Pima's B-36

[Michel C-GNCJ]

I went to Pima Air & Space Museum today and had a look at the mighty B-36. Man, this thing is H U G E !!!

I took many pictures but since I won't be home until this week-end, you guys will have to wait for the pictures.

But, I was impressed ! At this time, the front fuselage and main wing section are assembled and up on the gear. The outside section of the wings and the tail section still remain to be assembled.

Incredible bird...

Also did the guided tour of AMARG again. Took a few pictures as well but they do it so fast, it's hard to catch everything from inside the bus. Still worth the time though !

I will also stop at the CAF in Mesa later this week, to see what's going on up there...

Will post a few pictures next week.

[mustangdriver]

Cool stuff man, I can't wait to see the pics

[Michel C-GNCJ]

Okay, went to the CAF today. Some news !!!!

The B-25 Maid in the Shade will go back to flying status soon ! This is major news for the CAF as it has been a long time coming.

I was given the priviledge to climb into her cockpit and took a picture or two... these will come at the same time as the Pima's ones...

Stay tuned !

[Michel C-GNCJ]

Okay, I sorted some of my pictures...

First, here are the ones about the B-36 at Pima.

That was my first look at the giant, walking towards the shops area:

Side view from a little closer:

Now a close up of the nose section:

The two jet engine pods that will eventually find their way up on the wing tips:

The rear part of the fuselage with the tail without its feathers - it is still not attached to the main fuselage yet:

Two of the mighty tri-blade propellers laying on the desert sand - they looked freshly painted:

3/4 rear view of the main fuselage. You can see here where the outboard wing sections will be attached. It also looks like the engines are in the nacelles ?:

Four more propellers laying on the ground:

And the last one, a rear view of the mighty craft:


Can't wait to see it brought back to its former glory !

[Michel C-GNCJ]

And now, a follow-up about the CAF in Mesa, AZ...

I mentionned that I paid them a visit again. This time, I got to see their B-25J Made in the Shade getting ready to fly again. This bird has been redone completely, back to zero time condition. I was amazed to learn that when they got her, she had been converted to agricultural spraying, had a solid nose and was not looking much like a bomber anymore !

Well, look at her now: here a view from some distance, on her jacks:

From a little closer, notice all the access covers open for inspection:


When the gentleman on-site saw my enthousiasm, he allowed me to climb in to shoot a few quick pictures ! Here's a view of the bombardier's position while I was climbing in - notice all the work that has been done: she does look like she was fresh out of the factory !

And to finish this post, a view of her cockpit:


They still have a few loose ends to take care of and a ton of paperwork to submit to the FAA but I was told she should be back in flying status in a few weeks ! She will be a fine addition to the airshow circuit...

Now, I got about 700 pictures to sort out and clean up, then add to my web site. With all my work trips these days, this will take some time I'm afraid... I'm heading out again, to San Antonio, TX next Monday... But as soon as I have some ready I'll let you guys know.

[6trn4brn]

Thank you sir for the great pix of the Big Stick! I am sure you are aware of the one at the NMUSAF in Dayton? A don't miss if you are ever in the area...just have a good camera with very good lighting!!!

Thanx again for sharing your pictures.

[Michel C-GNCJ]

I heard about it, yes and saw a picture or two. But I'm afraid I won't be in Dayton anytime soon... it's not part of my territory and I don't get to go in Ohio much.

But one never knows !

[Michel Lemieux]

Salut Michel..

I have seen the B25 about 18 years ago when they had just got it.

It was litterally a pile of parts.....really. They had only started the process of removing all of the old plumbing & wiring and piling it on the side. Boy was I impressed. The pile must have been about 10 feet in diameter & 6 foot high. Never though a B25 had so much plumbing

I have an old pic of it somewhere.

They also only had recently got the now sadly gone Casa ( He111). And had started the process of going over what needed to be done to get it on the show circuit with Sentimental Journey.

I will remember that hot Arizona day all my life.

Tks for sharing the pics.

[Craig59]

Here she is about 1984. 43-35972 is described in Scott Thompson's, B-25 Mitchell in Civil Service, as an actual combat veteran with fifteen missions while assigned to the 12th Air Force, 319th Bomb Group in Italy. The restoration looks stunning.

[steve dickey]

Seems like somone has already said or asked this before, but is this 25 being put back to her original paint scheme or just one from another airplane they picked, do they have or does anyone have(Jack?) an original pic of Made In The Shade?
Thanks.

[Old SAR pilot]

Cool pix of Pima's B-36 and Arizona's B-25!

By the way, speakin' o' B-36s, don't forget the Strategic Air & Space Museum has one (B-36J-111, S/N 52-2217A) at their museum in Ashland, NE!

[Jack Cook]

do they have or does anyone have(Jack?) an original pic of Made In The Shade?

No, sorry!