Worlds only USMC Mitchell PBJ-1J Restoration CAF's Semper Fi

[CAPFlyer]

Where in the he-double-hockey-sticks does that monstrosity fit? Looks like someone triple-sized the schematic and then forgot to reduce the dimensions when they started fabrication. Looks really pretty though.

[Dan Newcomb]

Patience grasshopper! All will be revealed to the uninitiated. You will be enlightened at the proper time little one.

Old Chinese proverb say “one man’s monstrosity another man’s treasure.” Follow along and learn.

[Jeff Nelson]

Just a short note for the uninitiated....

The new breaker box is approximately the same size as the original Hayes mod box. I speak from experience as this is not the first B-25/PBJ I've wired. The new box does not have as many breakers in it as does the original due to many systems not being required. That would probably help contribute to the "monstrosity" appearance. In addition, the entire bottom row of circuit breaker holes has not been populated (spare breaker locations) which also adds to the apparent "size". And, of course, there is the way photos can distort or compress things a bit. The gentleman to the left of the box is actually some distance behind it.

Things are not always what they appear, grasshopper.....

[Dan Newcomb]

I arrived at the hangar around 0730 yesterday and Jeff Birdt joined me just as I was opening the hangar doors. We both went up into the cockpit to check on the wiring progress. As we stood there I was struck by the complexity of it all, the exquisite craftsmanship and the attention to detail. Over the many years our crew has tackled many a problem and at times we may have been close to being over our heads. We even discussed wiring the plane on our own. Well JB vocalized what I was thinking when he said, (this is the G rated version) “There is no bleeping way that we could have duplicated this. The best frigging thing that ever happen for us was hooking up with Jeff Nelson”.

I couldn’t agree more.
Dan

[Jeff Nelson]

I certainly do appreciate the kind words, Dan, but the fact is that all the help you guys have given me has allowed me to concentrate on the details and make my stuff look as good as the work you all have done on the structure of the PBJ!

[CAPFlyer]

I still say that breaker panel/box is still a monster for that plane.

Beautiful work Jeff & PBJ crew. Can't wait to see it all in person at an airshow near me when you're done, preferably sitting next to Devil Dog.

[Jeff Nelson]

I still say that breaker panel/box is still a monster for that plane.

Beautiful work Jeff & PBJ crew. Can't wait to see it all in person at an airshow near me when you're done, preferably sitting next to Devil Dog.

You would have really thought the original Hayes mod box was big. In the photo where I have the door open, notice the door goes less than half of the way across the area. The original went 2/3 of the way across. When you see it in person, it won't look quite so imposing. Maybe we should have painted it black... I do wish we could have gotten one with a little less depth, though. We'll manage to use the space for Hobbs meters, radio master relay, the odd box lunch, etc.

[Fouga23]

Maybe we should have painted it black...

I think painting it black or green would greatly improve the look Looks awfully modern and out of place now Nice job though on the wiring!

[Jeff Nelson]

Thanks for the comment on the wiring! The more I think about it, the more I think I might suggest a color change... Isn't hindsight great? Too bad I can't replace it with more foresight....

[Alan Brooks]

Dan and Jeff! Great work....kudos to all involved.... I scrounged a few photos on the net from the Camarillo show (great show too!)...... The bird is looking good... and I would venture a guess that in about 2 more years....... the show will have a B-25 and a PBJ making a few passes down the runway....... Just absolutely wonderful.......... Dan........one more thing........ more piccies and updates!
alan

[Dan Newcomb]

With Jeff Nelson back in AZ for the last few weeks the crew shifted from electrical installation to other issues.

We completed installation of one of the main fuel tanks on the left side and continue with related fuel system work.

We are continuing work on the new aft flooring as well as the fairing and cage assembly for the tail gunner.

The outboard right flap is being cleaned and prepped for installation while the related close out panel is being installed on the wing.

The left wing is just about ready to go up for the drill out of the attach angles.

[Dan Newcomb]

I didn’t get down to the hangar this week but I did get up to Lemoore NAS on Tuesday. I am planning to go down next week and we will try to hang the left wing for the first drill out.

These pictures are of the sunset photo shoot and an F-18 for the “paint it correct” crowd.

Dan

[Dan Newcomb]

My understanding is that soon after she flew in the wings were removed and that was in 1993. If that is true this is the first time in about 18 years she has had both wings attached. I might be off a couple of years but it has been a long time! It will be a few weeks before the wing will come back down for the last time for final repair and close out. Hopefully we will have our aux fuel tanks soon and by spring the wing will go up for the last time. I must admit that over my nine years working on this that there were times that I thought I would never see this. Looking at these pictures this morning I can only hundreds of days spent watching a collection of North American Mitchell parts coming together to form an airplane. We aren’t done yet boys, but I think we can see the end now.

[mustangdriver]

She looks great!! Amazing how much bigger she looks with the wing panels on. Great job to all.

[b29flteng]

I guess it helps to have the "B-25 Store" not too far away.