B-26K Counter-Invader Restoration ("Special K")

[A26 Special K]

This inboard flap shot shows how the A26 wing which was built for speed could be slowed down with the added drag and lift from the flap design. It almost looks more like wing disassembly than lowering the flaps of many of the earlier military airplanes which had plain split flaps like on the C-47 or B-17. Just wondering if any of our readers have any experience landing the A-26 without flaps extended?? Bet that was a hot approach!!! The old military training film emphasizes keeping the speed up and landing almost in a 3 point position when compared to the B-25 which is landed nose high to keep the nose gear from being slammed down. JR PS Question of the week: Can anybody identify the type of flap used on the A-26? 50 points at stake here!!!

[A26 Special K]

Close up of the inboard flap actuator mechanism shows some clean up and lube needed there. Haven't really looked at that closely before since we have all the other things going. If anybody would like to join us on Saturday at Meacham Field in Ft Worth, please show up and we will put you to work on projects like this. Be glad to have you!! JR

[Cvairwerks]

Double Slotted Fowler

[A26 Special K]

Double Slotted Fowler

Yup, you got it!!! You got 50 pts for naming the type flap!! Congratulations!! Now can anybody tell if they are electrically, hydraulically or otherwise actuated?? JR

[A26 Special K]

For part of her life from 1947 to 1958, K was a target tug operating in a wide variety of places including Luke AFB, AZ, Isla Grande, P.R., Lockbourne AFB, OH, New Castle, DE, and Mitchel AFB, NY. That opening behind the bomb bay is where the cable with target sleeve was let out and then everybody hoped that the Junior Birdmen shooting at it would not make a target out of the airplane instead. Like I heard a few days ago, when a little boy told his dad that he wanted to be a fighter pilot when he grew up, his dad said, "Son, you can't do both!" How true!! From the bomber guys! JR

[A26 Special K]

And this is how the elevators were protected from becoming entangled in the cable. Wouldn't this be an interesting job? JR

[A26 Special K]

Yes, there is something missing under the tail cone. The tail skid hasn't been there for years apparently. We have exhausted our search of the usual suspected hiding places for these. Would anybody have one stashed away for Winter somewhere maybe and be willing to dig it up? It would be deeply appreciated. Like to make the airplane as complete as possible. Please let us know!! Thanks,
JR

[A26 Special K]

Well boys and girls, tomorrow is a another special day at Meacham Field. The team will be working hard to get the oil cooler doors working among other things. Arnold, Tim, Mark and Denis worked on checking out the circuits today and have narrowed down the problem on the right side. The left side is now working. As with most things mechanical, all it takes is a bigger hammer!! While I will be off visiting some long lost kin folk at a family reunion on Saturday morning, the team will be glad to visit with anybody who wants to drop by and see how we are coming on the restoration. Then I will be back for the evening fun. We are taking the gang on a boat cruise which was generously donated and BBQ at Eagle Mtn Lake to celebrate our one year mark working on the airplane. Doesn't seem possible. Where does time fly? Yall come see us, y' hear? The other JR

[carlisle1926]

Yes, there is something missing under the tail cone. The tail skid hasn't been there for years apparently. We have exhausted our search of the usual suspected hiding places for these. Would anybody have one stashed away for Winter somewhere maybe and be willing to dig it up? It would be deeply appreciated. Like to make the airplane as complete as possible. Please let us know!! Thanks,
JR

I had this NOS tail bumper on the shelf for while now. It might be T28, but it might be A26- I've never seen one on an A26 so I don't know what it should look like.

[A26 Special K]

Jason, we don't know exactly what it looks like either. Haven't found any good close up photos. But if you look at our picture closely, you can see a black area that is shaped like the bottom of an iron that would be used for ironing clothes. The tie down ring is not covered by the skid. I will have to measure the length of the mounting plate and let you know if it might match your skid. At first glance, your skid appears bigger than our mounting plate, but it may just be the angle. Will get back to you on this. Thanks for putting the picture up. JR

[Obergrafeter]

Wasn't the skid removed as part of the taget towing package?

[Fouga23]

Jason, any part n°'s on that skid? That should solve the question

[carlisle1926]

No part number on it. It had a paper tag that has crumbled away.

[A26 Special K]

Wow, what a night. We had excellent BBQ brisket prepared by Chef Hawkeye and good company. What a great time the team had celebrating our first year's work on the K. I think all would vote to celebrate like this again on the lake. That is Capt. Tim at the helm with a supporting cast of characters. Couldn't resist having a little fun with Capt. Tim so one of our erstwhile mates snuck off to the lower deck and pointed the boat in various directions while Capt. Tim was topside trying to figure out what was wrong with the rudder. Other than that, he plied a true course all over the lake and we all had a very relaxing time. A near full moon topped off the evening. Yes, let's do it again! JR

[T-28mike]

Jason,

That's a T-28 skid in your hand. I know a guy that would like that.