Warbird Information Exchange

Thanks y'all. I wasn't whinning about nobody posting anything, but I didn't want to take the time to do it if nobody was interested in a simple engine change.

Due to some unexpected issues (nothing much, just little annoying ones) during the installation, I'm starting to feel the inevitable deadline approaching. We're to fly the airplane on Wednesday and go to Las Vegas on Thursday. My helper left yesterday, so I'm working on my own again. I only have a couple of days to get it running and cowled up (the hard part), which means I may not be able to get y'all much of an update as things progress.

Gary

CAPFlyer has made a great observation: it would help the CAF (and all of the warbird museums/collections) to use this site in the way that Gary has done. The CAF is "member-dependent" and what Gary and Dan have done (and now the guys with Raiders) is to present what the CAF is all about to those who wish to get involved. It ain't all politics and stupid rules: it is working on "these old clunkers" as Gary calls them and seeing them fly. I would hope everyone who joins, hopefully the CAF but any of the organizations, realizes what it takes to keep 'em flying and more importantly that YOU have an opportunity to be a part of doing just that. There is incredible satisfaction in knowing that a little part of you is up there flying around...I love watching Gary bitch about the cowl flaps on 927 'cuz I had to clean those mothers prior to the repaint! Talk about dirty: covering the rudders was clean and easy compared to the cowl flaps.
Anyway, glad people still check this thread daily: Gary has a way of posting that is informative and entertaining.
Old Shep

Gary, Not only your periodic post's on this thread go out to us weenies, but my Dad was a flight Engineer on a B-17 (I've made posts about his career as a Pearl Harbor Survivor[Wheeler field] and all). I phone him' and up-date him on your work. He's on oxygen now, and sleeps most days, but he says to me "maybe we can go down there and help". He can't of course, but the joy this brings to us as well as me passing this on to him is a real gift. (He was sent to England and flew 28 missions on B-17's) I used to have his flight engineer "shirt pocket" book with all of the breakdowns on engine performances for his bomber, but don't know where it is now. He loves talking about those 1830's and what it took to get that thing in the air. Also, The later B-17's were aluminum skinned cause of the weight the paint added. Deep penatration missions required so much weight in bombs and fuel the 17 was overloaded to begin with.
Your posts are reaching other people too! Keep it up pard.

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tracers work both ways

Aint that the way it always goes? You start out thinking you've got a lot of time to get the job done and the next thing you know it absolutely, positively has to run tomorrow... The way of all things in maintenance.

Keep up with the updates when you can. Even though I work on these things, I've got still got a lot to learn and there's nothing like step-by-step hands-on photos to show how things work.

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"They can teach MONKEYS to fly better than that"

http://www.heritageflight.org
http://www.bravo369.org

I don't post often either, from work I can't post, just watch. I have had fun working on an R-2800 for our A-26, learning how to take the engine off from the mount tub. Such fun with no books or experience.

Kurt

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A-7D, the Short Little Ugly "Flyer" and A-10A Warthog, weren't called an ATTACK plane for nothing. Remember for a little relief on the ground, call your local Air Force to "Go Ugly Early"!

Just a simple engine swap !?!?!?!?!

Boy, that's a way of simplifying things Gary ! You should receive an award for the understatement of the day ! hehehe

I mean, at my level, swapping the engine on my puny little 140 is a huge job ! I just can't imagine doing it on the B-24 !!!

What is everyday business for you my friend is just an incredible opportunity to learn for me Gary. I too read your posts all the time and come back here every day !

Keep doing it !!!! And thanks.

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Michel C
Thousands of a/c pics at Passion-Aviation

Michel,

Just think of it as a much bigger and only slightly nastier version of the engine in your 140! It still tries to bust your knuckles and you still must swear at the sheetmetal.


Scott

Hi Gary,

I don't post much because I recently had my Oh-23c Raven helicopter delivered to my home for a restoration job. It will be a fun project in my garage with a few knowledgeable folks helping on the restoration as I'm kinda new at doing things like this.
I've have in the past worked on the PBJ at the So Cal wing in Camarillo, and it was a great help in understanding the tremendous amount of work done by some dedicated people who keep these things flying for those too young to know the sacrifice of those who serve. I learned a lot.
I, for one, have been captivated and inspired by your work and dedication to Ole 927 thru this thread which is why I have undertaken my own restoration project. I've learned so much from you and the others who share so much in this thread, so please continue with the updates.
In a way, my project is very similar to yours and I'm sure many others, not enough money or time and a bazillion other things that need attention as well. Still, I'm having a blast and I look forward to putting my bird back in the air. It's my own little tribute to the men of the Vietnam era who served in a war so far from home.
The planes you maintain and restore no longer serve in anger, but in honor of those who served this nation in a time of war. It is imperative that these planes fly because they tell unique stories, stories of life, courage, bravery, fear and even death. This generation must not be allowed to forget that generation. The heroes of WW2 are slowly fading into history. Your efforts in keeping these planes flying will provide an opportunity to tell their stories and allow many people to try to imagine what it was like during that time. It's priceless!

Thank you for your efforts, and keep up the updates if you can. I truly look forward to them. Best wishes as you "Keep 'em Flying!".

Dave

Thanks again for the kind words, y'all. Unfortunately, I don't have a big update for you right now, but I reckon Scott will post a picture or two a little bit later.

We did get the #3 engine running today. A few minor adjustments such as fuel pressure and oil pressure, but everything else went well. The airplane is now all cowled up and ready to go....well, except for washing it, which we also started today. A HUGE thanks goes out to John Flynn, Scott Hochstein, Tony Martinez, and Mark Baxter for helping me get this project finished up with time to spare.

Gary

As Gary just posted, here are a few photos of the tailend of the engine change. I discovered it's best to show up after the dirty pieces have been replaced with new, clean stuff! The first one is Tony and Gary sizing up what's left to do:


This is the initial run of the new powerplant:


Tony and Gary monitoring the thing while it warms up--and this morning was a bit chilly, at least when we were running it:


After the leak checks and adjustments were done we finished cowling it up and while I was putting a few tools away here is what the crew chief feller was up to:


Someone earlier asked how Mosquito was doing--he seems to be feeling much better and I caught him in the midst of contemplating finishing up some paperwork:


As we were bugging out this evening I observed the Midland Airport Special Security Detachment patrolling our perimeter fence:


Scott

Bob White Bob White!

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Zane Adams
There I was at 20,000 ft, upside down and out of ammunition.
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Great Job Gary and all who helped!! Good to see shes ready to go.
Put those sunnies on and meet me in Las Vegas!!
Dave

Excellent news, thanks for all your hard work Gary, and to everyone else. Really looking forward to seeing you guys at Nellis on Friday. That'll be the first time I've seen the B-24 since the UK tour in 1992!

Make sure you look me up, Mike. It'll be nice to meet you.

Gary

Will do, Gary. Have a safe trip, and I'll hopefully see you on Friday (I'll be there for the media day)