The "FIFI" Makeover!

By Ralph McCormick

“FIFI” gets her makeover!!!  “FIFI”, for those who may not know, is a World War II B-29 bomber that helped us win the war in the Pacific.  The most famous airplane in the world, perhaps, is the Enola Gay.  That B-29 dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.  Another B-29, Bock’s Car, dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan (Bock’s Car is in a museum in Ohio and the Enola Gay is in the Smithsonian).  Within weeks of those two flights, the Japanese surrendered. 

The B-29 ‘Superfortress’ built by Boeing has been called the weapon that won the war in the Pacific. Designed to carry large bomb loads long distances, it made possible the strategic bombardment that brought Japan near to collapse. This mighty war machine was available when needed because Air Corps leaders of the 1930’s pressed for the development of strategic bombers.   

Designed to eventually replace the B-17 and B-24, the Boeing B-29 was on the drawing boards in 1940. By September 21, 1942, the maiden flight of the first ‘Superfortress’ was completed. By 1946, more than 3,900 B-29s had been built and delivered into service.   

“FIFI” is the ONLY B-29 flying. Today, she is spread from Midland (TX) to Tulsa (OK).  Three of the four engines are off and being overhauled, all eighteen cylinders per engine. (Believe it or not, “FIFI” has a “Hemi”.) Corrosion, a natural enemy to any airplane was found in the wings and areas of the fuselage.  Aluminum skins have been taken off to be replaced. For years, the maintenance on “FIFI” has been given on a ‘when needed’ basis. The new “FIFI” crew chief, Gary Austin (in photo) said, “…that this is a major undertaking that will continue for many years to come. Since this plane is the only B-29 flying, “We want it to have the best maintenance possible. We anticipate having her flying the summer air show circuit in 2005. Lots of work still has to be done.”   

These planes, like others built in the 40’s, were only designed to fly for a few years, to end the war and then they weren’t needed. After winning the war… most planes were scrapped. Many World War II bombers, fighters, and trainers are still flying… sixty years longer than their planned lifetime. As the photos show, there is plenty of repair work going on. 

There is an interesting union between “FIFI” and a group of twenty plus mechanics in Tulsa (OK) who donate thousands of hours per month to the “FIFI” makeover. At present part of her wings are in Tulsa being repaired. The cost to the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is just materials. These men spend their daytime hours working for American Airlines. In the evening, they put on the CAF hat and start on “FIFI”.  

As Ken Ruggiano, the individual in charge of the repair in Tulsa, said, “This is normal work for us. We rebuild Boeing 757s on a regular basis.  So a B-29 is not a problem. Sometimes, getting parts built can become a problem. We put all new parts into “FIFI”. There aren’t any B-29 parts supply houses, anymore. When we need a part, we just build it. That often times means building a ‘jig’ or finding machinery that allows us to build the part. I have the potential work force of over one-hundred mechanics who would donate their time to build a part or work on “FIFI” if it were needed.”   

“FIFI” first discovered Tulsa and Ken in 2000, when she had a fire in one of the engine compartments.  The damage was pretty serious. Ken and a small group became enamored with her, made the necessary repairs allowing her to return to flying. Those repairs took over five months to complete.  Ever since that time, Ken and his small crew has grown to love and admire “FIFI”. The thousands and thousands of hours they put into her repair only happen because of the dedicated mind-set of those Oklahomans.   

Many times they will jump in their car on a Friday afternoon, drive ten hours to Midland and work fifteen hour days until they have to return to Tulsa. Many spend their vacation time working on “FIFI”. You have to admire the fortitude of those guys. All of the cost comes out of their pocket. Yep… out of their pocket.  

During the writing of a story about “FIFI” in 2003, I met a man, Anton (pictured left), who had traveled from Paris, France, just to spend his vacation time in America at Midland working on “FIFI”. He was a pleasure with which to visit. That type of attitude transcends countries, races, and financial backgrounds. Do you think it is in your future to volunteer to assist with the repair of “FIFI”? Here is how you go about volunteering.  

You can call “FIFI’s” Crew Chief Gary Austin at 901 857-3350 and request information about the “FIFI” volunteer program. They are in need of skilled individuals at present, but Gary said, “We need a lot of assistance on “FIFI”, so if anyone is interested in coming to Midland to work, we will treat them right.”    

Now if you would like to support this group of men who donate their time, you can. The materials cost money…  You can donate directly to the “FIFI”, Keep Her Flying fund by sending your tax deductible donation to the B-29/B-24 Squadron: Commemorative Air Force, ATTEN: FLB29, P.O. Box 61000, Midland, TX 79711-2000. If you would like to join the CAF, contact Donna Blalack at 432 563-1000 ext 2232. More information may be found at their website www.commemorativeairforce.org.

Several photos provided by Gary Austin.