More B-29 questions - now on the X-1 launcher

[CarLos]

I still need photos showing the tunnel ends. In the Hyperscale forum thread shared above by Oliver there's a mention to a photo, but it isn't available anymore.

There is an open panel at the port side of the fin, what is it for? The only explanation I can think of is for exhausting fumes, but I think that the rear chamber should be closed on the moment of the launch.

I also need a good photo of the tail gunner position without the guns.

In a few days I'll open an in progress topic. Already filled all the turret apertures and I'm correcting all the sink marks to sand the fuselage and rescribe lightly most panels.

Carlos

[gingerbob]

that hatch near the tail is just a little fold-in door. I think it's for emergency exit, or maybe just ventilation on the ground.

bob

[CarLos]

Thank you Bob.

Carlos

[Nick Millman]

Per the B-29 Combat Crew Manual APO 234 of May 1945 it's the emergency ditching exit for the crew stationed in the rear of the aircraft (top gunner, right and left waist gunners and radar operator(s) - except for the tail gunner who had his own escape hatch) and it was to be opened by the radar operator (optional gunner).