B29 Replica First Flight!

[@airworks61]

What people don’t realize is what an amazing feet this is. To take four Honda car engines and develop a belt driven reduction system that is fully adjustable in flight. Build a replica that actually looks identical to the real thing and make it a comfortable two place airplane that flew hands off with no necessary trim inputs is a testimony to what a genius this man is. I have been in aviation for over 55 years and have flown every kind of warbird there is. This in my book is the biggest accomplishment I have seen in my lifetime. It clearly shows that Tom Hodgeson is not only an incredible pilot of his generation but also a master fabricator and designer. I cannot say how impressed we all are in the aviation industry of this feat. I only hope one day to be allowed to fly this plane and add it to my log book. Just incredible! Congrats Tom on this accomplishment.

[@BrjanBuckmaster]

I didn’t see any amazing feet, but it was a heck of a project!

[@thomasjackson6746]

@@BrjanBuckmasterfat finger and auto spell check. I guess I should have used foot!

[@BrjanBuckmaster]

@@thomasjackson6746 I hate auto complete! I missed proofreading before posting - my bad 🤪

[@chuckintexas]

4-car engines , 2-place ? Did I read that right ?

[@RamblerMan68]

​@@BrjanBuckmasterhahaha...I see what you did there😅

[@tomcoryell]

I built a B29 in my bedroom of a 3rd floor apartment. It was from a Japanese control line kit back in the’70’s. It was intended to have four .35 glow fuel engines as I recall. The wingspan/ fuselage length was too large to get out of the apartment when we moved out, so I ended up sawing off a wing. I was 13 years old and my brother gave me the unfinished plane when he left for the military. I was nearly finished skinning the wings and fuselage with 1/32” balsa when my parents divorced and we had to move. My plan was to lower it from the balcony when it was completed, but life got in the way. This plane is incredible! What an amazing build!

[@taofledermaus]

I was expecting it would be months or years before this was ready to fly after seeing the other video you posted. Very exciting to see it fly.

[@Capt_kook]

Hi nice to see you here

[@PhilipMReeder]

The engine(s) sounds even sound authentically scale! Very impressive!

[@twillison8824]

What, I didn't know you guys were into rc planes? Maybe you can do a shotgun vs RC video sometime 😂

[@Nivola1953]

Why do you call this a replica? This is a scale model, a nice one indeed, my compliments to the builder. A replica would be an newly built full size plane that looks like a B29!

[@heavydelta7615]

My comments showing this is fake keep being deleted.

[@rv6ejguy]

Still not sure why so many viewers think this is R/C. Watch the first video. This is a 2800 pound airplane with a 50 foot wingspan, piloted, with 2 tandem seats, powered by 4 Honda Fit automotive engines. This video was compiled from the video footage I received from the builder. There was no video supplied of the landing. Sad to see many folks here are more interested in golf carts than celebrating the first flight of this amazing build...

[@carguy1979]

It's the scale on screen, was hard to tell the exact size till I got a good reference point on the corn row and cars in the background at 2:11. Impressive aircraft!

[@nated4488]

What are awesome looking airplane kind of similar to the Bailey bomber the replica B17

[@georgehunter2813]

Pilot should do as many go-arounds as he wants. The more the better.

[@raoulcruz4404]

Maybe if the title was more accurate. “35% scale Amateur built aircraft”. A replica B-29 would have a 141’ 3” wingspan all built from scratch . An unmanned aircraft would be a “35% replica”. All true scale models are replicas.

[@Wvanbramer]

Because there is nothing in the video to indicate the size or that it was manned.

[@matthewcuratolo3719]

My dad was a right blister gunner in B-29s. He would have loved this.

[@ddegn]

Very cool. Did your father serve in Europe or the Pacific? Do you know how many missions he flew?

[@matthewcuratolo3719]

He served on Tinian in the PTO. I'll have to look at his logbook to see how many missions.

[@The300savage]

That is something for the builder to be very proud of. A great looking airplane.

[@1967davethewave]

It doesn't get much more awesome than that!!! Tom did an amazing job and I'm so happy for his success. I hope he hits the airshow circuit so I can see it in person!

[@bakkerem1967]

Unbelievable, how he managed to pull that one off. Deep respect sir ! Wonder if he's gonna fly together with "Doc" and "FiFi" one day. That'll be a sight to behold. This is one perfect way to earn yourself a ticket for that.

[@herrunbekannt7556]

When Doc and FiFi mate, that is the outcome... 😂

[@Ragtop_Jalopy]

What an amazing view when this plane flies past and into the sunset! I am amazed at how smooth and easy it flies....the sophistication of this plane is undeniable, yet this is really a piece of art that looks so well that it might appear easy if I didn't know better!... I am utterly stunned at how good this looks! Nice, nice job...well deserved accolades all around!

[@DeweyDavenport]

Congratulations to Tom. I was able to see this project a couple different times over the years, and Tom was always open to show and talk about the project.

[@MH-on8ol]

Great looking plane and craftsmanship. Would love to see more of the plane. Any in plane footage while in flight would be great. What a fun project.

[@RVN782P]

Very impressive. Getting up on my soapbox, those golf carts had no business being so close to the runway.

[@heavydelta7615]

My comments keep getting deleted. Fake video! This report aviation-safety.net/wikibase/347642 Cites a low confidence to the veracity of it because there is no official source for the crash information (like NTSB). Does this pic look like a piloted aircraft to you? resources.globalair.com/images/article/kokomo-plane-crash.jpg Crappy video with no landing, no shots of cockpit, nobody getting in or out, several safety violations of bank angle, low passes and people on runway if it were a manned aircraft. It is all BS !

[@rogerd9150]

This is one of the most amazing human feats I have ever seen. Very moving to watch.

[@chuckintexas]

Perseverence + GENIUS x LOVE = ART !

[@thomasbullock6416]

There is a lot of hard work and a lot hours to make the B29 fly look forward to seeing more videos in spring thanks 👍

[@noyfub]

Thanks for the video. What a spectacular build!

[@jamesr.wright7483]

SDS - I’m delighted that you selected the frame for the Title that shows my house in the background. I live across the runway from Tom, and have been watching him build it since he started. It’s really a one man project that started, not as a B-29, but as a test bed for doing research and development on engines and speed reduction devices etc. The landing gear retracts, and to have it fit into the engine nacelles they had to be that short, just like the big ones! We who live on the airport know the dangers and risks, try hard to avoid problems; the injured girl is, herself, a proficient pilot who owns and flys an experimental Baby Great Lakes. We are all praying for her full recovery, and she’s making good progress. And we who live on Glenndale Airport continue wishing Tom good success with his ongoing project.

[@deansiracusa3966]

So amazing! I hope we'll see it at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh next year!

[@hankreager6689]

Those low passes with the gear down are ULTRA-cool !!!

[@vihtoripuurola3775]

Fantastic to see a 35% scale model! The sound from this plane is incredible.

[@spinnetti]

My understanding is it is not a model, but a homebuilt aircraft... Pilot is in it not on the ground.

[@fishjohn014]

​@@spinnettistill could be considered a model. Its "modeled" after a full scale aircraft. A piloted model

[@spinnetti]

@@fishjohn014 nope. Its an airplane not a model airplane. You could call it a replica aircraft which would probably be more accurate. Of course you can call it what you prefer in any case, but its still not a model.

[@vihtoripuurola3775]

@@spinnetti Thanks for that. I had no idea. I figured it was a massive RC plane. I see that now after watching the other videos.

[@chuckintexas]

@@spinnetti - Correct . This is a "Replica" _not_ a "Model" . Semantically interchangeable meanings , contectually different applications .

[@benyessin6709]

I fewel like Driving to Kokomo to watch it Fly! Great Video and many thanks for posting it!

[@eazynotsoeazy4850]

I wonder if this B29 and the mini B17 will ever meet up, but this gots to be the best thing to see on KZbin!.

[@gregmaggielipscomb9246]

That is quite a sight, thank You very much!

[@lomgshorts3]

Absolutely amazing !!! Great detail !! Ought to be a part of the bigger airshows.

[@oldtimer2192]

Just WOW! At first I thought this may be a monster scale rc model. Awesome work and magnificent flying! 👍👍👍

[@Xsiondu]

I first discovered this because of your last video and I'm very happy to hear that it flew.

[@guybrown5910]

Congratulations and thanks for posting this.

[@eriklapparent4662]

Incredible !That's so clever.Never thought that was possible .Most sincere congrats and cheers from France.Happy Thanksgiving and end of the year.

[@martinmcclure7521]

Congratulations, Tom! A wonderful aircraft. I'm glad I was able to see it a few times in the "under construction" phases, which make watching the video even more enjoyable. Wish I could have been there to see the first flight in person. Wishing you much enjoyment flying that around.

[@scottjenkins6972]

This is one of the most amazing things I have seen in my entire life. VERY COOL!

[@O.L.D_RC]

That's a beautiful scale B-29! He moved ahead quickly after taxi testing, but it gives him time to work on her out of season. I know a couple of guys who built half scale warbirds, and people are surprised when you say they were piloted not RC. The full size is bigger than many people realize. Awesome way to keep history alive!

[@ronducote8564]

That is the most beautiful replica aircraft I've ever seen. This needs to be accepted into airshows as a real demo flight.

[@craigw.scribner6490]

One of the most impressive things I've ever seen! Thanks!

[@DavidKirby-f9r]

What a beautiful plane. Thanks for showing it.

[@jhvdveen2951]

What a nice flying B-29 🤟 Regards of the Netherlands 🇱🇺

[@johnmick9457]

For sure those Honda engines are supplying gobs of power not a long take off roll looks super stable and flies as good as it looks!

[@timchapman5567]

Yeah, sure, it performs remarkably well, and all credit. But what’s its bomb load?

[@ctwalston1565]

Just WOW! What a spectacular achievement!! Great video!

[@gsperanza07]

JUST , BEAUTIFUL, JUST BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

[@bradleyjanes2949]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@benking4367]

She’s beautiful!!!

[@bryonmason6330]

Outstanding Young Man! Beautiful!

[@IzzyManDude]

Awesome replica. I love the sound, as well. It is I want to see more from RC WW2 Replicas. That authentic prop driven sound from them.

[@rv6ejguy]

It's not an R/C plane. Weighs 3000 pounds...

[@ohiorc5586]

It’s a real plane haha😂

[@sjsomething4936]

Very cool stuff! I live just below the flight path of John C. Munro airport in Hamilton Ontario, and we are fairly regularly treated to the sight of a WW2 era Lancaster bomber flying over our home. These old aircraft, replicas included are very awesome to see. Congratulations to the builders of this plane, it’s fantastic!

[@jeremywilson4326]

Awesome. This is very significant. A testament to what we can really do. Thank you .

[@dieselrotor]

So happy to finally see this video ! How wonderful. I can't believe nobody thought of on board cameras/Go pros to capture the flight. Disappointed to not see the landing either. She looks and sounds beautiful.

[@skimmer8774]

He's going to be bringing home more than 1 🏆. Looks and sounds fantastic.

[@terrallputnam7979]

What a beautiful war bird replica! Great work!

[@Radiogirl1931]

Too many people commenting this is an RC. NO this is a piloted plane. Just like the Bally Bomber. There is a person inside.

[@whalesong999]

They must be mislead by the mention of it being 35% scale.

[@kennedysingh3916]

Watched from Old Harbour Jamaica. B-29's use to come to Jamaica on training missions early 1945 at Vernam Field.

[@shortribslongbow5312]

Outstanding! Kudos.

[@flyingfortressrc1794]

That looks so real coming in over the trees on landing approach. That's a beautiful bird.

[@stevenmcmullen1939]

Absolutely stunning :)

[@Litauen-yg9ut]

That thing's AWESOME. Kudos to the people that designed and built that..

[@TinaBuch-66]

Mainly only 1 guy

[@Swampfox612]

Amazing. Well done, Tom!

[@roblachman8919]

That plane is totally amazing. Thanks 🇦🇺👍

[@rodrv6]

No mention of the landing collision with the golf cart? It is a neat project, I hope the woman on the golf cart is ok, and I hope the damage to the airplane is easily fixable.

[@theadventuresofjavier8698]

Really?? Yikes

[@julesdomes6064]

It knocked the golf cart over, probably with the wings? There has to be some real structural damage. Not a good idea to film from a golf cart so close to the runway.

[@MozTS]

who cares, women have no place on the flight line

[@SurvivingTheApocalypse]

They have started deleting comments.

[@jessegarman7899]

Guessing the woman was in the wrong place talking on a cell phone.

[@CraigVanSickleAK]

Incredible accomplishment!

[@acescionti711]

Please do more videos on this thing I wanna all the ins and outs. Soo cool

[@DPSDDS]

Can you comment on the cockpit where the pilot sits ? From the previous video where it shows a young guy working on the interior …. It seems awfully cramped in there. Does the pilots head stick up inside the glass turret on top ? Because the visibility through the front windows looks very restrictive. Thx.

[@whalesong999]

Yes, a view of the cabin and panel would help us appreciate just how it's put together. I looked for information on that but didn't find anything up on that yet.

[@rv6ejguy]

I think you'll find that was a young lady ie "Rosie the Riveter" theme. Front vis is fine, to the sides, not so much.

[@rogerbrant7232]

Congrats guy's... Amazing accomplishment !!! Would love to see it in the air with Bally's B-17

[@outlawflyer7868]

awesome!!! It would look better if it had the gun domes on the rear along with the gun turrets. Does he plan on adding those latter? would be great to get a cockpit view when he flies again. Perhaps even a walk around while it's hangered.

[@stevenfromer3816]

Fantastic,beautifully built

[@davidnelson8081]

I've never heard of this project. I'd love to see it!

[@scottdoubleyou563]

I had the privilege to see Enola Gay at Udvar Hazy in May. Seeing a 1/3 scale fly gives a good representation of how beautiful they really are.

[@halnwheels]

Beautiful plane and flown so realistically. A joy to watch.

[@rocket_88oldsmobile14]

Do you have the video of the B-29 replicas crash when it hit a golf cart ? How much damage was there to the wing ? Did the woman in the cart survive ?

[@rv6ejguy]

Nope, covered that in the pinned message. Some damage to the wing which Tom will repair. The woman had minor cuts and bruises, released same day.

[@chuckintexas]

Quoting commenter: @edbreyer 10 months ago For those aware of and wondering about the woman in the golf cart that was clipped by the wing upon landing - Russ Niles of AVweb has indicated that he... "Got a call from the local sheriff’s office. Woman is fine and very minor damage to the plane. No charges expected." That's GREAT NEWS!

[@TomatoWithARifle]

Sounds amazing!

[@jjt1093]

Beautifully built

[@stuuuporman]

Beautiful, simply beautiful👍

[@MikeKobb]

Phenomenal. I hope that the work to repair her from the golf cart mishap goes smoothly! Would be awesome to see at OSH.

[@Viking88Power]

So cool

[@roxximusik8958]

Wow - words fail me !

[@RazorTube55]

Those engines purring is remarkable!😁

[@normanrukki3954]

That is such an incredible R/C. I remember back in the late 60's, early 70's that guy that had that big monster B-29 when I got to see it fly a few times. So cool.

[@normanrukki3954]

My Dad was a Flight Engineer on B-29's, and I grew up surrounded by B-47's and B-52's. SAC forever. And I can sleep through anything....

[@rv6ejguy]

Not R/C. 50 foot wingspan, 3000 pounds, four Honda car engines, 2 pilot seats.

[@lezbarker2673]

Wow I just saw the tiny B-17 fly and now this. Great work a great plane.

[@sidneyvanzandt2473]

Truely a awesome Plane!! I did watch the first video. Though, it was a while ago.. But, I remember the “SDS” logo in the background.. Very glad that the Warbird is up and flying!! Can’t wait for the next video that comes out!!

[@FloridaFrank2010]

Wonderful aircraft! Suspect Oshkosh would love to have that visit next year =)

[@raywalsh2468]

Awesome!!!!!😊

[@ChrisJohnson-hk6es]

I am stunned and amazed at the same time! Such a cool build! I would love to see the cockpit layout. I am going to guess it's not very comfortable in there?

[@bobclarie]

Very Nice ! Grew up and learned to fly in Marion, soloed in a Champ . . and practiced landings in Converse, circular landing field . . Thanks, Bob

[@doncatchpole]

Wow, great job.

[@deane2974]

What an amazing project. It is easy to see it looks as good as it flies! They put a lot into into this project and it definitely shows! 👍

[@davidbross6942]

Wish we could have seen the landing! Great plane!

[@prophetsnake]

There was an accident on the landing. It collided with a golf cart and the cart driver was injured.

[@davidbross6942]

Very Understandable. I hope the driver recovered completely.@@prophetsnake

[@prophetsnake]

@@davidbross6942 I've only seen news reports and it appears to be more than a bump on the head. She was taken to the hospital, anyhow.

[@robertm7624]

Incredible

[@747heavyboeing3]

How does it handle in landing??

[@Beechnut985]

I am beyond Amazed..

[@dillonshrop4563]

What damage did it sustsain when it hit the golf cart a week back?

[@davidkavanagh189]

Nice but why the short NLG? It's under-scale and makes prop strikes way more likely.

[@jwill540]

Awesome!

[@victorsears9964]

Where is the collision with the golf cart?

[@waynesmith1273]

Awesome. What about building a replica B-36?

[@chuckintexas]

NowTHAT would be something to SEE !!

[@beatlebass2002]

Thank you so very much. Simply spectacular!! Congratulations to Tom! If you see this were you nervous or cool as a cucumber 😜

[@greencountryoverlanding4523]

Amazing

[@chwilliams5]

Great job. Does not seem to be under powered like the Bally Bomber was.

[@SoloRenegade]

this is much bigger, and has bigger engines. Bally Bomber uses small 2 strokes, built more like a Hummel. Both are amazing accomplishments.

[@tomcrosby6332]

Cool as heck! Anybody would think they were looking at the real deal at a distance. Lots of happy folks!!

[@thafunktapus]

awesome!!!

[@ZacYates]

How fantastic to see it fly, bravo Tom! Why no video of the landing?

[@julesdomes6064]

Because it hit a golf cart.

[@roddybrodie7493]

Wow,, I thought it was an RC plane too, that's a fabulous piece of work indeed. Kudos to the guy that built this fine bird✨

[@tundralou]

Wonderful

[@gpaull2]

Does the pilots head stick up into the gun turret, or is he looking out the cockpit windows? Amazing build and flying!

[@ronbutler3431]

It's a radio control model.

[@adamgraves6251]

No its maned not R/C@@ronbutler3431

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

@@ronbutler3431 Nope. This is a piloted aircraft with 2 seats in tandem.

[@grandenauto3214]

@@ronbutler3431no it isn’t, check out the build very impressive

[@wildcoyote34]

@@5thGenNativeTexan just looking at this amazes me ,, i fly a piper PA34 seneca, it's licensed experimental as well and this is a 4 engine home built aircraft that flies amazing from what i can see