Not meaning to hijack at all, but this story reminded me of how the CAF B-29 was saved from destruction.
Back in the early 70's a group of aging CAF pilots located one of the last remaining B-29s that had been abandoned in the desert for many years and they ferried it back to Harlingen, TX before the air force destroyed it.
They were able to procure just one from the US government and allowed to get it into condition to ferry it back to Texas. I doubt this would be able to happen today, but it remains the only flying B-29 in existence because they saved it.
Several years ago I talked to the pilot who flew it back and his tales from the adventure were 'interesting' to say the least.
He passed away from natural causes (old age) in his sleep this year.
below is a link to the story if anyone is interested.
B-29 "FIFI" History
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...dland036-1.jpg