Warbird Information Exchange

Is "Flak-Bait" still at NASM in DC? or have they pulled her display and started packing her to go to USAFM yet?

The reason I am asking is that I am still working on the B-26 radio shelves- which I need for Reading in about a month, and was considering a run down there to do some rough measuring, also I need to know how the shelves themselves were attached to the uprights & bulkhead. I am assuming countersunk rivets, as all the F.B. pics I have appear smooth at the junctions, and I doubt they would have welded them.

I have a whole bunch of pics(thanks guys!) but I still can't tell dimensions that well, and want it to appear as though we had removed a radio rack from a "hangar queen" and brought it into operations as a radio setup, so I need better dims.

Thanks!
Robbie

The final fate of Flak Bait is still in question, but she is still in D.C. As far as I know nothing is being packed up. Taigh on here and I talked about this in another thread, but no matter which of us are correct, it is safe to say that nothing is being packed up.

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

Robbie
- Not sure if I can help with dimensions but if you need specific pictures. I live in the DC metro area and while it may take me a few weeks I can get down there via a simple Metro ride and take some photos if you need them. Not sure what there reaction would be if I walked in there with a tape measure (considered a terrorist weapon according to the TSA last time I tried to fly with one in my bag and had to through it away )

Steve S

It might be difficult to get close enough to FB to take measurements. I believe she's behind plexiglas barricades, with another hunk of plexi covering the open end of the radio room. Even if you could get permission, I doubt they'd want to remove all the barricades for you.

You might actually have better luck contacting the folks at NMUSAF..I know it's against the rules, but found if you go there on a weekday when it's quiet, you can sometimes get a docent to let you behind the barricades..I got full coverage of the B-26G wheel wells & bombay, but was in a hurry and didn't have time to stick my camera into the radio room.

You might also try Kermit Weeks, or Pima or MAPS..although their Marauders are early B-26s (pre-letter suffix) so I don't know how different the radio rooms are.


SN

I would try MAPS first. Since they are restoring their bird they likely have blueprints of the aircraft. They could likely provide you with a copy of those blueprints for the radio racks for you to make exact replicas. Especially if you offer to make a small donation for their efforts.

Ryan

MAPS? Who are they, and how do I contact them?

Thanks!
Robbie

MAPs is in Akron, OH. Millitary Aircraft preservation Society. Tey are restoring a B-26 marauder to static condition, and are doing amazing work. They have a web site.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

Jeez MD, take a moment and get him an address. Phone# here, and Robbie can do the rest by snail mail or web...
www.mapsairmuseum.org

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He bowls overhand...He is the most interesting man in the world.
"In Peace Japan Breeds War", Eckstein, Harper and Bros., 3rd ed. 1943(1927, 1928,1942)
"Leave it to ol' Slim. I got ideas...and they're all vile, baby." South Dakota Slim
"Ahh..."The Deuce", 28,000 pounds of motherly love." quote from some Mojave Grunt
DBF

HA HA I was going to, and my internet gave out. Wireless on the road is giving me a little problem.

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

I hate it when that happens!

_________________
He bowls overhand...He is the most interesting man in the world.
"In Peace Japan Breeds War", Eckstein, Harper and Bros., 3rd ed. 1943(1927, 1928,1942)
"Leave it to ol' Slim. I got ideas...and they're all vile, baby." South Dakota Slim
"Ahh..."The Deuce", 28,000 pounds of motherly love." quote from some Mojave Grunt
DBF

No really!!! I keep having to ajust the settings on this thing. It sucks.

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

Just let me know what you need, I'm a member and I'm there usually every Saturday.

Ace- Thanks! Sent you a PM with details.

Robbie

Ace- Any luck Saturday?

Thanks!
Robbie