A-26B (VB), S/N 44-34665 at Strategic Air and Space Museum

[GrumpE]

A lovely day at my local Museum...







More to come!

Eric

[lestweforget]

Wish I had a museum like that on my doorstep. Looks to be in nice original condition. Saw the Scandanavian Historic Flights Invader at an airshow a couple of years ago and was amazed at how manouverable it was. Your pics got me wondering though, how much paint would it take to cover a B-36

[GrumpE]

This is one of my favorites. It wasn't at first. The B 17 is beautiful as are all the restorations done by these guys but there is just something about an AC being just like it was when it was dropped from inventory for me. It is like touching history for me anyway. I know that they need to be cared for and after restoration they will last so much longer for future generations but....

As long as we have access I am happy!

As to the amount of paint. Hmm, Gary or others with knowledge?!

Eric

[RickH]

This particular A-26 was last used as a VIP transport and is supposed to be the last active duty A-26.

[GrumpE]

Now THAT is a VIP ride..........

Eric

[RickH]

I've seen pictures of several that were polished within an inch of their lives and one had the SAC banner on it. Don't know if this is that aircraft.

[planeoldsteve]

The main wheel looks like it's of a splittable type, not the drop center rim of the older aircraft. I was under the imprison that only the K-model had this rim and brake setup. I think I read that they are off of a KC-135, anyone know?

Steve

[bdk]

I think DC-6 wheels were a common conversion for these.

Also I think the original wheels were one piece like a B-25.

[RickH]

The original A-26 wheels were a one piece much like the -25. The brakes were a multiple stack that was a Bendix brake. Most of the A-26s were modified to use a DC-6 wheel and brake. It is a rotor/multiple round brake puck unit.