Gary ~ What's The Plan For Diamond Lil ? 2006 and Beyond!

[retroaviation]

What? No Kilroy???

Gary

[Second Air Force]

Remember, Gary--the images Dan and I just posted are only artwork that represents a likeness of the real thing--they simply missed Kilroy!:shock:

Scott

[b17engineer]

Where do you guys find all of this stuff? It boggles the mind.

Rick

[TAdan]

Gary... you really had to ask if we still wanted updates on 927 ? Thats a no brainer!

P.S... I still havent spotted Kilroy on 927 I know he is there somewhere...

I just hope I can see her in person one of these days.

[retroaviation]

I still havent spotted Kilroy on 927 I know he is there somewhere...

Do you see it now?



Gary

[TAdan]

Thanks Gary... I *think* I've got it now... I see the hands anyway...

Is this like one of those "Magic Eye" pictures I'll just have to stare it it for an hour or two.

[retroaviation]

-

Here's a closer shot of the tail. Now do you see it?




It's interesting that I haven't heard it mentioned one time this year that someone "saw Kilroy" when making photo passes and such. I wanted it to blend in, but I thought it would've been more noticable than it actually is. I reckon that's why it's camoflauged though.

On another note, when I painted Kilroy on there, I added the fingers to make sure folks got the idea of what I was doing. However, I've never really liked them, as they look out of place to me. They may just disappear this winter. What do y'all think?

Gary

[TAdan]

Ok, I've got it now! Thanks for zooming in. I wouldnt have seen it until you pointed it out. Like you said, he is camoflaged.

I'd say leave him. You had to walk me through it to find him, so I doubt anyone will else really notice. He is a nice touch and besides someone has to man the new tailgun. ,

[Ztex]

I'd keep it just as it is...

The fingers would look better is not for that danged elevator gap...why don't you fill that in....

[John Cotter]

I just received an email from the B24/29 squadron and it looks like the number 3 engine is in need of replacing. Apparently the cost will be about $55,000.00. Also about $40K of that has already been raised.

[retroaviation]

I just received an email from the B24/29 squadron and it looks like the number 3 engine is in need of replacing. Apparently the cost will be about $55,000.00. Also about $40K of that has already been raised.

Yup. We were planning on replacing it this winter anyway. However, I found a cylinder that has just started cracking around some exhaust fins (photo update later), and we decided it was just best to go ahead and replace the engine now, rather than put a cylinder or two on it only for one more tour stop/air show for the season, then to just remove the engine and turn it in as a core. Make sense? I'm hopeful that we can get the remaining money needed so that we can put the engine on before the Nellis Air Show in a few weeks.

I have already planned on giving y'all another little photo update on the engine change...unless, of course, y'all are bored with this whole B-24 maintenance thread.

Gary

[bomberflight]

Gary,

Speaking personally, I don't know how I will get through the long, dull, grey months of the English winter WITHOUT your entertaining and informative posts about the ongoing work on Ol'927

KEEP 'EM COMING !

Please

[coldflyer]

BORED ??? Are you kidding??? The past couple of months have been tough without your updates. We need you Gary to help us folks get through the winter.

By the way, loved your journal on Reno.

[maradamx3]

Gary:

Missed you this past Saturday. I was passing through town and stopped by the museum. I was only there a couple of hours as I had to catch a flight.

Saw Diamond Lil, err, Ol 927 sittin with the towbar attached. The lady at the register said she thought it just returned from an airshow. Would that have been Houston?

I noticed FiFi with work going on with her two inboard engines. What is being done? The props were off, front casings removed, pushrods and rockers out. Saw some panels off as well - right wing fairing panels, etc.

Also saw the P-82. 1st time I've seen one. Much bigger than I imagined or could tell from pictures - and 25K lbs. That C-47 or 46, I think, is quite a big bird too - Tinker Belle is it?

Anyway, hope to make it back through again and get to chew the fat with you some time. Ol 927 looks great - you did a fantastic job refurbishing her.

Continued success!
Tommy

[Second Air Force]

Here is a photo of an early LB-30 over southern California prior to heading off to England. I don't think we've posted this particular shot before, and I apologize for the poor quality. She is most likely an airplane from the first batch in the AM2XX serial number range.


Scott