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

[A26 Special K]

Inu, our Floor Mgr, like most enthusiastic young pups, thought he would like to make friends with a couple of Pit Bulls. It appears they did not see his friendly intentions or maybe they didn't understand his brand of English, but they took umbrage to his presence and tried to remove certain important parts of his anatomy while generally making him feel unwelcomed. He will survive with a few cuts and bruises, but his feelings were really hurt because he is always friends to everybody. Just doesn't undertand there are others in the world who don't see things the same way as he does. That's why I am thankful we have the military we do so those others in the world will have to think about it quite hard before they try to bite us again. You know they will try because they are so convinced they are the only ones who are right. They seem to be having more luck with trying to dismantle our military than defeating it though. Maybe that is the new tactic? Happy Thanksgiving!! JR

[A26 Special K]

Mark delivered the right side brake assembly to the Aviall Brake shop and the guys got started on it right away. They did a marvelous job on the left side so we hope they don't find any problems this time and can whip it out like new before long. It will be the last brake overhaul done by Wayne, a VN vet, before he retires on 7 DEC so his guys wanted it prepped and ready for him to do his magic. Again, JR has pulled a rabbit out of his hat hooking up with these folks and finding the parts and manual. Great things happen when the team plays well together! How bout those Aggies!! Oops, sorry, coudn't resist. The other JR

[A26 Special K]

This is the right brake assembly split open for overhaul. It has been a long time as evidenced by all the crud. However, it was mostly superficial and the housing cleaned up rather nicely according to the brake shop guys. No show stoppers so far! JR

[A26 Special K]

The small parts were run thru the cleaning process and the magnesium housing was reported to be in remarkable shape... considering it is magnesium. It cleaned up nicely as well. JR

[A26 Special K]

The right main gear was made ready to pull and this was completed. Following shots show the disassembly. It is turning out to be in much better shape than the left side.
The real JR thinks we can have it back together within 60 days. Yessssss! A plan comes together. The other JR

[A26 Special K]

Joe Maynard, one of the original Nimrod pilots, helps to take the gear leg apart. We are very happy when Joe shows up as he is such a wealth of knowledge about A-26's. He flew one of the airplanes over the Pacific via many island stops to get to NKP. That alone is quite a story. They were more concerned about running low on oil than fuel. Note that our Floor Mgr is keeping a watchful eye on the gear work. JR

[A26 Special K]

Why the look on Arnold's face? Well, it seems the Floor Mgr was not giving his approval of what Arnold was doing with the gear. This was later resolved as usual by the real JR. Work proceeded. The other JR

[A26 Special K]

The gear is looking purty good at this point as JR and Arnold inspect it. There are a few superficial pits that need to be polished out, but it looks like at this point that we won't have to send it off for plating like the other side. Keep fingers crossed for us! JR

[Cvairwerks]

JR: I recognize the name on that table.......Is Lucky still around? I haven't seen him in eons....

[A26 Special K]

Lucky dropped off that table last summer as best I recall. Have not run into him since. But we will have a full crew on Saturday working on the A-26 and running pneumatic lines along the side of the hangar. They installed the new motor on the air compressor today along with about the first third of the lines. It will be extended all the way to the front where the B25 is parked so they can get started on it after the New Year. Tomorrow we are having homemade stew and cornbread for the team. Lots to report after the work tomorrow. Stay tuned. JR

[A26 Special K]

The right main gear has been taken apart and cleaned up. Steven is prepping this piece for NDT. We hope to get the gear parts finished, cleaned and prepped for paint today. May have to wait for the temperature to come up a bit. 34 deg greeted the guys this morning, but it should be in the 60's this afternoon. Perfect day for hot stew and cornbread! Yummm... JR

[A26 Special K]

Ray found an "oh oh" when he removed the skin from the foward bomb bay. There was some crush damage from the gear collapse in the structure. We can fix it, but may delay us a bit. JR

[A26 Special K]

This is another view. Interestingly enough, on the other side of this structure, we found the remnants of the spoiler system that actuated when the bomb bay doors were opened. These disturbed the air flow such that the bombs would not be blown back up into the bomb bay when the airspeed was above 240. We have posted pictures of these in the past and speculated on whether to reinstall them. There is not enough of the system left plus it creates a slot where a lot of unwanted dirt, moisture etc can enter the structure. It is almost like leaving a window open. The consensus so far it to leave it covered up. JR

[A26 Special K]

Lou removed the belly panel which covered where the target was reeled out when the airplane was used for towing. The wires at the top right in the picture hooked up to the FM Homing antenna. We obtained the antenna to replace the one ground off in the gear collapse. This is the one that everybody calls the "towel rack". We are very curious to see if the unit still works after we hook it up. JR

[A26 Special K]

Arnold has been busy since he got his new sign making software. He fixed up this sign for our bomb "ATM". We will set the ATM up beside the airplane at various tour stops and airshows. We exist by the generosity of people who appreciate the airplane and our efforts to keep her flying. It is also tax deductible since we are a 501c3 organization. To donate, please see our website and contact Dana at greatestgenerationaircraft@yahoo.com. Website is http://www.gga1.org
Or come see us at Meacham Airport, Ft Worth, TX Thanks! JR