B-29 in the sand at China Lake......

Photo by Scott Schwartz.

Photo by Scott Schwartz.

This B-29 is one of two hundred, fifty B-29's that were ferried to the China Lake Naval Weapons Station in 1956.  Fifi, of Commemorative Air Force fame, is one of these aircraft.  The aircraft in these photographs-known as "Doc" (take a close look at the nose art) - was acquired from the U.S. Navy during the late 1990's, by a museum group.  Note the rusted tow-cable that is still attached to the nosewheel.  The aircraft was towed out on to the weapons range and left there for use as a practice target.  

The museum-volunteer group, led by Tony Mazzolini, towed the aircraft to nearby Inyokern Airport in 1998, with the intention of restoring it to flying condition.  In 2000, Boeing made hangar space available for the restoration, in Wichita, KS.  The aircraft was dismantled and trucked there.  Eventually, Boeing needed the space, and the aircraft was moved to a storage hangar.  Now, another group, which calls itself "Doc's Friends" has vowed to continue the restoration; Boeing has even allowed the use of one of its military hangars, for the work to be done.

For more info., see www.b-29doc.com