Warbird Information Exchange

Our neighoring CAF A-26 "Texas Special" got to do a run up yesterday after much maintenance from CrewDawg and company. Our hero, Steve S, is cranking it, but do you see how the starter is going so fast that it bends the prop? I recommended to him that he not hold so much tension on the start switch so it wouldn't do that, but does he listen... NO. That's airline pilots for ya! The other JR

........but do you see how the starter is going so fast that it bends the prop?

Or could it be all of that "Texas Bull..." that the prop is trying to move through causing it to bend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

_________________
Randy Ryman
Project Big Eagle
NKP Thailand 1966
http://www.coastcomp.com/av/florence/florandy.htm

Why Randy, I declare, what are you trying to say here?? You mean you can't believe your own eyes? It is as plain as the nose on your face that the prop is bending, now isn't it? Seeing is believing!! It is obviously the fault of the operator hittin the starter button too hard. There is no evidence of anything else in the way of the prop. JR

There is no evidence of anything else in the way of the prop.
====Let me tell you, after Hawkeye invited Walt and I to carry that one blade back to the van down at the Soundside Club in Fla. last October, I can tell you that it would take something really good to bend one of those props!!! I had no idea that they were that heavy! That's some good photo work though! Really getting itchy up here to start heading South.
Randy

_________________
Randy Ryman
Project Big Eagle
NKP Thailand 1966
http://www.coastcomp.com/av/florence/florandy.htm

Well, actually Randy, truth be known, most of the weight of that prop display was in the steel base that it was attached to at the bottom. I had a couple of turns of moving that thing around myself. It was very heavy to be sure. The actual blades themselves are not that light either, but we are saving you one to compare. It takes a minimum of 3 of us to pick up the prop assembly with 3 blades and hub just far enough to get something under it. We normally have to use a crane for any other sort of action like mounting it to the engine. The blade with all the signatures on it has been sold and the "gunplumber" who bought it is coming to the reunion Saturday for his first visit with the guys. Really sorry you can't be there with us!! JR

The above pictures are courtesy of author Richard Drury from his book "My Secret War" as a Skyraider pilot based at NKP. He took these shots of the Nimrods departing on their way back to the US. The 606th Air Commando Squadron was renamed the 609th Special Operations Squadron. Rick hopped some rides in the A-26's while he was based at NKP. His Skyraider squadron had just about the same mission of interdicting traffic on the HCM trail in Laos plus the downed pilot rescue missions as "Sandies". These pictures are in the hard cover edition of his book and I highly recommend it. Maybe we will be able to identify the crews of the 4 ship formation after the reunion this weekend here in Ft Worth. JR

Time for Mystery Part of the Week series: What is the hatch looking thing here on the left side of the fuselage in what used to be the gunner's compartment and what was its purpose? Hmmmmm? JR

One of our many achievements today for the team.... the left nacelle 24 volt battery was installed and the new wiring harness is coming along. The airplane had been modified for two car type batteries in the right nacelle back in the Montana days, but we are bringing her back to the original mil configuration with a battery in each nacelle. The right side battery has also been installed. Ta Dah! JR

It seemed like Xmas day with the arrival of the landing gear parts that were sent out for replating. The whole team was very excited. Unfortunately, one part did not get finished yet and one will have to be returned for being just slightly over on circumference by a couple of thousandths. This can readily be fixed. Rather have it too big than too little, right?? We are anxious to get it installed so we can get the airplane back on its feet for awhile before we tackle the right side overhaul. All in due time........JR

Hmmmmm, no takers on the mystery part of the week yet. Hint: camera door! Does this help?? In other news, we have finally reached a successful conclusion to a 6 week hunt for a brake overhaul manual for the K. TO 4B1-4-243 was found today in a manuals library in Californya. Whoo hoo.. much celebrating... The real JR has pulled another rabbit out of the hat. We can move on with the last cog in the left gear overhaul with the brake assy finally coming together. We are very pleased to report there will be about 20 folks of the Nimrods Squadron here on Saturday to see our progress on the K and help us celebrate with a cookout and reception. Feel free to drop by and talk to the guys who flew or supported and armed our airplane back in the VN era. They have incredible stories to share of the Air Commandos... Any Time.. Any Place.... the other JR

Ahhhhh, the color of chrome. Got this back from re-plating. It is part of the left gear which the guys have now primed the outside and are ready for the final silver paint. Perhaps this weekend will be the day for this to all come together. Keep fingers crossed. Would be perfect for the A26 vets to see how it all fits together and maybe some of them could give us some tips. The reunion starts with a reception at 10 am on Saturday, 5 May at Meacham. Everybody is invited to come meet them. See ya there!! JR

Well, nobody guessed the last mystery part of the week so here it is: camera door on the left side of the fuselage. This is the next mystery part of the week which is also in the general vicinity. See the little drain in the center of the picture? Looks like some kind of little scupper drain, huh?? OK, so what is it? Of note, look up about 11 am from the drain and check out the thickness of the armor plate on the side of the fuselage. The armor plate covers more area on the left side of the airplane than on the right side. I suppose this is to protect the pilot because HE is the most important on the airplane?? That's easy to see!! JR

The countdown is on for the reunion of the A-26 vets based in Thailand's NKP during the unpleasantness of SEA. The reception starts about 10 am at the Vintage Flying Museum hangar on Meacham Field, Ft Worth. Greatest Generation Aircraft is proud to host this gathering of the guys and gals who were involved in the K back in the day. Many worked on or flew our airplane. Their stories are just incredible. Come by and see us this coming Saturday, May 5th. Be glad to have you visit. JR

Some sheet metal work is happening this week on the gear door. We are very happy to see this taking place. Lots more to do, but we have to start somewhere. If we have anybody out there who has this talent, would sure like to have you join us. This is a chance to work on a one of kind airplane and return it to the air. Besides, we are having great fun at the same time. And don't forget the reunion of the A26 VN vets on Satuday at 10 am. It is just two nights and a wake up away. Don't miss out. Cheers, JR

Today is the wake up we have been waiting for months to happen. They are here. The Nimrods' reunion takes place this morning at 10 am. Can't wait to see the guys and gals again from last October and some new faces, too. We hope to get some great stories on video tape from the guys. The K is all ready for her close up. Will post pics tomorrow. Yall come see us today. Cheers, JR