New TBM Restoration - Wings Are Back On. First Flight Soon!

[Stony Jim]

How did everyone in fare with the heat yesterday? I know the hangar can get pretty warm.

We did alright even though the temp got to 104°! We have a big fan that sits in the back door that keeps things tolerable for us.

[SaxMan]

I made it up to PA again last Friday on a fairly gloomy. The weather has been playing havoc with the painting schedule, alternating between temps near 100 degrees or rain. Some work has commenced on the next project, a Cessna UC-78 while waiting for Mother Nature to cooperate.

Here are some of the markings that have been painted: Horizontal marking on the empennage:

DSC_0002 by onyxsax, on Flickr

Wheel well painted:

DSC_0004 by onyxsax, on Flickr

Tail wheel detail:

DSC_0005 by onyxsax, on Flickr

Greenhouse masked off so the wing stubs can be painted:

DSC_0011 by onyxsax, on Flickr

[SaxMan]

The little circle patches are vestiges of the zero-length rocket launchers. It doesn't sound like there are plans to re-install those.

DSC_0018 by onyxsax, on Flickr

The propeller finally arrives!

DSC_0020 by onyxsax, on Flickr

Jack Kosko (third from left) "holds court". It's an honor just to be around this group of people, let alone being able to help with them on the Avenger.

DSC_0024 by onyxsax, on Flickr

The radio operator's seat is installed:

DSC_0029 by onyxsax, on Flickr

[SaxMan]

Detail of the gunner's seat viewed from the radio compartment:

DSC_0031 by onyxsax, on Flickr

A 1/48th scale version of what the final product will look like. I built this from the old Monogram 1/48 model as my way of showing my appreciation to this great group. Little did I know that it would be used as a "proof of concept" for the plane's air group markings! (although the stencilings are not accurate).

DSC_0036 by onyxsax, on Flickr

At the end of your flight, please make sure the radio operator's seat is stowed in the upright and locked position:

DSC_0051 by onyxsax, on Flickr

Gene vacuuming out the radio compartment after the radio operator's seat was fitted.

DSC_0053 by onyxsax, on Flickr

She's getting close to returning to the sky. Stay tuned for more updates!

[johnrfuentes]

Nice post Stoney!

[Alan Brooks]

John, the TBM is really looking nice........ Can't wait to see the pics of the first engine runs and first flight!

alan

[Stony Jim]

Both wings are on today
Need to hook up the controls and install the control surfaces yet.

Airplane juuuuust squeeeeses through the door Tight fit!!

[JohnCFord]

Wow, fantastic job, guys!!!! She looks GREAT!!!

~J~

[SaxMan]

Has there been a decision on where the TBM is going to go for flight testing? I know when I was there last, they were debating whether it was going to Martin State in Middle River, Carroll County in Westminster, or taking it down to Culpeper for the CAF National Capital Squadron to take care of it. I'm pulling for Carroll County since it's closer to where I live!

[muddyboots]

oooooh I'm getting excited!

[SaxMan]

Some sad news from Airville: Don Caldwell, pictured below (using BillB24s picture), and one of the stalwarts at Jack's facility, passed away suddenly on August 10th. I only met him the few times I've gone up there, but it was an honor to be able to work with him, even if the that time was far too short. His stories and his expertise with aircraft will surely be missed by everyone. Don's legacy will certainly live on through the planes that he so loved to work on and preserve for future generations.

Don Caldwell works out the complex assembly sequence for the folding radio compartment seat. He reverse engineered the parts from the example on loan from Cape May, visible on the box to Don's left.

[Chappie]

How tragic. In my one visit to Jack's place last year I spoke with Don quite a bit. He was full of stories. A sad loss. Godspeed Don.


Chappie

[Warbird Kid]

Happens all too soon and often. My condolences.

[PbyCat-Guy]

I can't believe Don passed away, when I was going there, he showed and taught me a lot of things. Was a great honor to work with him and the others. It's sad he didn't get to see it take flight, it's so close now. How sad, god speed and RIP Don.

[Chappie]

Yes, it is sad about Don. In my one visit to Jack's place Don was very enthusiastic about the project and even told me a few flying stories about his days on USN flying boats. Hopefully a photo will be placed in the aircraft to honor Don's memory.


Chappie