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

[A26 Special K]

Sir David performed relayectomy surgery on this old relay and replaced it with a new one. The operation as noted previously was a success. He spent about six hours rewiring the junction box as well. This was no small feat. Actually it probably created big feet for him to have to stand on the footstool that long to reach the box stuck up inside the right nacelle. As with most events on this ol airplane, little simple things have ways of becoming big complex things!! It is like a kid becoming an adult only eventually the kids grow up!! This airplane is taking its own good time and letting us know she will not be rushed on her makeover!! That's how we know it must be feminine! JR

[NImrodA26]

I bet you didn't just go to Home Depot to pick up that relay. That's kind of strange looking, compared to what I was used to work with.

[A26 Special K]

I bet you didn't just go to Home Depot to pick up that relay. That's kind of strange looking, compared to what I was used to work with.

Yep, Randy, this was not a Home Depot item. Have you heard the difference between a Northern fairy tale and a Southern one?? A Northern one begins with "Once Upon a Time..." and a Southern one begins with "You ain't gonna believe this...." "When it starts this way, you know it is going to be expensive...."Well, you ain't gonna believe this", the man at the shop said, "but that little relay is nearly $300, but I'll let you have it for $256." And we were grateful to get it!!! JR

[A26 Special K]

Our metalsmith Ray, fabricated a repair for the antenna mount area that had some corrosion damage on top of the fuselage. Ray on top and Lou in the bomb bay shot rivets to finish this up last week so the antenna can be mounted this coming Saturday. This is another example of the fine detail and workmanship that Ray brings to the team! Attaboys to Ray and Lou!! JR

[A26 Special K]

Now that's what I am talking about!!! Gunsight was temporarily installed to see how it fits with our new Bendix King Lift Reserve System... KLR-10 indicator which our friends at King so graciously assisted us with. You will see why in the next picture. But as I sat looking thru the gunsight, I could imagine some wild hogs just happening to wonder by the nose. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... The Ace Wild Hog Exterminating Company!! JR

[A26 Special K]

So here is what we are considering.... installing gunsight for display on the ground and then pulling it out before flight. The Lift Reserve indicator can be hidden behind it and not show on the ground if we are competing in a restoration judging or even disconnected and removed temporarily. But we feel the LR system is vital to the safe operation of the airplane so don't want to fly without it. But man, I love looking thru that gunsight!!! Gives me an itchy trigger finger for those 8 fifties in the nose. EEehaww... JR

[A26 Special K]

Hey Randy, caught you working!!! Thanks for all the help with cleaning up the hangar. You and your better half just came at the right time as we were trying to get the hangar cleaned up for a memorial service this evening. With the DC3 class going and the team working on K, we were all quite busy. The service came off as planned and was quite nice. Appreciate your contribution. Wish yall could stay longer, but keep us posted on your progress to Tucson to see the K at the Pima Air Museum. I've heard rumors that it may have recently gotten a fresh paint job so let us know. The old paint was purty faded last time I saw it. Yall take care on the road!! Regards, JR

[A26 Special K]

This is the antenna housing that Clay repaired after it delaminated and had holes completely through the top. Ray and Lou then did the metal repairs underneath as shown in a few pictures back. The mount and gasket are completed as well. All we lack is painting the housing and then mounting it. Good to go!! Ray can now turn his attention back to the left nacelle repairs. The metal he ordered has arrived now so he can get started on the next miracle. JR

[A26 Special K]

Stan is installing the thermocouple for the left engine. All of the hoses are new, but a few accessories still need to be overhauled. When the repair to the left nacelle is completed, we should be ready to hang the engine. It is getting closer to making airplane noises again!! I don't know about you, but I'm getting a bit anxious to hear that. Can't rush a good thang though. JR

[A26 Special K]

Bryan B and Jim S got the oil tank for the left engine sparkling clean and ready for paint. David B got the filler cap assembly all blasted and ready for the re-install with new gaskets. It is looking good!! Thanks guys! I am off to the sandbox on Friday, but the team will continue their great efforts to get us flying. JR will be back after a short vacation in California to take T to see Disney and the Planes of Fame. Will be interesting to see which one he liked the best. We have another visitor coming from PHX on Saturday to see our progress. Allan R worked on 26's at NKP in '69. Has some great stories to share. Too bad Randy and Al couldn't have been here at the same time! Come on out, see K and visit with Al and the team on Saturday. Great fun!! The Other JR

[Ken]

Are you guys familiar with the Bien Hoa site and the sub-page with USAF manual downloads ... may be some interesting things there regarding the A-26/B-26.

http://www.bhabassoc.org/?page_id=340

[hawkeyepoole]

I haven't seen that site, but we do have all of the A-26A manuals. One of them from an actual Nimrod!

[Texnician]

I haven't seen that site, but we do have all of the A-26A manuals. One of them from an actual Nimrod!

The only manual that we don't have (and might be handy) is the wiring diagram 1B-26K-2-12.

[Mark Allen M]

Probably just me, but I think this view is about as good as it gets for the A-26 IMHO. (at least one of them anyway)
You guys going to be giving rides once your machine is up and flying? Is that allowable with the B-26K?

[A26 Special K]

Mark, this is probably one of the best shots I've seen of the top side of an A26 in flight. To answer your question, we are considering doing rides in the K, but we are limited on space to place seats. The bomb bay which is normally closed up in the exec conversion is still active and we want to keep it that way. That leaves the gunner's compartment and perhaps one or two seats up in the cockpit. For the expenses of the flight and so few seats, we would have to charge an amount that most people wouldn't want to pay, but who knows, perhaps we can find some sponsors to make it possible. Thanks for the interest and the cool shot of the 26. JR