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View Full Version : Some incredible COLOR footage of the B-29 "Bockscar" and the Nagasaki mission!



Zack Baughman
02-07-2014, 04:28 PM
http://io9.com/silent-raw-footage-of-the-bombing-of-nagasaki-is-absolu-1518325727?utm_campaign=socialflow_io9_facebook&utm_source=io9_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9v5sW6t0zI#t=49

John Leidel
02-07-2014, 10:24 PM
Amazing footage.Question, it appears the B-29 is backing up under it's own power. Did the B-29 have reversible props? Or is there a tow out of view somewhere?

Zack Baughman
02-11-2014, 02:39 PM
Amazing footage.Question, it appears the B-29 is backing up under it's own power. Did the B-29 have reversible props? Or is there a tow out of view somewhere?

As I understand it, the Silverplate B-29s were equipped with Curtiss Electric reversible pitch propellers instead of the regular Hamilton Standard units, so yes, they could indeed back up under their own power!

John Leidel
02-11-2014, 06:50 PM
I learn something new everyday! Thanks for the info Zack!

Rick G.
02-25-2014, 03:42 PM
Watch the video closely of the B-29 backing up. There is a group of guys up front there by the nose wheels, physically "steering" the nose wheels by hand, probably through the use of some sort of crow bar or lever. B-29's did not have any controls in the cockpit for "steerable" nose wheels.

If memory serves, I think a steerable nose wheel system was later introduced on the upgraded versions of the B-29 known as the B-50, which was then also applied to use on the subsequent C-97 / KC-97 / and Stratocruiser airliner.

Rick G.