New TBM Restoration - Wings Are Back On. First Flight Soon!

[PbyCat-Guy]

Too bad I couldn't be there to help out. Dealing with some deployment issues. Keep me updated, I have some free time next week. I'll fly up to see my family over the weekend, so I'll try to come by for the day on Friday and help out.

[HELLDIVERS]

Hi I'm just finishing up the restoration of Brad Deckerts TBM3-E I will try to get some photos posted soon. It will be one of the nicer TBMs out there I'm still looking for a ART-13 radio for the bombers compartment. Many of my own parts have gone into the restoration and even a replica torpedo has been built. This TBM is a combat vet complete with bullet holes. I've made several new friends here including new wixer Greg Bohn who has proven to be a great asset to the project. Watch for Brads TBM this summer I think you will enjoy the amount of effort that has been put into the restoration. I will soon be traveling to Oklahoma to start on another TBM restoration soon. Thanks Mike

[HELLDIVERS]

Cannon plug on its way more parts to arrive soon great to see another TBM going together Thanks Mike

[johnrfuentes]

Just received the cannon plug. Thanks Helldivers!
BTW the SB2C is in the NCS hangar for a few weeks.
It just arrived after the Andrews AFB show and it is headed up to
RDG airshow next.

[HELLDIVERS]

Glad to help I have more parts to come soon keep up the good work and post some new photos Thanks Mike

[Stony Jim]

Hello everyone!
I have been working on this Warbird since October 2009. We have come a long way on it and have a lot left to do!
I have a thread running Here:
http://www.shopbuiltforum.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1439
Looks like I need to update it!
Be back later with some pics for you.
Jim

[Stony Jim]

Had to replace the skin on both sides. The pic shows the new .040" that it is supposed to be with the old .025" and beat up mating edge for the wing next to it.

[BillB24]

Following last week's application of epoxy primer, this week saw the first application of the final color (Glossy Blue, FS15042) to the wingfold areas of the stub wings. The paint being used is Ranthane Polyurethane. Next target for primer is the bomb bay, as a pre-requisite to installing new hydraulic and fuel lines.

[johnrfuentes]

Hi Bill,

Any more photos with the Navy Blue paint on it? Would like to get them out to the membership.

Thanks for your efforts!!

JohnGlen R. Fuentes

[BillB24]

The aft 80% of the bomb bay has been painted, and the remainder prepped for painting. Progress continues on the cockpit, the greenhouse, the rear gunner's position, and the wingfold hydraulics.

[BillB24]

Painting continues on a regular basis, with the main landing gear legs, struts, and wells painted white; the firewall area and turret area painted green. Cockpit work includes re-installation of the refurbished rudder pedals; the new center pedestal with fuel tank selector and RMI instrument (non-functional); and the wingfold controls and hydraulics. Canopy restoration work is nearing completion, and test fitting will begin as soon as the second cockpit area is painted.

[SaxMan]

Looking good! It's amazing how much the plane has transformed since it first arrived in Frederick. Has a final paint scheme been decided?

[shelldrake]

Last image above, guy sitting and looking at canopy...........

Isn't that Gen. Douglas MacArthur????



SD

[PbyCat-Guy]

The MacArthur look-alike is one cool cat, should see him work in person. But he's one of several talented and gifted guys that taught me a lot.
Mr. Fuentes, how are you doing by the way since the last time I saw you.

[johnrfuentes]

Hi,

I am doing well, Thank You!

Someone was wondering what paint we will be using.

We have decided to paint it in USMC markings of the unit VMTB-143 the "Rocket Raiders."

This unit flew off of the USS Gilbert Islands CVE-107.






The plan is to use the Buzz number of P87 "Doris Mae"

We have located one of the surviving crew that lives in Virginia where she will be based.

The Kosko Team is doing another outstanding restoration!!

Last edited by johnrfuentes on Mon Sep 06, 2010 8:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.