Assorted B-29A Superfortress' s/n unknown including a turret, salvage yard, China Lake, July 1967. Photo by S. Grivno.

Assorted B-29A Superfortress' s/n unknown including a turret, salvage yard, China Lake, July 1967. Photo by S. Grivno.

B-29A Superfortress s/n unknown, top gun turret, China Lake Boneyard, July 1967. Photo by S. Grivno.

B-29A Superfortress s/n unknown, tail gunners compartment, China Lake Boneyard, July 1967. Photo by S. Grivno.

B-47E Stratojet s/n 52-0159 alongside B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61782, B-29 area, China Lake, September 1967. Photo by Steve Grivno.

B-47E Stratojet s/n 52-0159 alongside B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61782, B-29 area, China Lake, September 1967. Photo by Steve Grivno.

B-47E Stratojet s/n 52-0159 alongside an unknown B-29A Superfortress, B-29 area, China Lake, September 1967. Photo by Steve Grivno.

B-47E Stratojet s/n 52-0140 cockpit section alongside the inverted wing of an unknown B-29A Superfortress, B-29 Area, China Lake, September 1967. Photo by Steve Grivno.

Pat with his broken foot standing in front of  a ‘parts missing’ B-29A Superfortress with the number 3 on the forward fuselage, B-29 Area. Photo by S. Grivno.

A zinc chromate painted B-29 Superfortress that was very intact at the edge of the park. Pat’s wife is partially visible behind the propeller blade at the left. Their 1963ish Rambler is in the background. Photo by S. Grivno.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748 "It's Hawg Wild" was the bomber that my buddy Mark and I spent the night in the gunner’s compartment during my second visit to the park. I think I wrote my name somewhere in the compartment. Photo by S. Grivno.

The cockpit area of Korean War veteran B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69729, "T Square 54", that has its residue of the personal insignia of its crew, partially visible under the open co-pilot’s window. Photo by S. Grivno.

Unknown B-29A Superfortress with it's nose gear wheels missing along with the engines, this fighting machine’s days were numbered and its future as a beverage can were almost certain. Photo by S. Grivno.

The B-29A Superfortress in the foreground shows ‘parking lot damage’ behind the cockpit window. The rudderless B-29A s/n 70064, tail number 74, was one of three China Lake B-29As that were put together to become one bomber that is now on display at Castle AFB Museum. Photo by S. Grivno.

With its tail turret windows covered with preservative, the fabric missing from the elevators, and its old black paint weathering - things looked pretty grim for B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69729 when viewed from the astrodome opening of an adjoining B-29, B-29 Area. Photo by S. Grivno.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 42-65281, tail number 94, and it may have been converted to a tanker at one time. The red stripes on the wings and fuselage, plus the tubing on the side indicate it as being a TB-29 that was used for target towing as its last function. Photo by S. Grivno.

A view of the close parking that was used to put the most bombers in the least space. The tail of B-29A Superfortress s/n 470140 can be seen at left. Photo by S. Grivno.

Another of the  zinc chromate painted B-29s at China Lake. Perhaps, they were flown in from technical training commands rather than being disposed of on site. With its engines and Bomb bay doors missing this bomber’s identity is unknown. Photo by S. Grivno.

An interesting shot of the interior of the cockpit glazing of a B-29A Superfortress. A seldom seen shot of how all those transparent panels were held in place. Photo by S. Grivno.

Another engineless, outer wing panels missing, partially zinc chromate primed, B-29A Superfortress sits among its sisters in the afternoon sunshine with its once powerful four gunned upper turret pointed at the twelve O’clock position. Tail of B-29A s/n 69729, "T Square 54", is visible at right. Photo by S. Grivno.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70108 and B-29A s/n 44-87658 along with an anonymous and tailless B-29A fell on their noses when the nose gear was retracted for some unknown reason. B-47E Stratojet bomber s/n 52-0159 looks on. Photo by S. Grivno.

A view of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70108 and s/n 44-87658 from the other side. The tail turret gunner’s escape hatch is missing. They were very heavy with armored laminated glass that was several inches thick. Photo by S. Grivno

A shot showing the variety and condition of the B-29 Superfortress Area, s/n 44-70102 at left. Parking caution was not an apparent concern when these bombers were towed in. Kind of looks like a cemetery of historical machines that were crewed by young airmen who had long since moved on to civilian life and middle age (at the time) leaving their machines to their uncertain future. Photo by S. Grivno.

Someone pulled the retract for the nose gear leaving B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61782 in an awkward position, B-29 Area, January 1968. Photo by S. Grivno.

A close up of the data area on the side of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61782. It was applied each time the aircraft was refinished. Photo by S. Grivno.

A detail shot of the tail turret of a ‘black bottomed’ B-29A Superfortress. Note the damage to, and the missing armored glass and its support. Photo by S. Grivno.

A view from a zinc chromate primed B-29A Superfortress' rear compartment escape hatch looking forward. The outline of the vertical stabilizer is visible by the nearest turret. The object that appears behind the four-gunned forward turret is a crane in the distance. Photo by S. Grivno.

An unusual angle shot showing the rear of the B-29A Superfortress main landing gear and an example of some of the ‘parking lot dings’ the old warriors endured. Photo by S. Grivno.

The yellow stripe with black trimming and the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) insignia and the faired over remote turrets may indicate this finless B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-84084 was a weather recon aircraft or perhaps special operation bomber during the final part of its life. Photo by S. Grivno.

A detail shot of the B-29A Superfortress rear entrance, vacant lower turret and color line demarcation of an unknown B-29A Superfortress. Note the unusual blade antenna below the end of the national insignia. Photo by S. Grivno.

A view looking down the back of a finless B-29A Superfortress that has the rear bubble and turret in place. The level of the metal work on these aircraft is readily apparent as is the density of the parking. Photo by S. Grivno.

A view of the fin of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62070, tail number 31, numbers were in red. This B-29A went on to become the world famous Confederate Air Force’s ‘FIFI’ – the only B-29A flying at present. Photo by S. Grivno.

B-29A Superfortress forward turret looks hauntingly empty with the vacant machine gun openings looking out harmlessly as if remembering the days when its guns firing would cause the bomber to shake as they filled the sky with lethal streams of bullets at an oncoming enemy fighter. Photo by S. Grivno.

Note the indentation in the control surface at the top of the photo that matches the contour of the tail turret and the completeness of the fabric closure seal of the rear turret. Notice the openings for the twin fifty caliber machine guns and one twenty millimeter cannon. The ejection port for spent cartridge casings is visible at the bottom. Photo by S. Grivno.

Another view of a B-29A Superfortress forward turret without its fairings or cover. Note also the antenna leads on the fuselage and the multitude of rivets attaching the skin to the inner structure. Photo by S. Grivno.

A unusual shot of a B-29A Superfortress rear turret area showing the ejection port and bumper skid in detail. It looks as if a bird had made a nest in the turret opening at one time. Photo by S. Grivno.

Just below the two notches in the huge Fowler flap of this chromate primed bomber is the number 62055 R, which corresponds to B-29A s/n 44-62055. Photo by S. Grivno.

A six O’clock view of TB-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70140 showing to advantage the two trough like structures under the tail turret used for stowing targets and the red stripes that were on the wings. Photo by S. Grivno.

A bottom shot showing the lower rear turret, strike camera doors (two doors forward of the turret) and two unusual faired antennas. The opening aft of the turret could have been a camera port. All which could have made this an F-13, RB-29A, EB-29A – or variation thereof. Photo by S. Grivno.

This is a view of the wing pod of the KB-29A Superfortress with a KB-50 type tail. It could be one of two YKB-29Js or possibly the only YKB-29T. Photo by S. Grivno.

A view from the rear edge of the B-29 Area. Note former NAS Los Alamitos F9F-6 Cougar BuNo 128134, 7L-132, painted in a Navy/Marine Reserve scheme of orange and white in the foreground, and the tank tracks on the right. Photo by S. Grivno.

Former NAS Los Alamitos F9F-6 Cougar BuNo 128134, 7L-132, at the edge of the B-29 area, China Lake, January 1968. Photo by Steve Grivno.

A bottom view of what appears to be a KB-29M showing the modified turret opening for the reel and hose that pre-dated the more successful KB-29Ps that utilized an early version of the ‘Flying Boom’ that has become the standard for Air Force tankers over the years. Photo by S. Grivno.

Black bottomed B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-86318, tail number 91, B-29 Area. Photo by S. Grivno.

Forward structure of the B-29A Superfortress tail gunner’s pressurized compartment. Photo by S. Grivno.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748 "It's Hawg Wild", China Lake, January 1968 . Photo by S. Grivno.

Six o'clock close-up of an unknown B-29A Superfortress tail gunners compartment, China Lake, circa 1968. Photo by Steve Grivno.

B-29A Superfortress, China Lake, circa 1968. Double exposure. Photo by Steve Grivno.

A montage of various B-29A Superforts including #3 at left. The tail in the photo is TB-29 s/n 44-70140. The slab sided addition contained two concave recesses that may have held two tow target sleeves for use in training fighter pilots. Photo by S. Grivno.

Note the feathered propellers on the two front B-29A Superforts, they would seem to indicate that their final flights were not without incident. Photo by S. Grivno.

A view of the rear fuselage of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-81703 with its faded Thirteenth Air Force insignia still visible. As with all the black bottomed B-29s there appears to be no consistency in how the demarcation between the black and bare metal was accomplished. Photo by S. Grivno.

A shot taken from the astrodome opening of a TB-29 (indicated by the red stripes on the wing.) The B-29A Superfortress fin with the serial number 44-62070, tail number 31, would later become the Confederate Air Force’s ‘FIFI’ Being in the center of the park was the main reason ‘FIFI’ survived. Being on the perimeter was a death warrant. Photo by S- Grivno.

Tail shot of a KB-29A Superfortress 44-87779 that may have served as a prototype or proof of concept test bed for the KB-50. Photo by S- Grivno.

The vacant tail turret of this B-29A Superfortress seems to be ‘checking out’ a new interloper with a menacing curiosity. Photo by S. Grivno.

With its rear fuselage framed between the nose and tail of the B-29s in the foreground, B-29A Superfortress s/n 45-21739, tail number 48, looks in very good shape. It eventually made its way to the War Museum in Seoul, South Korea. Photo by S. Grivno.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 45-21739, tail fin, China Lake, January 1968. Photographer unknown, G. Verver collection.

An interesting shot of a B-29A Superfortress tail turret and the outline it had made in the aileron of the next B-29, September 1967. Note the boarding ladder in the vacant blister opening. Photo by S. Grivno.

A view looking forward from a B-29A Superfortress rear compartment escape hatch. Note the antenna lead and the smooth finish of the skin. Photo by S. Grivno.

A black painted underside unidentified B-29A Superfortress. Notice the lack of turrets indicating that it may have been a KB-29 or TB-29. Photo by S. Grivno.

Steve Grivno during his first visit to the B-29 area. The protective film on the windows of the bomber in the background would seem to indicate that the zinc chromate primer was installed at China Lake for reasons unknown. Photo by S. Grivno.

B-29A Superfortress "Don’s Boys" was pretty much intact and the nose art was still legible, partial tail number is 25684, China Lake, circa 1968. The name forward of the art is Capt. F.R. Forrest. Names on the nose gear appear to be J.L. Byrne, F.B. Gustafson – both were Airman 1ST class. The third name is not legible. The name by the co-pilot window is Lt. H.D. Valley. Photo by Steve Grivno.

B-29A Superfortress tail that looks to belong to "Don's Boys". The partial number on the tail is 25684, China Lake, circa 1968.

A unidentified B-29A Superfortress #3 with its nose gear doors painted with ‘NO SMOKING 100 FT’. This photo illustrates the vastness of China Lake. Photo by S. Grivno.

The trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer blocks the view of the serial number of the B-29A Superfortress in the background. Notice Pat’s 1963ish Rambler in the background. Photo by S. Grivno.

The reel operators station of a KB-29A Superfortress, most likely for the wing mounted reel assembly. Photo by S. Grivno.

A shot of an unidentified B-29A Superfortress #3 with its nose gear doors painted with ‘NO SMOKING 100 FT’. Photo by S. Grivno.

A row of unidentified B-29A Superfortresses. Photo by S. Grivno.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 42-65281, tail number 94, at left, unknown B-29A fuselage, China Lake, September 1968. photo Wayne Mutza collection.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 42-65281, tail number 94, rear fuselage, China Lake, circa 1968. photographer unknown, G. Verver collection.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 42-65281, tail number 94, stbd side, China Lake, circa 1968. photographer unknown, G. Verver collection.

A unidentified B-29A Superfortress nose. Note the feathered prop and stripped nose door, China Lake, 16 February 1968. Photo by S. Grivno.

Mark Shuttenberg poses in the escape hatch for the rear compartment of a B-29A Superfortress missing its vertical fin. Note the fin and the armor plate, mounted at an angle to deflect any inadvertent shots to the tail turret gunner from the rear upper turret should the safety devices fail to function – thoughtful. Photo by S. Grivno.

Mark Shuttenberg in the B-29A Superfortress bombardier position in the nose. It gives an idea of the comparative spaciousness of the crew compartment. Photo by S. Grivno.

Unknown B-29A Superfortress' flight engineer’s station. Photo by S. Grivno..

Looking similar to a looted ancient Egyptian tomb, the dusty and deserted B-29A Superfortress cockpit’s stripped instrument panels seem to stare at the camera. Photo by S. Grivno.

A view of a deserted pilot’s position in a B-29A Superfortress, China Lake, 16 February 1968. Photo by S. Grivno.

An inside view of the B-29A Superfortresses tail gunners position, China Lake, 16 February 1968. Photo by Steve Grivno.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70140, B-29 area, China Lake, January 1968. Photo from Wayne Mutza.

Steve Grivno standing by B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70140, B-29 area, China Lake, January 1968. Photo from Wayne Mutza.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70140, B-29 area, China Lake, January 1968. Photo from Wayne Mutza.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70140, B-29 area, China Lake, January 1968. Photo from Wayne Mutza.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70140, B-29 area, China Lake, January 1968. Photo from Wayne Mutza.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 42-65281, tail number 94, at left, unknown B-29 fuselage, China Lake, September 1968. Photo Wayne Mutza collection.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69703, tail code A, China Lake, circa 1968. Photographer unknown.

KB-50 Superfortress tanker & C-117D Skytrain BuNo 50826, aircraft compound, China Lake, circa 1968. Photographer unknown.

Unknown B-29A Superfortress with yellow nose gear doors, B-29 Area, China Lake, January 1968. Photographer unknown.

L-r: B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62260, s/n 44-62070, tail number 31, s/n 44-70064, tail number 74, and unknown, China Lake, circa 1970. Photographer unknown from Don Hart collection.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70064, tail number 74, China Lake, circa 1970.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-86291, orange painted engine cowling and cowl flaps, B-29 area, China Lake, 1971. Photographer unknown.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 45-21739, tail number 48, China Lake, circa 1972. Photographer unknown.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 45-21739, tail number 48, China Lake, circa 1972. Photographer unknown.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 45-21739, tail number 48, China Lake, circa 1972. Photographer unknown.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 45-21739, tail number 48, in the foreground and s/n 44-86291 at right, China Lake, circa 1972. Photographer unknown.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 45-21739, tail number 48, China Lake, circa 1972. Photographer unknown.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62070, tail number 31, China Lake, circa 1970.

L-r: B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62260, B-29A s/n 44-62070, tail number 31, B-29A s/n 44-70064, tail number 74, and unknown B-29A, China Lake, circa 1970.

Nose close-up of B-29A Superfortress s/n 45-21739, tail number 48, and Don Hart, China Lake, circa1972. Photographer unknown.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70064, tail number 74, China Lake, 01 July 1979. Photographer unknown, Don Hart collection.

New glass bubbles were ordered manufactured to replace the broken ones as seen in this photograph of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62070, tail number 31, prior to restoration, 06 August 1971. Rocketeer photo.

Before and after photos of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62070, tail number 31, instrument panel following nine weeks of careful restoration by the Confederate Air Force, 06 August 1971. Rocketeer photo.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 42-85281, tail number 94, stbd side, China Lake, 1971. Photographer unknown, G. Verver collection.

Left side of 98th Bomb Wing “Force for Freedom” B-29A Superfortress "The Duchess" s/n 42-93880, B-29 area, China Lake, April 1974. Photo by Peter Foster.

Right side of 98th Bomb Wing “Force for Freedom” B-29A Superfortress "The Duchess" s/n 42-93880, B-29 area, China Lake, April 1974. Photo by Peter Foster.

Left side of 320th Bomb Wing “Strength through Awareness” B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61764 or 44-62136, B-29 area, China Lake, April 1974. Photo by Peter Foster.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62222, B-29 area, China Lake, April 1974. Photo by Peter Foster.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69957, tail number 85, B-29 area, China Lake, April 1974. B-29A at left and behind is s/n 44-62023. Photo by Peter Foster.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 45-21777, B-29 area, China Lake, April 1974. Photo by Peter Foster.

B-47E Stratojet s/n 52-0166 in the foreground, B-47E s/n 53-2275 at right and B-47E s/n 52-0168 at left, B-29 area, China Lake, April 1974. Photo by Peter Foster.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70102, B-29 area, China Lake, 1975. Photo from Aric Aldrich.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-84084, MATS insignia, B-29 area, China Lake, 1975. Photo from Aric Aldrich.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62222, B-29 area, China Lake, 1979. Photo from Aric Aldrich.

B-29A Superfortress s/n unknown, B-29 area, China Lake, April 1979. Photo from Aric Aldrich.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 42-65281, tail number 94, B-29 area, China Lake, circa 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Zielser, USN, Retd.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 42-65281, tail number 94, B-29 area, China Lake, circa 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Zielser, USN, Retd.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild", undergoing restoration, China Lake, circa June 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Zielser, USN, Retd.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild," flight engineer controls, China Lake, June 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Zielser, USN, Retd.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild," pilots seat and controls, B-29 area China Lake, June 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Zielser, USN, Retd.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild," co-pilots seat and controls, China Lake, June 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Zielser, USN, Retd.

Unknown B-29A Superfortress at left and in center, B-29A Superfortress s/n 42-65281, tail number 94, at far right, China Lake, circa 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Zielser, USN, Retd.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-87779, "Legal Eagle II," China Lake, circa 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Zielser, USN, Retd. Eventually found its way to the South Dakota Air And Space Museum

B-29A Superfortress bombsight, China Lake, circa 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Zielser, USN, Retd.

B-29A Superfortress bombsight and 50 caliber machine gun, China Lake, circa 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Zielser, USN, Retd.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild", China Lake, May 1979. Imperial War Museum photo from Don Hart collection.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild", China Lake, May 1979. Imperial War Museum photo from Don Hart collection.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild", co-pilot seat and instrument panel, China Lake, May 1979. Imperial War Museum photo from Don Hart collection.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild", flight engineers panel, China Lake, May 1979. Imperial War Museum photo from Don Hart collection.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70064, tail number 74, China Lake, circa 1979. Note the rear turret in the foreground. Imperial War Museum photo from Don Hart collection.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-87779, "Legal Eagle II," B-29 area, China Lake, 12 June 1985. Official U.S. Navy photo.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-87779, "Legal Eagle II," B-29 area, China Lake, 12 June 1985. Official U.S. Navy photo.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69729, "T Square 54", China Lake, 12 June 1985. Official U.S. Navy photo. Went to Heritage of the Rockies Museum and then to the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

B-29A Superfortresses (cw from upper left ) s/n 44-84084, MATS insignia, s/n 44-87779 "Legal Eagle II" and 44-69729 "T Square 54", China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69729, "T Square 54", B-29 area, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69729, "T Square 54", B-29 area, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70049, B-29 area, China Lake, 12 June 1985. Official U.S. Navy photo.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70049, B-29 area, China Lake, 12 June 1985. Official U.S. Navy photo.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70049, B-29 area, China Lake, 12 June 1985. Official U.S. Navy photo.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70049, B-29 area, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 42-65281, tail number 94, China Lake, 12 June 1985. Official U.S. Navy photo.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 42-65281, tail number 94, China Lake, 12 June 1985. Official U.S. Navy photo.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70049, B-29 area, China Lake, 12 June 1985. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Tail fin from B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62112, B-29 area, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62134, Randsburg Wash Test Range, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62134, Randsburg Wash Test Range, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

Interior view of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62134, Randsburg Wash Test Range, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

Derelict remains of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69957, Airport Lake, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

Derelict remains of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69957, Airport Lake, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

Derelict remains of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69957, Airport Lake, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69972, "Doc", China Lake, 09 Dec 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69972, "Doc", B-29 area, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69972, "Doc", B-29 area, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70102, "Here's Hopin'", China Lake, 09 Dec 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70102, "Here's Hopin," B-29 area, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-84084, MATS insignia, B-29 area, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-84084, MATS insignia, B-29 area, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

Wing and engine from an unknown B-29 Superfortress, B-29 area, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

Tail section, unknown B-29A Superfortress, B-29 area, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

B-29A Superfortresses (cw from left) s/n 44-70102, Here's Hopin' , s/n 44-69729, T Square 54, s/n 44-84084 and s/n 44-87779, Legal Eagle II, China Lake, circa 1985. Photo from Tom Matthews.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70102 "Here's Hopin", A/C compound south side of Armitage, 17 April 1988. Photo by Brian Lockett.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69957 and assorted armored vehicles, Airport Lake, China Lake, circa 1990. Photographer unknown.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69957 and assorted armored vehicles, Airport Lake, China Lake, December 1995. Photo by Joe Cupido.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70102, China Lake, December 1995. Photo by Joe Cupido.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62134, Randsburg Wash Test Range, China Lake, April 1996. Photo by Joe Cupido.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62134, Randsburg Wash Test Range, China Lake, April 1996. Photo by Joe Cupido.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-69972, "Doc", China Lake, November 1997. Photo by Joe Cupido.

C-117D Skytrain BuNo 12431, B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70102 "Here's Hopin", QF-4N Phantom BuNo 150468 & F-111B BuNo 152715, a/c compound south side of Armitage, May 2005. Photo by Dustin Packer.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62134, Igloos test site, Randsburg Wash Test Range, China Lake, 30 January 2007.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62134, Igloos test site, Randsburg Wash Test Range, China Lake, 30 January 2007.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62134 fuselage interior, Igloos test site, Randsburg Wash Test Range, China Lake, 30 January 2007.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62134 #1 engine nacelle, Igloos test site, Randsburg Wash Test Range, China Lake, 30 January 2007.

B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62134 forward fuselage interior looking aft from the nose, Igloos test site, Randsburg Wash Test Range, China Lake, 30 January 2007.

Close-up left front view of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62134, Igloos test site, Randsburg Wash Test Range, China Lake, 30 January 2007.

Front view of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62134, Igloos test area, Randsburg Wash Test Range, China Lake, 30 January 2007.

Close-up right front view of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-62134, Igloos test site, Randsburg Wash Test Range, China Lake, 30 January 2007. G. Verver collection.