B-26K Counter-Invader Restoration ("Special K")

[A26 Special K]

MOVING ON, these patches represent the Air Commandos. There is an Air Commando Association which has the patch on the left side of the picture. They represent all past and present Air Commandos. This includes the AF Special Ops guys currently on active duty. The ACA holds an annual reuion at Ft Walton Beach each year. Hawkeye P. and I were privileged to attend last October's meeting. Met some very impressive people. The kind that get the job done if you know what I mean. We are designing a new patch for the A26 and hope it have it out soon. Will sure let all ya'll know when it is ready. Thanks!! JR

[A26 Special K]

New game. This time, who can name the "Missing Mystery Part"? Careful you are specific because there may be more than one answer, but only one is correct. This is our nose wheel on the K and we are looking for one of these. They seem to be scarce as hen's teeth as they say over in East Texas. JR

[muddyboots]

It's the wheel hub of an Acme model 26B roller skate.

[A26 Special K]

It's the wheel hub of an Acme model 26B roller skate.

Muddyboots, you are so close, but nope... keep trying!!

[Taigh Ramey]

If its the missing bearing cover you are looking for then I might be able to help. I recently came across one but I am not sure it is the correct size. Please let me know what the measurement is for the inner recess and the next time I am there I will check to see if it will fit.

Your nose wheel is a 36SC isn't it? [edit] Actually I can see that it is by reading the casting marks. I have a couple of 36SC wheels for a B-29 so I can get the dimension from those but to be sure send me your wheel measurement to be safe.

[A26 Special K]

Taigh... sharp eye. It is a 36SC. This wheel was shared with the B29, B24 and P38 that I know about. Could have been others. There are two manufacturers though... This is a Goodyear which actually had at least two styles and the other was by Bendix I have heard. We have the style shown in the pic while the CAF A26 here has the straight ridges but still made by Goodyear. There are two styles of caps that I have seen. Don't know if it was a mod, but there seems to be those that are held on by spring clips that go across the top and others that are held on by some other means. Since we don't have a cap, can't tell what was there originally for certain. I don't think it was the clip though like on the B25. We would appreciate it if you could send a picture of what you found though at your next opportunity. Thanks, JR

[RickH]

Jim, it should be a snap ring. Is there a groove in the wheel ? I can't tell from the picture.

[A26 Special K]

Well, between Taigh and Rick, you guys got it. It is the bearing cover and it is held in by a big snap ring. It is a Goodyear 36SC rim. Oh, if anybody knows a good source for 36SC tires, please let me know. Don't want the diamond tread. Need the straight tread. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller is on TV tonight. Onward and upward to Infinity and beyond!!! JR, smilin in TX

[A26 Special K]

New Mystery Game. This time we play by Muddyboots rules. To win, you have to invent a name for this "big silvery thingee with the cannon plug coming out of it" part that is anything but the real name! Got it? Game ON JR

[Fouga23]

Fuel probe?

[A26 Special K]

Fouga23, welcome to our party. Nice try with fuel probe. Still waiting to see how inventive the other folks are. Where is Muddyboots when you need him? On another note, our new Greatest Generation Aircraft and B-25 Pacific Prowler patches are now avialable. You can see them on our http://www.pacificprowler.org page and then to the Facebook link on the right side of the page. Scroll down a bit to find the ordering information. They are only $5. Thanks, JR

[muddyboots]

easy peasy. That's obviously the detonator on a thermonuclear bomb.

[dusttinbound]

A co-worker and I are working out of Meacham this week while mapping. Clouds prevented us from working today so we stopped in at VFM and was disappointed that it was closed. However a couple of guys working in the hanger saw our puppy dog eyes and let us in to look around. Special K looked great along with everything else in the hanger. We both left a nice donation to the museum and Special K.

[A26 Special K]

This is our new Pacific Prowler B-25 patch. The A-26 patch is still in the design phase, but will be somewhat similar. JR

[A26 Special K]

A co-worker and I are working out of Meacham this week while mapping. Clouds prevented us from working today so we stopped in at VFM and was disappointed that it was closed. However a couple of guys working in the hanger saw our puppy dog eyes and let us in to look around. Special K looked great along with everything else in the hanger. We both left a nice donation to the museum and Special K.

Hey, great you dropped by. The old gal always likes company. I am talking about K and not any of the other old gals that roam the place. Sorry we weren't there to give you the guided tour. Do appreciate your donations though. As you can see, we have a long way to go, but with help like this, it makes it that much easier!! Many thanks! Come back and see us on Saturday if you can make it by. JR