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

[A26 Special K]

Tim and Arnold, kinda look like two peas in a pod, but they are chasing down hoses and the wiring harness on the left engine. This is looking straight down into the nacelle. Some of these items need to be done before the refurbed oil tank is re-installed. We will send the wiring harness off for overhaul soon. Like to know what we are working with when we start running the engine. Ditto on the right engine where the harness and ignition system will get a good inspection, overhaul and testing while it is up in Idaho. Anybody want to hold the end of the spark plug lead while they test it?? They are taking volunteers! They seemed to have run out of the previous ones. JR

[A26 Special K]

Meanwhile, Ed has been developing a close relationship with Ichabod Crane. He has been changing out some of the hydraulic hoses that sprang leaks during all of the previous activity. Ichabod has been a real life saver during these engine pulls and we can't wait for the right engine to come back so we can use him again!! So here is to Ed and Ichabod!! Cheers, JR

[A26 Special K]

While that was all happening, Larry, Stan and Ray were back on the fuel and oil pressure transmitters and lines. Found a leaking line that Ray was able to repair. Larry had to really work at one particular safety wire job. Said it was the hardest one he has ever ran across. That is saying something after all of his years of experience. They also verified the wiring to the primer system and got it all shipshape. One side had a broken wire to chase down. No fun standing on your head to reach something especially when it is so hot in the hangar. Some Attaboys go to these guys. Thanks!! JR

Last edited by A26 Special K on Mon Aug 25, 2014 11:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[A26 Special K]

Here is Ray chasing down the leaking line in the nacelle. He got it fixed and we think the system should work up to the gauges now. Larry and Stan are chasing a carb air temp gauge problem as we speak. Seems to be way off on the temp reading. See? Told ya!! A simple little problem becomes another project. "All we lack is finishing up!!!" JR

[A26 Special K]

Rand, assisted by our Second Assistant Crew Chief, T, was chasing down some flap issues. I bet JR didn't know that T could get that high up a ladder!! Maybe he didn't see it. The Other JR

[A26 Special K]

Here T, aka Capt Button Pusher, is helping Larry apply some range markings to some of the instruments. T is making sure that Larry stays in the lines with the colors. Just some more detail items that require attention. The kid will have an A & P level of knowledge before he turns 10 at this rate. I can't think of a better bunch of guys to learn from!!

JR

[Ken]

I was a month behind and just got caught up - whew!

Forgive me for not recalling in the answer, but why did Kay not go to NKP? Were there any other K-models that saw only stateside service?

Ken

[A26 Special K]

I was a month behind and just got caught up - whew!

Forgive me for not recalling in the answer, but why did Kay not go to NKP? Were there any other K-models that saw only stateside service?

Ken

Ken, there were usually ten K's kept back for training plus some others for rotation for losses or maintenance. NKP didn't have but about 15 or 16 K's at a time on average. Sometimes more and sometimes fewer. They started the project with six. Anyway, nobody we have talked to can remember why some were selected and others were not. We think though that since our K got heavy maintenance and a new SEA camo paint job that finally put semi gloss black on the belly, that she was about to be assigned to NKP as next in line. The program was ended before she left the states thus saving her the fate of many of her sisters.

[A26 Special K]

Here is a new Mystery Part of the Week!! Not even Ober or the Duck Drivin Lady and her Minions will guess this one!! Game on! JR

[shrike]

it's a broken wheel off of Ichabod

[A26 Special K]

Shrike, that was an excellent guess. Fortunately, Ichabod has not lost a wheel yet. The mystery part is the inside of a Fuel/Oil Pressure Transmitter. This is a rare look inside at the diaphragm. Stan is working on several transmitters at the bench. They are the small black round objects. Fuel or Oil hits one side of the diaphragm, the pressure is sensed and relayed thru the compass fluid medium that goes to the gauges in the instrument panel. Purty cool scheme to keep av gas and oil out of the cockpit since the transmitters are mounted on the firewall of the engine. Larry and Stan have put in a great many hours in the past several weeks trying to make this system work. They have finally succeeded. All they lack is finishing up! JR

[shrike]

A similar system is used in a lot of race cars to prevent flammables from penetrating the firewall. The fluid of choice there is glycol coolant

[A26 Special K]

Shrike, do you ever make it over to Mesa and the AZ Wing CAF hangar? JR

[A26 Special K]

Our hangar neighbors, the CAF B-24 guys, borrowed Ichabod to pull the No. 2 engine for some maintenance. Always glad to help. That is a nice thing about our community, we help each other out when needed. Incidentally, Buba is supposed to make an appearance at the Lancaster show on Saturday so if you are in the DFW area, head down there and say howdy to the other A26 at VFM. I won't be able to go with them this time, but will be at the hangar with the K team. It is supposed to be nice weather and not so hot this weekend. Perfect time to come see both events. JR

[A26 Special K]

Hmmmm, just wondering out loud. Say, that someone could find the paint job and markings of the NVA Air Force that operated some Anushka's on light bombing attempts in Laos during the Unpleasantness.... just wonder if the An-2 could be used in a Viet Nam re-enactment at an airshow as an opposing force sort of thing. Maybe get one of the MiG operators to join in if we could get the F-4 and A-4 against it while the Huey's attempt a downed pilot rescue. The Sandy Spads, FAC's and A-26 could join in softening up the landing zone. Might get interesting. What do ya'll think? JR