XB-26H "Middle River Stump Jumper" ...

[Mark Allen M]

The final Marauder variant was the XB-26H. It was actually a TB-26G-25-MA (44-68221) that had its original tricycle landing gear replaced by a set of tandem mainwheels that retracted into the fuselage. In addition, a set of outrigger legs were added for lateral balance. The fuselage had to be externally stiffened to take the additional landing loads of this tandem undercarriage.

The XB-26H was known colloquially as the "Middle River Stump Jumper" and was part of a experimental project to test the installation of the landing gear proposed for the Boeing XB-47 Stratojet and Martin XB-48 bombers, which were then on the drawing boards. Flight tests were carried out in May/June of 1945 at the Martin field.
JBaugher's site.













Here's some newly documented NARA photos courtesy of http://scanbits.blogspot.com/2016/04/xb ... mp_17.html

[JohnB]

Are there any later photos of it?
In an earlier thread I asked if there were shots of it with the red-bar post-1947 markings....it was flown in that year by the Boeing B-47 test pilots.

[Mark Allen M]

Below one of the XB-51's in the same location at Middle River Field MD. not sure the date so the XB-26H could very well been somewhere around there still. See what I can find.

[Dan K]

I'm sure many will recall viewing film of "MRSJ" on the old "Wings" TV series.

Footage starts at about 46:30.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XjVpb3L8UE

[maxum96]

I'm sure many will recall viewing film of "MRSJ" on the old "Wings" TV series.

Footage starts at about 46:30.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XjVpb3L8UE

Man I miss that series.

[jdvoss]

Great photos of the XB-26H ! However, I could not help note the row of RAF Dakota's (aka C-47) parked in the background. All of which appear to have their cargo doors open and some ground activity going on as well. Interesting indeed.




JDV
http://www.fuselagecodes.com

[JohnB]

I noticed that as well.

My guess : New Dakotas being delivered...so they might as well carry spares for RAF Marauders?

[pmahaffey]

Those outriggers are B-17 Tail Wheel assemblies. Interesting!!