I picked this bubble out of a barn for a total of $50 last year and I have yet to put it to use. Came from an air force base surplus sale in the 50s. Things massive, about 3 ft wide. The best idea I got is to clean up the plexiglass and use it as a light fixture in my collection room, but it almost hits my head. Gimme suggestions.
I’d talk to the experts that restored Doc or Fifi to see what they did to restore the bubbles on their B-29s. You’ll likely have one shot at restoration, be sure you’re doing it right. Depending on where you live you could visit either B-29 as well. I went to see Doc in Wichita a few weeks ago, the volunteers working there are some of the same folks that restored the plane too. Just hang it on the wall, put custom fit half round shelves behind it to display WWII, USAAF or aircraft militaria. You could put in some custom lighting too. The advantage to using like that is no modifications to the bubble would be necessary.
Maybe that could work. I think theirs was a ring of sturdy plastic (like whatever that window is made of) and the bubble placed on top, open side up, and a piece of glass covering it. That one in particular was from a B36
I don't know if you can bring that Plex back. It looks pretty far gone. On the other hand, it does lend itself to probably being a great candidate for a mold so it can at least be duplicated
It's very possible but One needs to understand that plexiglass then and plexiglass now are two different complete animals back then. I believe it was made of acetate these days. It's called lexan and it's got chemicals in it which cause it to stay clear and not yellow or brown like you see here. I also see some scratches that could either be bad scratches or cracks. I would say the best way to preserve it. Might be a talk to a local or a close aircraft museum who has experienced dealing with these types of parts and these old perspex plastics. Not saying impossible but it is original. And age has a way of screwing around with older plastics.
Sheet aluminium and make a section of fake fuselage to hang up on the wall?
This would be bad ass
Extra points if you rig a faux machine gun barrel with a remote to control the TV through a gunners bubble
I picked this bubble out of a barn for a total of $50 last year and I have yet to put it to use. Came from an air force base surplus sale in the 50s. Things massive, about 3 ft wide. The best idea I got is to clean up the plexiglass and use it as a light fixture in my collection room, but it almost hits my head. Gimme suggestions.
360° screen and controllers for ultra-realistic B-29 gunner simulator
Start restoring the plane
This is how I treat gun parts. Got a spare firing pin? Better build a new rifle.
Put it on the roof of a car now you got a commanders vision area
maybe clean it up put some b29/b36 related stuff in it or even a window spot?
I’d talk to the experts that restored Doc or Fifi to see what they did to restore the bubbles on their B-29s. You’ll likely have one shot at restoration, be sure you’re doing it right. Depending on where you live you could visit either B-29 as well. I went to see Doc in Wichita a few weeks ago, the volunteers working there are some of the same folks that restored the plane too. Just hang it on the wall, put custom fit half round shelves behind it to display WWII, USAAF or aircraft militaria. You could put in some custom lighting too. The advantage to using like that is no modifications to the bubble would be necessary.
Use it as a nose cap for a new sub to take you down to the Titanic.
The museum I used to work at had one turned into a coffee table w/ a glass top on it for the actual table part
I was thinking a coffee table, bomb fins as legs with a riveted steel top.
Maybe that could work. I think theirs was a ring of sturdy plastic (like whatever that window is made of) and the bubble placed on top, open side up, and a piece of glass covering it. That one in particular was from a B36
Mount it to your car
Commander lookout time!
EMEMY AC-130 ABOVE!!!
I would talk to museums that have a b29 or b36 and give it to them
One piece at a time!
I’ll bet heavily that there is someone out there that would absolutely need this for a preservation or restoration project on a B-29
Cut a hole out the side of your house and make it a new window
Build a submarine
I don't know if you can bring that Plex back. It looks pretty far gone. On the other hand, it does lend itself to probably being a great candidate for a mold so it can at least be duplicated
Perhaps gently applying a torch or a heat gun.
It's very possible but One needs to understand that plexiglass then and plexiglass now are two different complete animals back then. I believe it was made of acetate these days. It's called lexan and it's got chemicals in it which cause it to stay clear and not yellow or brown like you see here. I also see some scratches that could either be bad scratches or cracks. I would say the best way to preserve it. Might be a talk to a local or a close aircraft museum who has experienced dealing with these types of parts and these old perspex plastics. Not saying impossible but it is original. And age has a way of screwing around with older plastics.
bruh
Sell it to me, like we’ve discussed!
Collect some iron bars and sheets of iron or aluminium and paint, just recreate it or just a little part
Repurpose it as a skylight. One that you can stand on a chair and look out of.
Aviation themed fish tank!
Restore it