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

[A26 Special K]

See what I mean about the O2 Lady trying to sneak up on the unsuspecting "Sparkies" so she put a spell on 'em?? JR

[A26 Special K]

It appears the Flight Attendant is a little slow in serving peanuts and cokes! It's hard to get good help nowadays. When the Captain rides in back as a non-rev, he expects better service! Well, we promise to have this fixed by Thurs night. Don't miss out on our Xmas party at the VFM Hangar, Ft Worth Meacham Airport, Dec 6, from 6 to 9 pm. Food, fun ... and rides in the DC3 will be available. Check out our website and contact Dana by phone or email to make your resevations. Getting close to last chance. We have to give the final number to the caterer tomorrow. There will be a very limited number of tickets at the door. http://www.gga1.org JR

[A26 Special K]

BTW, if you are not aware, Greatest Generation Aircraft has taken over the entire south side of the VFM hangar floor. We have placed the A26 in the southeast corner and the B25 on the southwest corner. So what's in between? Something very new. There are now three helicopters there. Two represent the VN era... yep, none other than Huey's. One of them has been converted into a very unique bar. It is on a trailer so it can be transported to various sites for people who want to rent it for parties. The other Huey is for display and will set the stage for the VN exhibit we are planning in conjunction with the "Flying Cowboys" aircraft art room. The former VFM engine display room has been renovated and is now a very classy aviation art gallery. It features many artifacts from VN as well. The grand opening will take place later, but first previews are available at our Xmas Party on Thurs evening from 6 to 9 pm. You can find out more information about "Flying Cowboys" or the Xmas party at http://www.gga1.org. The tel. number on the sign is for Dana who will take your reservations for the party. Don't forget Xmas lights night flights are also available as part of the party package. Ck it out and help support the museum. Thanks, JR PS, KRLD AM Radio has been running ads today for the Xmas party, but the date they are giving is not correct. It is not Saturday, but this coming Thurs evening! Dana is trying to get this corrected.

[StangStung]

^^I'm still catching up on this great thread.

You mentioned taking up the space on the south side of the hangar. What happened to the C-47s that were sitting there?

[A26 Special K]

One of the C-47's was nearly totalled by the storm we had a few months ago. The other fuselage is sitting on the ramp waiting to move over to Lancaster airport with the rest of the stuff. JR

[A26 Special K]

What the heck? Usually only see a torque gauge on a turboprop, but yep, K has a torque gauge. She has the usual manifold pressure and RPM tach, too. Not all R-2800's used one, so now I am curious as to why Convairs, Martins and others that used this engine had torque gauges. Anyone care to enlighten us on the matter?? JR

[A26 Special K]

Merry Xmas!! Don't forget our "Night at the Museum" Xmas party Thurs evening. We fired the B25 up today to make sure she runs. Started on blade 12 as usual. The DC3 is up and ready to give rides starting tomorrow evening and running thru the weekend. We will finish decorating tomorrow and be ready for the fun bunch. The caterer and all of the other assorted details have been set up. Party starts at 6 pm and runs until 9. Please call ahead for reservations as there are very few tickets left to be sold at the door. See our website for more info. http://www.gga1.org Contact Dana to book the party a/o flight. We appreciate your support. Thanks, JR

[b29flteng]

What the heck? Usually only see a torque gauge on a turboprop, but yep, K has a torque gauge. She has the usual manifold pressure and RPM tach, too. Not all R-2800's used one, so now I am curious as to why Convairs, Martins and others that used this engine had torque gauges. Anyone care to enlighten us on the matter?? JR

The torque/BMEP gage is the most accurate measurment of power output. All of the large piston engined aircraft used them. While adjusting the mixture the RPM and manifold pressure will not change but the Torque/BMEP gage will, and that is one reason. Another reason is if you have an engine failure the torque gage will indicate this before any other indicator.

[A26 Special K]

Well, there you go... all it takes is a good flight engineer to 'splain things! We have a winner. Thanks for the answer. PS The party was a huge success tonight. Had nearly 200 folks join us for good food and fun. The DC 3 did three flights over the Xmas lights in perfect weather. The hangar was warm and we didn't even need a coat. Is this really December?? Anyway, I had to come home early as I have an early show in the morning for the flight to EWR. Yep, back to NJ again. Yall come see us! The team will be working on the 26 tomorrow and Saturday. JR

[Fouga23]

I think we need more pictures of that Huey bar

[NImrodA26]

I think we need more pictures of that Huey bar...........

===========Or better yet, try it out!!

[CAPFlyer]

One of the C-47's was nearly totalled by the storm we had a few months ago. The other fuselage is sitting on the ramp waiting to move over to Lancaster airport with the rest of the stuff. JR

Wait... what?

Didn't hear that the other project was moving to LNC. What's the whole story there or are you allowed to say?

BTW - hope to get out to see you guys next weekend. I need to see some of this work first hand.

[K5DH]

Didn't hear that the other project was moving to LNC. What's the whole story there or are you allowed to say?

NOT A SUBJECT FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION. EVERYONE, PLEASE DO NOT GO INTO THIS ANY FURTHER.

[CAPFlyer]

No problem Dean. Will wait patiently for public announcement sometime *Soon(TM)*

Back to my second beer in like 6 months.

[A26 Special K]

This is our famous Huey bar. The serving cart is in front, but all the goodies are inside. It is all portable and makes for great parties. Throw a grill next to it and it would be a magnificent "Tail gate" party at the stadium for all of your friends. Nobody else would have one like this, that is for sure! Help support our aircraft restoration efforts by renting the Huey! Contact Dana at the phone number in the picture shown earlier. PS Our Night at the Museum Xmas party went very well and the Huey bar made everybody laugh and giggle... maybe because it serves the good stuff! JR