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

[A26 Special K]

The left wheel well is all prepped for the install of the main gear. The plating shop thinks they may have the part done we have been waiting for by Friday. They lacked .030 of having the last pass done and then rebored. This is a particularly delicate job and has to be done just right or run the risk of pits or other problems. We appreciate the dedication they have shown in doing the job! This is a little like being an expectant father though. Be glad when it gets here!! Then we can put K back on her feet for awhile. JR

[A26 Special K]

Our good neighbors in the hangar took the CAF A-26 out for a runup this week. Those R-2800's sound so sweet. There is just something about the power, noise and oil smoke that nearly bring tears to my eyes. Matter of fact, I thought maybe I was a little too bleery eyed. I thought it was just Buddy and Rich in the cockpit, but the picture plainly shows a backseat driver in there giving them directions as backseat drivers are prone to do. I am sure wondering if she ever gets the A-26, the O-2 and her broom confused?? Well, I guess Buddy and Rich got it handled, whatever it was and Crew Dawg fixed the generator glitches. Hope to see her flying soon. Wouldn't it be cool to see Texas Special and Special Kay up side by each one of these days? We could make coordinated attacks on those feral hogs out at the ranch and have a Texas sized BBQ!!! Stay tuned for more adventures with the ghost rider in the backseat!!! That sounds like a good TV show, huh? JR

[A26 Special K]

Wow, what a determined team of volunteers that worked on the 26 last Saturday. In spite of the over 100 deg heat, all 17 or so really made some progress. This is the before shot of the rudder hinge. The next one will show the overhauled version of the hinge. The rudder is about ready to hang. Just need 10 screws that seem to be hiding from us to finish mounting the gap seals. They are an unusual length, 1 7/8 in. Who knew? JR

[A26 Special K]

The real JR and company do some really nice work!! She hasn't had this much lavish attention to detail since she was built probably!! The other JR

[A26 Special K]

We asked, maybe prayed a little, too, for some sheetmetal guys to show up and presto, they did. Three of them as a matter of fact. They are all highly experienced and already making a difference! We want to welcome Strat, Ray and Steven to the team!! Not to be greedy, but we could use three or four more who would like to help on the sheet metal work. There is plenty to go around. JR

[A26 Special K]

Inu, our floor manager, got his dog tags over the weekend. Now he is officially on the team!! He runs a pretty tight ship. Sure didn't allow any of the taco/nachos that Hawkeye whipped up for us to stay on the floor long if any was dropped. You gotta like a supervisor who wants to keep the floor clean!! JR

[A26 Special K]

Here are some of our troops working on various projects. Amy is getting the bomb bay door actuators all squared away, while Steven, our newest member is looking over the frame of the right side cockpit windshield. We need new glass and frame for this as the frame has corroded and the glass is delaminating. We have new glass for every area except this one. JR

[A26 Special K]

We found the correct P seal and got the horizontal stab stubs all cleaned up, primed and ready for the installation of the horizontals. Thanks David L. Grandson Ethan was off to private pilot ground school. That's a good thing as he could be part of the next generation to fly the airplane. Wow, what a good feeling to be putting stuff back on the airplane for a change!! JR

[A26 Special K]

The real JR and David A braved the 117 deg heat up near the top of the tail to finish out the spar repair and get the skin ready to shoot rivets back in. Many thanks to those guys for sticking it out. August is usually our hottest and driest month. Here's hoping September brings some relief in both areas. The other JR

[A26 Special K]

Meanwhile, Arnold and Tim kept on changing out hoses in the engine compartment. They are nearly done with this and the oil cooler installation. This is another one of those tough jobs, but the guys stuck to it. Thanks to them the auto and manual modes for the oil cooler doors now work. Ta dah!! JR

[A26 Special K]

Felipe and David W, our two AA guys, have the left horizontal stab ready for the installation of the leading edge now. This spar repair has taken forever it seems like getting the parts fabricated and the correct line up of rivet holes to be engineered. It is a beautiful thing now to look at. Too bad we have to cover it up. I suppose the real JR would set up a howl if I suggested we put a clear inspection panel over it just so we could see the handiwork?? Nah, the O2 lady would just come over and paint it black or something. Nevermind!! Can't trust her with a spray can. The other JR

[A26 Special K]

Strat and Ray did a great job fabricating and replacing the torn metal on the tail just below the rudder. They are amazing to watch, as all good sheet metal guys are!! It is just pure art!! JR

[A26 Special K]

This is the view from up on the vertical. Lots to do, but having fun doing it. I will be gone to the sandbox for a few weeks and will certainly miss everybody, but I have no doubt that the real JR will keep everybody focused and have some big surprises for me when I get back. Stay tuned. The other JR

[StangStung]

This is the view from up on the vertical. Lots to do, but having fun doing it. I will be gone to the sandbox for a few weeks and will certainly miss everybody, but I have no doubt that the real JR will keep everybody focused and have some big surprises for me when I get back. Stay tuned. The other JR

This picture is awesome. This is the kind of pic that 20 years from now guys are going to say "look at all the cool shizz in that hangar!"

Thanks for posting.

[A26 Special K]

Well, I made it back home after a good 20 hr flight with one stop in ATL. Dropped by the hangar and the guys were getting stuff done. I intended to get some pictures, but my camera batteries decided to die. Then I could feel my batteries dying as well, so decided to come home, hit the couch and see if I can catch up on a lot of lost sleep. One of the interesting things I ran into out in the sandbox was that when I could get internet, couldn't bring up WIX for anything. Tried several ways but it was blocked every time. Interesting that many websites with .org were that way. hmmmm... is censorship alive and well on the other side of the world?? Later, glad to be home, JR