Pacusan Dreamboat by Howard Schroeder

PACUSAN DREAMBOAT B-29B “WHEELS DOWN” The Pacusan Dreamboat B-29B was a modification of the basic B-29 design for use in the Pacific during World War II for low-level bombing raids against Japan. It set several post-war distance records. It set a world’s non-stop distance record of 8198 miles from Guam to Washington, DC on 20 Nov 45. Additionally, on Oct. 4-6 1946, it set an unrefueled non-stop 9,500 mile flight record from Honolulu to Cairo, Egypt via Arctic regions in 39 hours 36 minutes. This route was chosen for its hazards of severe winter weather and complicated navigational and communications problems. The plane was piloted by Col. C S Irvine, later Lt. Gen. Irvine, nicknamed “Wild Bill Irvine”. Gen. Irvine flew with Jimmy DoLittle and Curtis LeMay. He was the stunt pilot and the Red Baron in the 1926 Hollywood movie “Wings”, which received the first Academy Award for a picture. Gen. Irvine taught Buddy Rodgers, Dick Arlen, and Gary Cooper to fly. Gen. Irvine was instrumental in setting up the Aerospace Corporation and was a consultant to Rockwell for the B1 Bomber until his death in 1977. He is buried in Arlington. This 18” X 24” pastel by Delaware artist Howard Schroeder was commissioned circa 1946 by Gen. Irvine. It is one of a pair. The mate also depicts the Pacusan Dreamboat and is entitled “Wheels Up”. Sold as a pair only - professionally framed with matted glass - with provenance - price is firm!