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

[A26 Special K]

Whoa Randy, you got some incredible shots!! Were you the LSO for the 747 approach?? Almost looks like you were beside the runway!! Nice job..many thanks for that!! I will remember forever being in the Orbiter trainer down in Houston and wishing I could have flown her for real. There will never be a better machine in this Century for space exploration and utilization as long as the current climate continues in Washington. We need a new leadership that will set a new goal AND put the resources into obtaining it. We all benefit when that happens with good jobs, better technology and a national purpose that can unite us. Whatever happened to our values?
Stepping off soapbox now.... nice to see we have gone over the 50 k views mark. Thanks again for your interest in Special Kay. Other good news today, JR obtained a lifetime supply of landing light bulbs for us along with some really nice support stands. We had been wondering about where to find those bulbs. We have one landing light retract mechanism working and the guys are working on the other side. It will come down but not retract. Don't you just hate that when it happens? Would severely limit our speed if we get it in flight. I mean the Red Line is a goal, not a limitation, right? The other JR

[A26 Special K]

That is some great looking gear parts. Can't imagine how nice that's going to look all reassembled. That crew you got does some great work. Getting itchy to see it again.

Thanks Randy, we would love for you to come see the K anytime. The invitation is always open!! Appreciate your comments and will be sure to pass those along to the team. We are very proud of what they are accomplishing. It is a purty dedicated and talented group and with JR as the leader, they can whoop just about any problem. For the other folks, you can also follow us on our website which can be reached through http://www.a26K.org Feel free to have a look. We did some additions to the Friends page today ... these are the companies and friends who are helping us out. Not quite got everybody on there yet, but we are working on it. Many thanks to those folks for supporting what we believe will turn out to be the best restoration of one of the finest A-26's for her day!! That could be because she is the ONLY flyable model of her day that is left!! It really will be special to tell the story of those who flew and supported her!!

[Mark Allen M]

Here's something that may interest you ... or depress you

[A26 Special K]

OMG, that is priceless!! The K goes thru that much money every week or two just for parts, paint or supplies for restoration and here they are giving airplanes away in 1959. Let's see.. in 1959, I was working for 25 cents an hour and was very happy indeed to get a raise to 50 as a kid. I don't think I could have afforded it then either, but I would have been chomping at the bit to be there. I started flying lessons in 1960 and paid $3.75 per hour for an L-16 or L-4 including gas. In 1964, I moved up to the big leagues with renting a Cessna 150 for $10 per hour. It even had a radio and electrical system so it was well worth the money even if it was a nose roller. So maybe $5000 was a lot of money after all. It was 1968 before I made more than that per year. All things in perspective I suppose. Many thanks for the flyer. Would like to put that on our website if you don't mind??? Thanks, JR http://www.a26K.org

[NImrodA26]

A guy I used to know who flew P-51's said that after the war they had new planes with 8 hours time on them and they offered them to the pilots that were mustering out for $800 each. He said, " One, I couldn't have afforded the gas to fly it home, and two, I had seen quite enough of a P-51 by that time, and sure didn't want one in my driveway at home! I guess in retrospect, I should have reconsidered."

[A26 Special K]

Yeah, exactly Randy... Most of those guys came home just wanting to be away from war and get back to their lives. I think though to some extent, the war was the most exciting thing they ever got to do in their lifetime when they had time to reflect back on it. The country was together and they accomplished a great victory. They could be proud of that. We grew up as their next generation admiring what they did and wanting to show them we were grateful. Who could have seen how popular warbirds would become 30 or 40 years into the future and continue to be or we wouldn't be here talking about them, right? We are so lucky that as many airplanes have survived as did. It is a small miracle that K made it through to get this chance at a new life. She is the only one left. We will fix her up right and she will be something we can all take pride in for a long, long time. Don't forget to visit us on http://www.a26k.org or http://www.gga1.org. Ck out the Facebook page on Greatest Generation Aircraft to see what activities are planned for our other airplanes as well. As always, we welcome anybody who is interested to come see us on Saturdays at the Meacham Hangar in Ft Worth. We always will make time to stop and chat about our favorite subject!! JR

[A26 Special K]

Anybody notice anything different??? Bliss!! JR

[NImrodA26]

Anybody notice anything different???

darn!! What a difference!!!!!!!!!!

[A26 Special K]

Anybody notice anything different???

darn!! What a difference!!!!!!!!!!

Mark sent the pic from this afternoon's work. Can't wait to see it in person!! All of the hoses and lines are still taped off so they don't get painted. Will have to do another round to touch it up probably before we take that all off. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!! Love it when a plan comes together. Thanks, JR

[A26 Special K]

Hang in there, Friday is coming!! Yay!!! Saturday promises to be relatively cool to work in the hangar so no 106 deg days yet here in Texas. Might even get a little rain out of it. Can always use more. Anyway, my point is that it will be a great day to get out and come to Meacham to see us. We have the new OnMark Engineering T shirts delivered and available now for sale for those who want them. They are black, our standard anti oil stain color, and have a beautiful red A26 behind the logo. Come see the airplane, the team and pick you up a good lookin shirt. These have not been seen since On Mark Engineering went out of business and are a collector's item for sure even if you don't wear it. These were designed by us and especially made for us so there is no other way to get one. Please come see us Saturday at Meacham!! Love to have the opportunity to chat about the airplane or the history of the AF guys who operated them in WWII, Korea and VN. Chow.. JR

[A26 Special K]

BTW, there is a connection between the Arizona Wing CAF's B-25 called Maid in the Shade, of which I am a sponsor, and the first full A-26 combat unit to go to the Pacific theatre in WWII besides some test units. Anybody know what it is?? If you look at the vertical tails, there is a clue!!! It's so easy even a caveman or an O2 driver could figure it out. Just kidding!! Is she fuming... I am afraid to look?? But I have not harassed the Duck Drivin Lady in about a week and it is time to buzz the ol bat even if the pattern is full. Hang on Goose... eeeehawww Mav

[LadyO2Pilot]

I'll throw an offhand guess out.......both part of 13th BS in Pacific 1943-1944 range ????????

ole bat.... you say

[A26 Special K]

I'll throw an offhand guess out.......both part of 13th BS in Pacific 1943-1944 range ????????

ole bat.... you say

Offhand, I would say... aaaaaant... thanks for playing. Please try again!!! JR

[LadyO2Pilot]

what's the B/N on Maid in the Shade???????? I know nothing about the a/c's history other than seeing a pretty picture taken by Ebdon at MAF AIRSHO last year. But 13 BS did have both B-25s and A-26s in Pacific in latter part of WWII

[A26 Special K]

OK. here is a hint... B-25 "Maid in the Shade" vertical tail and 57th Bomb Wing, 319th Bomb Group, 437th Squadron based in Corsica in 1944. Does this help??

Last edited by A26 Special K on Thu Apr 19, 2012 7:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.