My uncle flew two tours assigned to "Flak-Bait" and two flights on D-Day as bombarder . He was a great man a well respected . He was married and raised four children . He lived a wonderful life and passed at 98 years old. Honors to John Sturges First Lieutenant United States Army Air Corps .

What a gift! I thought only the nose survived, didn't know the entire plane exists. Absolutely correct to preserve this one this way for it's history.

...I am glad they have the whole plane...I thought for years, they only had the nose section....

my dad james Burwell flew in b26 bat outa hell II. he was the radio operator/navigator/waist gunner. the complete crew flew 60 missions. tail number 131623. 323bg 455bs. they obviously some of the same missions as flak bait did. YU G was the bat outa hells side letters. I have pictures of it. painted exactly like flak bait. I cant wait to see this plane in person. at the end when showing the front fuselage that was my dads seat right there. thanks guys for preserving this piece of history and not repainting the airplane like the Memphis belle!!!

I'd love to know if the signature of my dad, Clare G Goodrich was found anywhere on Flak-Bait. He headed overseas in June 1943 and arrived back in the good 'ole USA in Oct 1945. Flak-Bait was "his plane". Clare G Goodrich was assistant crew chief of Flak-Bait at the time of her 125th mission over enemy territory (press release Aug 18, 1944) and chief mechanic and crew chief at the time of her 200th mission over enemy territory (verified by multiple newspaper articles and photographs.) So very proud of him and his crew!

@Korey47

3 жыл бұрын

Nope don’t see his name

@SnifflyRex

2 жыл бұрын

He may have known my grandpa Corporal Charles Montgomery Heslip He fixed the b26’s in France

My father flew 37 combat missions over Germany in B-26s from Nov. 44 until war’s end. He had photos of Flak-Bait in his WW2 scrapbook. Now I know why.

@tommywoody7945

4 ай бұрын

Flak Bait was in my dad's group, the 322nd he was in the 451st sqadron , he flew 63 missions , he might have known your dad.

God bless you all for your work!

I'm grateful to see the restoration will maintain the original paint it wore in WWll. It's sad to make relics look as though they came fresh from the factory.

@DTAFarms

4 жыл бұрын

I would like to see them leave it how it was on it’s last day of service.

I watched the video regarding the "Memphis Belle" & what they did to her compared to what they will be doing to "Flak-Bait" and I have to say I'm very happy that their restoration is also a preservation. All the original paint, battle damage, even the signatures will be preserved. I like the way the gentleman kept referring to an archaeological find. According to this video, they hope to have "Flak-Bait" on displayed in 2022. As a veteran, I can't wait to see it in person.

@HE-162

2 жыл бұрын

Sadly the Belle hadn’t been in original paint for decades. She really got worn down and picked apart on mud island :(

Anyone with this much enthusiasm for a subject gets my undivided attention. No matter what the subject is. Nothing worse than a video with someone who is clearly clueless trying to talk about something. This aircraft tells an amazing tale.

FLAK 💥 BAIT LIVES 👍😀👍 Kudos to Everybody involved preserving and Conserving such a Priceless piece of Important History

I’m glad the whole airplane is going to be out back together. Always thought they only had the front fuselage.

It makes me happy that you guys are preserving the original nose art. It makes me ecstatic that you're keeping her all-around weathered and combat-use look. That's amazing. Those scab patches and the dents and dings may be ugly to some people who may not understand why they are there. Just looking the plane over each of those patches, dents and dings are a story or a part of a story and the ol' gal will tell you a story. One of my biggest dreams is to just see a WWII plane in this condition in person and be able to go up and touch it. Something about touching the physical thing is what gives that extra level of connection. The men of that generation were such a different breed than what there are today. I appreciate those brave men who fought in WWII because they went head first into a war they knew nothing about the territory and still prevailed. Incredible.

I was one who touched the noise of Flak-Bait years and years ago. Thanks for showing the entire bird. I'm happy you have the whole ship to be assembled. Looking forward to visit the area again and see the whole bomber.

@HuasoPodrido

5 жыл бұрын

I also got the chance to to touch this aircraft so many years ago

This is wonderfull to see sensitive historical preservation & not a "pristine" restoration, keeping as much history & the real "rivets" thats show many stories both of the aircraft, its mission's & also the personal connections to crew & mechanics connections to this miraculous aircraft. 200 missions - That is definatly what I would consider a real Miracle. Thanks so much for preserving this A/C.

It's unbelievable that this glorious beast survived.... the atmosphere must be electric and palpable to just be in the presence of such a piece of history that touch the lives of so many people in a time of turmoil. I could just sit down, look at this plane in person and just absorb it for hours and hours and hours......

I admire your perseverence in "preservation", when so many others might have another point of veiw. I remember reading Robin Olds' book, when he specifically requested that his F-4 Phantom to never be repainted - but the USAF Air Museum in Dayton repainted it anyway, against his wishes and the wishes of any true history-lover. I can't understand the thinking behind a museum, that is supposed to preserve History, to repaint a warbird such as Robin's (or any other). I am tickled pink to learn that you are truly "preserving history" and also putting it on static display so it will never be crashed and destroyed.

Excellent to see it being preserved. I had the great privilege of seeing the nose section when it was on display in Smithsonian square. Thanks for putting out the video!

What a treasure that plane is .

I have gone to the museum many times since my childhood in the 70s. I think this particular plane even though just the front fuselage was on display has always been my favorite. I have always wondered if the remaining parts of the aircraft were actually saved . I am so pleased that we will actually get to see the plane in its entirely in the next couple of years. The restoration work that is done at the facility as well as the buildings themselves in DC and in Virginia is amazing. If anyone is in the DC area I would urge you to go and visit especially the Steven F Udvar-Hazy facility in Virginia. Thank you for this excellent video.

The fact that it’s so beat gives it such a story to tell, it looks like it’s been to war like it should.

Utterly fascinating! Many thanks for the 'tutorial', you have a dream job, especially honouring the US airman in Europe in WW2. She is a unique survivor and all credit to the powers at be in 1945 who decreed she had to go home, and not be turned into 'pots and pans.'

I stood inside this nose section back in the early 80's. They'd let'cha do that back then. It was on the museum floor at that time. Good to see it getting the work it so deserves.

My father flew a B-26 in Italy during WW II. 52 missions.

Dear Jeremy Kinney, Great to see the effort of keeping the artifact original. I like the "down to the mud on the tires" approach! That is a nice video, and a well told story. We actually met twice in Alaska, under a C119 and in Anchorage. Best Regards!

Great to see this unique survivor being preserved properly. As someone who has worked on museum aircraft ( and has the fuselage of one and cockpit section of another 1946 built American aircraft at my home to restore ( Cessna 140 and Ercoupe respectively) I can really appreciate the work involved. Pleae kerp up the great work

I enjoy this kind of preservation to the lived conditions - as a stopped chronograph showing them. Dig and found the nearest of truth is a fine job, sometimes leading to choices (we can't show every moments of the history of an artefact) . However, it is the moment to take care of those artefact. In France at the Musee de l'Air, I saw an Heinkel 162 that seems to be the most precisely accurate and complete ever rebuilt and e.g. Spads etc. preserved like Da Vinci pictures. They also have a B26 in French colours, with a complete rear turret... All my encouragements! ;)

I can't wait to see this when it's all complete. What you guys are doing is amazing.

Thank you sir, for all the work you all do to preserve our country's history!

What an amazing and interesting video. Thank you so much for making this. This deserves 5000 likes

Great video, I really liked the deep explanation.

Thank you

I don't remember when they kept people from touching Flak Bait, but I feel as though I remember being able to touch it myself when I was little and having seen the nose of this aircraft, it left an impact on me

Thank you for this video. I built the 1/72 scale Revell version back in 68 when I was 12. I'm building the Monogram 1/48 scale version right now and this video and the photos of bulkheads and typical wear is extremely useful. Hope to see it in person some day along with the Memphis Belle. God Bless.

Great explanation and knowledge.

The most missions. That's incredible. And it's still around. Great video.

'Hurry up and wait!', I really can't wait for this beautiful bird to be restored. While the Memphis Belle was propaganda this was the real deal.

Once Flak-Bait is ready for display, I hope you will produce a video to show her off. In fact, it would be really nice to have videos of the aircraft on display as it is unlikely I will ever be able to see them in person. I live on the West Coast. You are doing a great job.

its so nice to see it undergoing preservation in loving hands. something rather unusual for a weapon of war. its amazing she never lost a crewman. she must be a lucky ship.

This is great Please we want more just like this

Great episode! Excellent descriptions and details, best to have a guy who knows what he's talking about. Enjoyed this

Thanks for sharing, I applied for this conservation internship this summer, didn't get it, but glad to see a video on the aircraft. Maybe next year!

Don’t fill it in the touch of many ppl shows the love and respect for those who did what they did

This is a fascinating and edifying look at the conservation and preservation process for a unique aircraft. The remarkable story of the airplane is obviously being matched by the thoughtfulness and meticulousness of the conservators. The result will be a fitting tribute to the courage and selflessness of those who served aboard and supported Flak-Bait and the other aircraft in service during WWII, and it will be an exemplary educational resource when it's on display. It's great to see SNASM leading the way in historic aircraft conservation, and videos like these add a valuable dimension to the museum's education program. The behind-the-scenes look at this work is really cool! Hope to see updates as work progresses.

Amazing story.

Very awesome and informative video!

Very nice thank you.

Great video

Awesome!

It is really nice to see this plane in such good shape, and it's story being kept alive. Thank you to all of the staff for their efforts.

Brilliant. it's only original once - that really matters and it's good to see that it' being respected here.

The white stripes we’re painted on just before the June 6 invasion. Every allied plane had them on that day. The purpose was to quickly identify friend from foe. Prevent friendly fire, and assure the men on the ground

Great job! Very informative, and you showed us the plane without closeups on the guy talking.

I built the model (Monogram 1/ 48 IIRC) when I was about 10 years old. :-)

Great video and history provided ! What Mark was the very first b26 that had the different landing gear as a b 47 was. Tks for all this that you have done for aviation

@ryanelliott5616

4 жыл бұрын

That variant was called the XB-26H. It was a cobbled together gear made up of B-17 parts, along with some original B-26 parts. The Discovery wings episode on the Marauder has some footage of it near the end of the video on KZread.

A very interesting piece of conservation,thoughtful consideration to a genuine warbird that has its history in place in its patina,once the significance is explained in this way it brings the wear and tear to life,a pity about the sound but still watchable never the less.

My Step Grandfather Flew B26s in combat with The 322nd Bomb Group, 451st Bomb Squadron

I just spent two days at the museum. The aircraft on display are true treasures. I am curious to know what type of preservative you will use to "seal" the original finish and touchups. You mentioned wax, but would't poly-acrylic sealer be more effective and long-lasting? Far be it from me to tell you all how to do what you do, but curiosity demanded I ask! How does one go about visiting the restoration hangar to see "Flak Bait" up close & personal? Thanks for all you do.

Is there a list of names that were found signed on the fuselage? I'd think that most of the men signing it prior to Flak Bait being shipped back would have been part of the 449th. It would be interesting to correlate those names with those known to have flown in her.

This guy could talk to me about paint drying all day and i'd listen lol

Can't wait to see her restored, so when will she'll be back on display?

@lokiwiseyt8608

3 жыл бұрын

their website says somewhere between 2022-2025

Very interesting,I one B26 bomber on a training mission crashed in Rocky Piont ,Jamaica in 1945,I have a piece of the wreck and the copilot's family as made contact with me.

Will it be fully reassembled when finished or will it remain in sections for internal viewing? I'd rather see it complete and intact at the Hazy center.

Great video. Q: Did the “decoy” missions count towards the tally of operational missions for the crew?

@thedeathwobblechannel6539

4 жыл бұрын

i think so, danger even in flying the damn thing.

I know the Smithsonian doesn't believe in it, but if a warbird EVER deserved to be made airworthy again, its Flak Bait.

This bird got 300 fly oys home safe...impressive.

I've got a nice model of this!

Can we have an update on preservation of this treasure? Smithsonian is good at posting information, but weak on followup. There are no replies from anyone at the museum on this board. C'mon, guys. Step it up. Thanks

My late Dad was one of the pilots who flew this aircraft. I can't tell from his log which missions he piloted, but he is on this list - Ernest W. Goodwin b26.com/page/List%20of%20Personnel%20involved%20with%20Flak%20Bait,%2041-31773,%20322%20Bomb%20Group,%20449%20Bomb%20Squadron.htm

@tomfarrell2614

5 ай бұрын

My records show that E.W. Goodwin piloted Flak-Bait on September 22nd and 23rd, 1943. I'm sure our father's knew each other as part of the 322nd/449th.

Needs to restored

Too bad this was uploaded (filmed?) in such low resolution

Good School Trip for young kids !

The narrator explains that the nose art depicts bomb blasts, I think besides the bomb blast it looks like a radial Engine incorporated into the design, with the bomb blast representing the propellers!

Are they going to put the whole plane back together?

Great video but 360p? Seriously?

I wish this video was high res

Which of the gunners position shot down the only German fighter kill the bomber made ?

my favorite wwii bomber

Thank you Smithsonian for preservation of Flak Bait.

My grandpa was corporal at beauvais aeroport just after D day take over when they secured location he was in charge of fixing all b26 possibly even this one possibly grandpa Charles Montgomery Heslip

Are you going to try to keep it as tribute to b26 pilot and crews fought in war ?

Big oops here, the nose artist for Flak-Bait was Ted Simonaitis, not "Al Simonaitis." Sorry about that!! You can learn more about Flak-Bait's nose art at: airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/well-it-flak-bait-or-flak-bait

great video, my dad was radio navigator on bat outa hell ll of the 323rd bg. I think the restoration being done on this plane is great. the millions wasted on Memphis belle just to hang it in airforce museum is a crime. it flew 25 missions. I was misled and contributed 2500 hundred bucks to belle restoration thinking it was going to be flown and for everyone to see. and no hung in a museum. original condition is what you want not a new airplane like the belle to be static display. a crime to steal money to do this

what is the difference between Conservation and Preservation ???? I have an associate who does Conservation for the GSA on sculpture, fountains, and military artifacts....

My thoughts are not to cover that bare area on the nose. All those people that touch it found a way to connect with this plane and history. In fact you keep that available for visitors to touch.

Any of the Crew still liveing today,that flue the B-26?

@panosonic8208

5 жыл бұрын

Ah yes

So, the original crew's names were kept on the airplane throughout its service ? Other crews to follow didn't remove those? Interesting...

@T1mbrW0lf

5 жыл бұрын

It would have been considered extremely "bad luck" to remove or alter the original names of a crew that completed their tour without any serious injuries. The aircraft would have eventually acquired an almost legendary status as a "lucky" ship to be assigned to for the crew members that followed . . .

Will it ever be airworthy again?

@timorvet1

6 жыл бұрын

I think it's only held together by those scab patches.......lol.

@CANicoll

6 жыл бұрын

No, Udvar Hazy said it is only a mechanical restoration, not a systems restoration - no hydraulics, electronics, etc The nose tire exploded when they put 10psi of air into it so that kind of tells you a lot.

@wrightflyer7855

6 жыл бұрын

All the Smithsonian's aircraft are restored for display only and will never fly again.

Anyone know where in England 'Flak Bait' was stationed ?

@tomfarrell2614

5 ай бұрын

Andrews Field, Great Saling, Essex

It would have been nice for a better quality video but at least we have a video, thanks.

@daveharms5153

5 жыл бұрын

Compared to many videos on KZread, this one is EXCELLENT! The camera is on a tripod, the picture is steady, the speaker is mic'd and the audio is good. Mr. Kinney is very well versed on this project and his passion is apparent. I think the cameraman did and EXCELLENT job using available light!

@markthompson4885

3 жыл бұрын

@@daveharms5153 but the resaloution is very low

If they can do a movie about the Memphis belle then they can do a movie on flak bait

Good to see this wasn't Click-bait lol

So happy there not going to touch the paint the dents and the war wounds

Please dont repaint this beauty

The only problem with this is that once it's on display, you can't go through it. I can see why to, it wouldn't last long with several hundred people crawling through it.I'd love to work there.

@tylerbonser7686

3 жыл бұрын

Well no one can go through it now so I dont see why its a problem.

I wonder what happened to mild n bitter

clearcoat it and call it a day spray it on heavy

Scab patches, flak in abundance and rodent poop,,,,, an American war machine dressed to kill! What a national treasure, perfect people to preserve it!... thank you.

This guy builds models

I'm convinced that no one from the Smithsonian monitors the videos they post.