Behind the Scenes with "Flak-Bait" - Ask an Expert Live
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- Опубликовано: 8 авг 2017
- The Martin B-26 Marauder "Flak-Bait" flew more missions than any other American combat aircraft in World War II. For our August 9th Ask an Expert on Facebook Live, Aeronautics curator Jeremy Kinney took viewers on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the artifact in the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar at our Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, in Chantilly, Virginia.
Want to catch a future show? Every Wednesday at 12:30 pm ET we go live on the National Air and Space Museum Facebook page. We select a different aviation or space topic each week, and a Museum staff member discusses the history, stories, or personalities related to a specific artifact or exhibition. Tune in on Facebook Live each week to join the talk and ask our experts questions: airandspace/
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'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!
Nope don’t see his name
He may have known my grandpa Corporal Charles Montgomery Heslip
He fixed the b26’s in France
...I am glad they have the whole plane...I thought for years, they only had the nose section....
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.
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.
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!!!
God bless you all for your work!
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.
Sadly the Belle hadn’t been in original paint for decades. She really got worn down and picked apart on mud island :(
I’m glad the whole airplane is going to be out back together. Always thought they only had the front fuselage.
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.
I would like to see them leave it how it was on it’s last day of service.
FLAK 💥 BAIT
LIVES 👍😀👍
Kudos to Everybody involved preserving and Conserving such a Priceless piece of Important History
What a treasure that plane is .
My father flew a B-26 in Italy during WW II. 52 missions.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I also got the chance to to touch this aircraft so many years ago
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.'
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!
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.
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!
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! ;)
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 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
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.
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.
I can't wait to see this when it's all complete. What you guys are doing is amazing.
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.
Thank you sir, for all the work you all do to preserve our country's history!
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.
Great explanation and knowledge.
'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.
The most missions. That's incredible. And it's still around. Great video.
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 great Please we want more just like this
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 nice thank you.
Great episode! Excellent descriptions and details, best to have a guy who knows what he's talking about. Enjoyed this
Awesome!
Very awesome and informative video!
Great video
I built the model (Monogram 1/ 48 IIRC) when I was about 10 years old. :-)
Brilliant. it's only original once - that really matters and it's good to see that it' being respected here.
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.
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
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 RUclips.
This guy could talk to me about paint drying all day and i'd listen lol
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Great job! Very informative, and you showed us the plane without closeups on the guy talking.
Can't wait to see her restored, so when will she'll be back on display?
their website says somewhere between 2022-2025
My Step Grandfather Flew B26s in combat with The 322nd Bomb Group, 451st Bomb Squadron
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.
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
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.
Great video. Q: Did the “decoy” missions count towards the tally of operational missions for the crew?
i think so, danger even in flying the damn thing.
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
I've got a nice model of this!
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
Needs to restored
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
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
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!
This bird got 300 fly oys home safe...impressive.
what is the difference between Conservation and Preservation ???? I have an associate who does Conservation for the GSA on sculpture, fountains, and military artifacts....
Are you going to try to keep it as tribute to b26 pilot and crews fought in war ?
Good School Trip for young kids !
Thank you Smithsonian for preservation of Flak Bait.
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.
Too bad this was uploaded (filmed?) in such low resolution
I wish this video was high res
Great video but 360p? Seriously?
Are they going to put the whole plane back together?
Which of the gunners position shot down the only German fighter kill the bomber made ?
So, the original crew's names were kept on the airplane throughout its service ? Other crews to follow didn't remove those? Interesting...
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 . . .
Any of the Crew still liveing today,that flue the B-26?
Ah yes
I know the Smithsonian doesn't believe in it, but if a warbird EVER deserved to be made airworthy again, its Flak Bait.
my favorite wwii bomber
Anyone know where in England 'Flak Bait' was stationed ?
Andrews Field, Great Saling, Essex
Will it ever be airworthy again?
I think it's only held together by those scab patches.......lol.
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.
All the Smithsonian's aircraft are restored for display only and will never fly again.
Good to see this wasn't Click-bait lol
It would have been nice for a better quality video but at least we have a video, thanks.
Compared to many videos on RUclips, 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!
@@daveharms5153 but the resaloution is very low
Please dont repaint this beauty
If they can do a movie about the Memphis belle then they can do a movie on flak bait
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.
Well no one can go through it now so I dont see why its a problem.
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.
clearcoat it and call it a day spray it on heavy
I wonder what happened to mild n bitter
This guy builds models
So happy there not going to touch the paint the dents and the war wounds
I'm convinced that no one from the Smithsonian monitors the videos they post.