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

[A26 Special K]

JR, I think we usually flew over to the Steel Tiger area at 8-10,00 ft. Most of the roads in that area are at an elevation of 500 -1500 feet. Some of the karst peaks in the area are 3-5,00 feet. Going north to the Barrel Roll demanded higher altitudes due to the peaks being 7-8,000 feet and the roads being 1500 - 3,000 feet elevation. Flying at night did help with the heat/humidity situation.

As you were navigating around the karst peaks etc, I supposed they were hard to see at night unless the moon was out. How did you keep from running into them during an attack? Could you get that accurate of a position plot? TACAN? or how?? Just seems impossible given the technology at the time. JR

[A26 Special K]

JR and Bryan banged on the QEC clean up and reinstallation of various components. The weather was warm but not ungodly hot like last weekend. Humidity though was killer. There was a storm coming up from the southwest driving a lot of moisture ahead of it. We were a little low on numbers on the crew today. Three were gone to assist a friend with house repairs and several others had to work. We did have a good BBQ lunch with the CAF guys though while they worked on Buba. They got the cowl flaps situation squared away and I got the Garmin navdata updated in the radio. The next event for Buba is the Dallas Executive Airport Expo on Oct 3-5. There will be a big turnout of warbirds there and rides will be available in many of them. The evening of Oct 4 is the VFM 1940's Big Band Hangar Dance. Lots going on. Be sure to see the CAF or VFM websites for more information. See ya there!! Plan on it!! The other JR

[A26 Special K]

For those of yuum who have always wondered what the inside of a vibrator looks like, after you stop snickering, JR has taken the cover off for a good inspection. Looks to be in reasonably good shape he thinks. Should work just fine. Arnold is working on checking the electrical side of some spares we have so we can test it. As important as the vibrator is to getting her motor running, we want it to be in top form. Buba had a bad vibrator on the right engine one time and stranded us in Brownsville for several weeks awhile back. That's when we started calling it "One Way" but now that it has made several trips and returned, that has changed to "Non Stop". Actually the squadron recently voted on an official name. As soon as CAF HQ approves it, an announcement will be made. Stay tuned. But to me, it will always be Buba just cause I like the name. It goes back to trying to keep the Duck Drivin Lady straight on which black airplane I was referring to: PLBA vrs Buba, see? The other JR

[fwnelson]

Nice photo of the vibrator, not sure I understand how it works but prior to this I didn't know there was such a thing on the airplane. Also liked that shot of Buba, hope you can get a pic like that of Kay someday. About the question on navigating: In the Steel Tiger area you could usually use the TACAN at Nakhon Phanom or a little further south there was a TACAN at Ubon AB. Steel Tiger was a relatively small area so it did not take long to know where the highest points were. Often times we would be working with a C-123 or C-130 flareship and they could light up the area like daytime. Up north, in Barrel Roll it was a whole different story. dead reckoning was about all we had. For a while there was a TACAN at Lima Site 85, however it was overrun by the NVA in March of 1985.
Frank

[fwnelson]

Little typo there, Lima Site 85 was overrun in March of 1968.

[rdennard]

Since it's a bit off topic I won't write all about it here, but everyone should go read about Lima Site 85. USAF Chief Master Sergeant Richard Etchberger was awarded the Medal of Honor... posthumously... for his actions there. Since we "weren't there", Chief Etchberger's Medal of Honor wasn't awarded (to his sons) until 2010.

[LadyO2Pilot]

Since it's a bit off topic I won't write all about it here, but everyone should go read about Lima Site 85. USAF Chief Master Sergeant Richard Etchberger was awarded the Medal of Honor... posthumously... for his actions there. Since we "weren't there", Chief Etchberger's Medal of Honor wasn't awarded (to his sons) until 2010.

Please go to the Ravens website at http://www.ravens.org/

They have at least one story about Lima Site 85 under "Articles." There may be other links on their site directed to other information about it.

[Obergrafeter]

I always thought those vibrators ran on "D cell batteries.

[A26 Special K]

Since it's a bit off topic I won't write all about it here, but everyone should go read about Lima Site 85. USAF Chief Master Sergeant Richard Etchberger was awarded the Medal of Honor... posthumously... for his actions there. Since we "weren't there", Chief Etchberger's Medal of Honor wasn't awarded (to his sons) until 2010.

Bob, we are familiar with this story and don't consider it off topic at all. Lima Site 85 was instrumental in the Nimrod's being able to navigate at night and as such is just as much a part of the SEA story. Our purpose is to honor all of the VN conflict vets so always feel free to share information with us. Otherwise, we would not be restoring this airplane. It is the story behind it that makes it special. It was what was done with it and her sisters that sets it aside.

JR

[A26 Special K]

I always thought those vibrators ran on "D cell batteries.

Ober, I think you may be confused as to the type of vibrator we are talking about. This one runs on 24 volt DC battery and is the only part of the ignition system dependent on said battery. Those operated on D cell batteries might be more appropriate for Brooms and Ducks, but I have been told that neither has this equipment. Maybe that is why the Duck Drivin Lady has been kinda crabby lately??? JR PS I have a sudden craving for flies. Rivet Rivet

[A26 Special K]

Now you see it.... there is daylight between the wing tip and the tip tank. Watch closely!! JR

[A26 Special K]

Tim and David B put new seals on the fillets for the wing tips/tip tanks and re-installed those. I asked Tim if he rubbed the seals with silicone like JR did on the oil seals and he said no, these were new and felt life-like enough without augmentation. David B just used alcohol to clean them up and make ready with some glue. As Tim is demonstrating in the picture, you have to make just the right face to put the last screw in the hole. Another project completed. The Other JR

[A26 Special K]

More clean up on the QEC was accomplished. JR set up the new cannon plug for Larry to wire up for the cowl flap motor. We sure missed our Sparkies and metal man on Saturday who were off helping a very ill colleague on another important project. We look forward to their return next weekend. These guys all go the extra mile in so many ways.

[A26 Special K]

Tim's accomplice, David, on the tip tanks is shown here getting the fillet ready to install. David B's better half just happens to be a mighty fine bakery chef and sent us a great coffee cake Saturday morning. She has been practicing for the State Fair and by our estimation, should stand a very good chance of winning with anything she enters in the contest. Her cherry pie a few months ago is still remembered and is high on our list for a repeat. There are occasional perks to volunteering to work on old airplanes!! Thanks P JR

[A26 Special K]

This is a great shot of Buba! Can't wait to get one of Kay along side. Then we can add Mid America's new A26 for a three ship. The Air Force of the Republic would look purty good at a flyover of Kyle Field in College Station. Ahhhh, nice dreams. Anyway, Kevin Hong shot this pic from the backseat of a Tora Zero last Saturday as we were departing the Lancaster show. He does nice work!! Buba has numerous appearances in Oct. First up will be the Dallas Exec Airport CAF Expo the weekend of Oct 3-4-5. The CAF Midland Airsho is the following weekend. Oct 24 is the DFW Airport Expo and career day for kids. Skyball is Oct 25 I think I heard. Please check the last one for place and time. It's purpose is to raise money for wounded warriors and/or families and to honor those who sacrificed it all. Help out if you can. Thanks, JR