A-26 "Reida Rae" Update

[Jerry O'Neill]

The New England Air Museum has been restoring Douglas A-26C-20-DT Invader 43-22499 over the past few years. It was assigned to the 416th Bomb Group (Light), 671st Bomb Squadron stationed at A-55 at Melun, France and named "Reida Rae". She flew 38 missions with the 416th before the war ended.

It's a single pilot version and has the forward opening cockpit enclosure, so it's a bit rare.
I stopped in today and was able to check out the progress they've made. New glass nose fitted, nose art applied (but covered), one turret mounted, the lower one prepared to be mounted.etc.

By the end of October it is planned to have the tail and fin back on in time for the 416th's reunion happening at the end of the month.

Looking good!


This is the work done on the tail cone area.


Rear fuselage getting ready to be mated to the tail cone.


NEAM Volunteer, Rick Centore, working on the rear gunners compartment.


This is the pilot's instrument panel. When first recovered from Bridgeport Airport, there were no instruments in the panel!


It's an exciting project on a combat vet!
For more info, go to:
http://www.sgamboti.com/cts/a-26_project/index.htm

Blue skies,
Jerry

[spookythecat]

[Warbird Kid]

Their crew does top notch work. But were working just as hard down here too! Difference is that they've been doing this for a little while longer. Where will she be displayed when completed Jerry?

[Jerry O'Neill]

She's going in the Military Aviation building and the B-25H will go into temp storage.
Jerry

[Warbird Kid]

She's going in the Military Aviation building and the B-25H will go into temp storage.
Jerry

Would be nice if they built a new hangar attached to the B-29 hangar to house all the WWII stuff under one roof. That way the military hangar could house all the post World War II / cold war / century series / etc. aircraft.

[phil65]

Tried to sneak in there Saturday, but the doors were locked.
I work with Rick Centore brother (Tom), here at Pratt.
Looked like a new hangar next too the restoration hanger.

B-25H into temp storage.

Phil

[CrewDawg]

GREAT JOB GUYS!!!! I'M DROOLIN' ON MY KEYBOARD!!

[whistlingdeath77]

thanks for the update jerry. Is Harland doing the turrets for her? What a difference since it was sitting outside for all those years

[Jerry O'Neill]

Phil, I'm with ya on the B-25 going to storage for a bit. I hope they tow it out on open house days so we can see it "outside" for pics.

Frank, I don't think Harland did the turrets, but I'm not 100% sure.

Jerry

[warbird2]

Are there any more invaders with the forward fold cockpit? Were these common?

[Jerry O'Neill]

I think there's one or two more out there, but I don't know the numbers for sure. The dual clam-shell openings were on the later versions, of which there were more produced.
Jerry