For You Turret Monkeys

[Jack Cook]

Fresh from the Aero Trader boneyard. Has I remember the last one they had and not cheap.

Restored and ready for installation on the B-25J

[Forgotten Field]

Jack, I'm sure you know this but I thought I'd put it out for the good of the order. The Martin 250 was not used on the B-25, but makes a better choice for restorations due to the space considerations. The original turret (Sperry) has a bunch of stuff that hangs down into the space behind the pilots. Installation of the Martin 250, with removal of the lower casting, allows more space for additional seats. Important when you get the exemptions for rides.

Another item on this turret is the emergency crank handles, pictured here as the two things pointing up in the top photo. While I was flying with an owner one time, I showed him how there were two unlocks on the handles, so they could spin free and stay in place when the turret was in operation with electrics- if you leave them locked and run the turret, they punch you in the chest. He had owned the plane for many years and didn't know about it. It's not a commentary about him, but it is about the complexity of the operation of those turrets. It took a while to train somebody to safely operate them, and finer points were critical ones when it came to safety. I truly believe that a Piper Cub can be restored more easily than a typical US turret from WWII.

Thanks for posting the photos!

[mustangdriver]

That is one sweet looking turret. Good luck with the install. I hope to see your B-25 some day.

[Jesse C.]

Wow, that looks nice! Is it or will it be functional?

I know that not all bombers currently flying have complete turrets, what are they using to hang the guns on? And what are some of the most creative ideas some of you have seen? Just curious.

[astixjr]

That looks great! The local CAF's B-25 has a Martin 250 instead of the Bendix turret and it looks very nice. As I understand it, the Bendix uppers are next to impossible to find and they really do take up some much needed space in the B-25.

[Former Member]

Beautiful turret Jack...you've done a wonderful job! I agree with Albert, my understanding is that the Martin 250 CE was used in place of the original Bendix turrets on B-25's because they are next to impossible to find. Martin turrets on the other hand are probably the most common to find since there are so many of them and the fact that they were used long after the war.

I'd also like to echo John's comments about a turret restoration being more difficult than a Piper Cub...After about 3 years I'm seriously starting to believe that!

John

[Jack Cook]

Thanks for the kind words. Our crew chief Larry did 90% of the work on it. It's fun to operatite and still have the 2 seats available under it. You all are correct in talking about availability of the benix. If you can find it big $$$$. B-25 main tires are pricey enough and a bitch to change BTW. We also have the tail turret but I'll never let it in the airplane
As for the install...............................

[Jack Cook]

Bringing this back beacause of a question on the 250 turret.
On ours the handles locks and prevent rotation and evalation.

[Former Member]

Jack,

Just curious about your B-25 "Super Rabbit". Do you actually own the aircraft yourself or is it owned by a museum or group of individuals? If so...how long have you had it?

John

[Jack Cook]

My good friend Jim Morgan owns 25NA and I'm part of the crew. I've been helping him since before the bomber when he got ahold of 12 Peruvian AF T-6s. It's funny I use to just says Jim's 25 but he strongly coorected me. According to Jim we all work equally hard to maintain and operate it so it belongs to all of us. I never have seen that pink slip though but I never saw the bill for the 0 time 2600 either
I've got around 250-300 hours flying time on her though
Jim purchased it from the estate of Jack rogers through courtesy airctaft about 10 years ago. The difference between then and now is amazing.

[k5083]

Just out of curiosity, can anyone name a few currently operating B-25s with the rare Bendix/Sperry turrets so I can get an idea what they look like?

August

[Lynn Allen]

The main's tires are still being made in South America, they are used on large watering systems that water the crops. Only way to order any was to place a large order, 10 set's I think. The Rose had a tire shop in Hondo that used a car lift to break the bead on the rim. Its was something to watch.....

Lynn

[Former Member]

My good friend Jim Morgan owns 25NA and I'm part of the crew. I've been helping him since before the bomber when he got ahold of 12 Peruvian AF T-6s. It's funny I use to just says Jim's 25 but he strongly coorected me. According to Jim we all work equally hard to maintain and operate it so it belongs to all of us. I never have seen that pink slip though but I never saw the bill for the 0 time 2600 either
I've got around 250-300 hours flying time on her though
Jim purchased it from the estate of Jack rogers through courtesy airctaft about 10 years ago. The difference between then and now is amazing.

Thanks Jack!

[Jack Cook]

The main's tires are still being made in South America, they are used on large watering systems that water the crops. Only way to order any was to place a large order, 10 set's I think. The Rose had a tire shop in Hondo that used a car lift to break the bead on the rim. Its was something to watch.....

Finding and paying for them's the easy part.
Changing them is a real bastard

[rwdfresno]

Just out of curiosity, can anyone name a few currently operating B-25s with the rare Bendix/Sperry turrets so I can get an idea what they look like?

I am not entirely sure of the list but the ones that I believe to have Bendix turrets are:

Miss Mitchell
Barbie III
Apache Princess
Betty's Dream
Axis Nightmare