, Hellcat, Bearcat, Tigercat, Avenger, Dauntless, Corsair and others. The interior will be painted gray and there will be much US Navy carrier memorabilia on display. The new hangar will be a significant addition to the growth plans of Planes of Fame and more information may be obtained by calling (909) 597-3722 or see the website at www.planesoffame.org.