B29 Replica Second Flight!

[@jimschutz]

Thank you for preserving this part of history for all to see! My dad passed away 3 weeks ago and I wonder how many rear gunners or crew are left on this world for the B-29s. He flew 3 missions over Japan but never had to engage the enemy due to massive P-51 fighter escorts. He was involved in the dropping of incentiary bombs on these missions. During his last mission he survived a huge crash during takeoff at the end of the runway on Tinion Island in late 1944. One of the starboard engines siezed during takeoff causing the plane cartwheel at the end of the runway. He told me a story about where one of his crew mates was trying to get the rear door open and struggled. He pushed him away and somehow got the door to release from the twisted fuselage on his own. Thats why I'm here today!

[@boommasterkc-135____8]

What an incredible story. I wish more veterans had told of their experiences so they could be documented and collaborated among other people to properly tell their stories.

[@N3SHXX]

Jim, sorry for the loss of your dad, he must have been well into his 90`s....!!! My father was also a B-29 rear gunner and stationed in the Tinian islands during WW 2. I loved hearing the stories from his experiences there. He was also a photographer and had a darkroom setup there and took many photos and developed them on the spot when he had time. i still have many of the photos....!!!

[@richlantz3442]

@@N3SHXX Do you have these photos posted somewhere...?

[@lelandhetrick205]

Great landing! Smooth on the grass field. Powered by four Honda automotive inline engines. Amazing.

[@Gunmahoro]

LOL. When I shared the first video with friends they told me 'that's a damn impressive RC model!' Like you said, a lot of people took it for RC. I laughed so hard telling them 'that's a real plane with a real man flying it." Great to see another video of this amazing aircraft.

[@eriktorne1350]

Fantastic job!!!! Congratulations is in order. Many happy landings!

[@chrisambrose8838]

Absolutely fantastic!!!! What an achievement! Thanks for posting!! 🇺🇸💙🙋‍♂️🖖🏻

[@jayoneill1533]

Truly the most amazing home built ever made, just phenomenal.

[@saito125]

Hard to find proper words.. just amazing! Amazing!!!

[@retydeere1111]

We had a Honda FIt on the ranch as a beater vehicle, we could not kill the thing. It just kept on going missing half its body and glass. Great clip of the scale B29. Glad Tom built it and flies it himself.🇺🇸

[@monsieurcommissaire1628]

Truly remarkable aircraft. Just beautiful. Daring vision + amazing skills have made this one-of-a-kind work of functional art. Thank you for sharing this.

[@P61guy61]

Thank you for posting. Incredible achievement.

[@BeechSportBill]

PHENOMENAL!

[@Kickinpony66]

Way cool! I hope to see it and the Bally B-17 one day!

[@redstone51]

BEAUTIFUL!!! Loved this video and aircraft!!! It reminds me of the Bally Bomber: The late Jack Bally's 1/3 B-17!!!❤🙏👌

[@bobbyduke777]

Magnificent

[@jimnjele.bean-dayone3505]

OUTSTANDING build and flight...When I saw it take off, I thought it was R/C...Glad to know it is real !! Very cool

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Rc is real.🤦‍♂️

[@TheJoefussGarage]

Would love to see pics and video of him in the cockpit, and near the plane, for some better perspective to that scale.... Thanks .

[@doncatchpole]

Good show. Congrats.

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

Magnificent piece of aeronautical engineering! 👍🏻

[@craig7083]

Congratulations!! A great accomplishment! The engines sound terrific. Glad to see the golf carts stayed off the runway this time.

[@stephenwalton9646]

Few people realize or appreciate the freedoms our aviation culture here in America provides. Nowhere else are the skies so accessible or the freedom to innovate so prevalent.

[@mh53eflyguy]

No golf carts were harmed this time.

[@carolanncesare7170]

My Dad was a flight engineer on board B-29 with the 20th USAAC and I was able to fly in FIFI and went on to see DOC the only two still airworthy , they are truly beautiful and to hear them start up is wonderful, Dad would fly from IWO JIMA to JAPAN and back with over 400 29’s in formation!!!!!!!!! What great men they were! THE GREATEST!

[@PoochAndBoo]

B-29's didnt operate out of Iwo Jima. They flew to Japan from the Mariana Islands. They would only use Iwo as an emergency field.

[@wingnutsworkshop]

Congrats! Glad to see the progress!

[@ET_Don]

Nicely done.

[@BetterAircraftFabric]

The STOL version, what an achievement. Friggin Great. Best Regards from Alaska. Only those who do not read or refuse to read think its an RC... (I hate to say it but it does sound like an RC plane - and Yes, I only fly Lyc and Conti's) - The comments on KZbin often suck, its just the days we live in. Thanks for posting, hope to see the plane in Oshkosh, Best Regards from Alaska!

[@ManNomad]

Twitchy throttles with very responsive engines. Need to see much more of this masterpiece.

[@haroldmclean3755]

Way to go ! That's Awesome 👍

[@stevenwilkes5737]

Thank you for posting

[@kenanderson-q7q]

Amazing model Superfort, well done the owner builder a wonderfull outcome for such an icon of aviation history.

[@rv6ejguy]

Not a model...

[@CarlBrainerd]

Super job! I hope to see it at Oshkosh next year. We'll saved a parking space in front of the brown arch just in case (I'm the Chairman of the homebuilt parking area from the arch north to the P1 taxiway). Imagine if we could get this one, the Bally Bomber, and the new P-38 replica all together.....

[@rv6ejguy]

Tom didn't have plans to go to Oshkosh with it when I last talked to him. Maybe that will change in the future. He and many others are not so keen with the EAA any more. Osh has become an overpriced, over commercialized venture, less friendly to true builders and small aviation businesses. Many of us think they've lost their way and purpose. Ever wonder where all the money goes? Check out what some of the directors are being paid...

[@TomatoWithARifle]

that's insane! can we get videos of a person getting in and out?

[@rv6ejguy]

I can only post what Tom sends me. Hope to have some cockpit video soon.

[@zzzyxwv]

Building airfix kits as a kid, I’m breathless watching something this big built from scratch. And it flies too😅😮 bravo!!!

[@barrygrant2907]

Surprisingly quick takeoff! More than enough "airfield" for that B-29.

[@Airsally]

That is pretty cool right there. I am helping HS kids in a build a plane project. I can really appreciate what it took to build this from scratch. Just Awsome!

[@austin12ascot]

It would have been nice to see it's scale by having a person standing next to it. Fantastic plane.

[@NWLee]

A super nice 35% scale model of the B-29. That would give it about a 49' wingspan, wow!

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Cool replica, took some brains to get that flying.

[@mtacoustic1]

Can't wait to see it at Oshkosh!!

[@chrisbailey4254]

WOW !!

[@onkcuf]

1:50 ~2. Woo hoo! Well deserved sir. Sounds excellent. Keep on doing what ya doin'

[@jerryclayton4616]

Interesting… a B 29 with Japanese engines… but I love it….

[@TheIndyspace]

Irony..! 😂

[@boeriksson9116]

I'd loved to see a person beside the aircraft, for size. Anyhow - Great to see this!

[@SurvivingTheApocalypse]

Glad to see the damage from the ‘incident’ during the last landing was not so bad that it grounded the aircraft for good.

[@glennstubbs8232]

Well done.

[@randall1959]

I want to see some video of how he gets into it.

[@alarmedmutant]

Wow, I can't get over how much it sounds like a real B-29!!😊 Really though, everything about this airplane is awesome.

[@macjim]

Impressive! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@gazratjackson]

It even sounds nice 👍

[@Nevada_Dan]

Makes my eyes water just looking at it...!

[@drbooo]

Insane project, be nice to see the Bali Bomber, and the 7/8 P-38 Lightning all in one place.

[@r7eagle_]

Nice rendition..mp4 is the best format. I use it all the time.

[@rv6ejguy]

I had a lot of trouble editing this as it was shot in different formats and kept crashing my editor. Had to separately render each clip in MP4, Then take those into my program to finish it.

[@williamkennedy5492]

A great achievement.

[@mikepowell3335]

Interested to hear what he used for PSRU's and props.

[@TinaBuch-66]

Thanks for posting! Just FYI, his last name said “Hodson”. The g is silent 😊

[@noyfub]

What an awesome accomplishment! Are there plans for adding main gear doors?

[@leifvejby8023]

How is the photographer who got hurt during the first landing doing?

[@rv6ejguy]

Minor scratches, she is fine.

[@geoffb108]

I hope this plane manages to get a real legal public displaying. I have a large paper card model of one hanging from the ceiling in my bed room. First thing I see every morning.

[@flightforensics4523]

FOUR HONDA WHAT ENGINES?!? HOLY SMOKE!😮

[@normaal4663]

I have no words other then ABSOLUTELY AWESOME for Mr.Hodgon and his dedication to create this..... But at 1:33 .... am i the only one who, with a certain golfcart in mind thought ... WTH ?

[@gotchagoing4905]

WOW !!!! Since there is a B-17 out there that is flyable, (The Bally Bomber), now a totally cool B-29, who and what will be next?

[@ThePaulv12]

A B-58?

[@jeanholmgren3127]

A B-36 ?

[@TonyWony]

Fuck yeah! Soo cool that this exists

[@Critter145]

1:43 I drove a Honda Fit for years; the throttle is touchy 🤣

[@diffened]

Wow!! He could pilot real bombing missions with this thing. To all of Tom's neighbors, don't get him mad at you. hahahahahaaahahaaa.......fantastic plane. I very much admire people who can build something like this, and then successfully fly it. I wish him all the best that the unthinkable never happens. Looking forward to more videos.

[@sagyolewb1599]

I'd love to see a Kermie Cam on this plane.

[@anthonycapanas2932]

Are the landing gears retractable? The B-29 in full scale or Tom's 35% scale B-29, is always a graceful bird because of its wingspan. Good to see Tom's bird in takeoff and landing.

[@rv6ejguy]

Gear is retractable but will stay down for the initial test flights.

[@johndavey72]

50 foot wingspan ! And it's scratch built ? Well that took probably 5years to build and heaven knows how many dollars . I 'm always mystified that these builders / owners are qùite prepared to see these incredible aircraft fly into oblivion ......Thankyou

[@dougscott8161]

Congratulations on a fantastic achievement, Mr. Hodgsons. That is one beautiful airplane. I know that the Balley Bomber has two seats, does this plane also have a second (or even possibly a third seat)?🫀🧠🔥♥👍👍✌✈

[@rv6ejguy]

Yes, 2 seats in tandem.

[@HootOwl513]

So is the actual cockpit canopy in the Plexiglass Blister where the forward turret would be?

[@rv6ejguy]

You can see the rudder pedals, throttles, and control column at the end of the video. Just aft of the greenhouse.

[@HootOwl513]

@@rv6ejguy OK. So if it's a one-seater, how come there's an observation dome?

[@GSimpsonOAM]

@@HootOwl513 Tandem. 2 seats

[@HootOwl513]

@@GSimpsonOAM OK. And the rear seater has the Dome?

[@GSimpsonOAM]

@@HootOwl513 Hopefully a future video will show crew positions in more detail.

[@cabanford]

Thought this was 20 years old when I saw the intro graphics

[@mhughes1160]

What’s the bomb 💣 payload capacity ? LoL 😂 Great video. Thanks for posting 👍

[@scotabot7826]

Fot those who don't know, this is a real, manned aircraft, NOT a large scale RC model. What a achievement for this gentleman!! Just WOW!! Yes, it's the totally ignorant types that make all the ridiculous, totally unfounded comments.

[@dessertfox3263]

I would like to see the pilot getting into the cockpit. Can it carry passsengers?

[@rv6ejguy]

It has 2 seats in tandem.

[@SpectrumRob]

Would have loved to see video, but youtube is forcing 3 minute commercials on me to watch it!

[@rv6ejguy]

My channel isn't monetized, never has been, never will be, so that's all KZbin's doing. Most unfortunate. Not sure what can be done about that.

[@Paiadakine]

what is the seating arrangement

[@rv6ejguy]

2 seats in tandem.

[@Jimbo-in-Thailand]

It looks fantastic except for having no dihedral in the wings a la the original. Still, it's a helluva great looking scale replica. 😁

[@jamestone265]

Has it flow with the landing gear retracted yet

[@rv6ejguy]

Nope. Early days in the test program.

[@gunnarthefeisty]

Can the gear retract?

[@rv6ejguy]

Yup, but not on the initial test flights.

[@tomhighway1952]

👍

[@Mightymouserc]

That is very cool though it was giant scale rc at first , sure has the wow factor congrats

[@mattmichael6792]

Fantastic and incredible. And it would still be smarter to test fly at larger airport with a lot more security and elbow room in case of mishaps. In aviation, the convenient and the unnecessary are invitations to an accident.

[@rv6ejguy]

The airplane will continue to fly from Tom's home airport where it's hangared and worked on.

[@getoffenit7827]

Wait..what? There's a person inside that flying it???

[@TheJoefussGarage]

The dichotomy of that last statement, A B 29 with Japanese engines... This is, what the United States of America Is all about..... A melting pot, Freedom, mutual respect, and the pursuit of happiness ☺️

[@DonVideoGuy007]

Playback at 0.50 speed is "almost like the real deal visually, and audio-wise!".

[@tennriverluver3534]

OMG!!!

[@skooter2767k]

Not a golf cart in sight 😂😂😂

[@scottmiller4711]

Why do the Honda engines need your fuel injection system? Aren't they already fuel injected?

[@rv6ejguy]

The factory EFI system isn't aviation friendly when removed from the car. Many chassis sensor tie ins which are no longer there in the airplane.

[@fgrau7376]

Does the pilot lay down in it ????

[@rv6ejguy]

No sits in a seat. You can see the rudder pedals and control column in the photo near the end of the video.

[@jamesretired5979]

nice

[@earth9531]

Comment for the algorithm 😊🎉

[@davidedmundson8402]

I'm guessing the takeoff run will increase a bit with full fuel and a bomb load.

[@i.r.wayright1457]

The only way to top that is for someone to build a 35% scale B-36.

[@TractorMan104]

Glad to see no golf carts on the runway this time

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Proportions, look like a two person sized glider with four engine :) 300ft run? Ruddy Heck, it could do a Carrier takeoff without the catapult!

[@ThePaulv12]

Yeah with the carrier doing 30knots into the wind and say 40 knots over the deck it might takeoff in only 10m.

[@abbeyhall4624]

[@RCB58Hustler]

Ok. Who’s up for a B-36?😂

[@AphexTwinII]

Built in 2024, film with equipment from 1984.

[@rv6ejguy]

Shot with fairly modern iPhone and Android phones I'm told. Check your YT resolution viewing settings. The footage was provided to me by Tom.

[@Critter145]

😳😳😳😳💯💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@asaiyannamedgokublack]

Would be great I'd they used propfans, to get more thrust with less power🤷🏾‍♂️

[@DKTek07]

Are you kidding me!? A 3,000 pound airplane that gets airborne in 300 freaking feet! You think it needs more power….🤔. Obviously NOT a pilot and not mechanically inclined. No, this plane has more than enough power.

[@joevalicenti2722]

That is an RC aircraft not an Experimental Aircraft.

[@rv6ejguy]

Nope. Watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHK6p2Soncdri9k