Despite the rain and low clouds today, it was successful and productive. Work was continued by Ray on the engine fire extinguisher system while David B and Jim S were engineering the plumbing from the bottles in the nacelle out to the appropriate places around the engine compartments. Our old friend Clay dropped by to help out with some sheet metal repairs on the covers that go over the vent lines on top of the nacelles so always good to see him. Larry and Stan agonized over the prop feather circuitry on the right engine since the new switches didn't resolve all of the problems. Larry and Bob will tackle it again during the week. Arnold and David A hammered on some more of the finer details on "Mona's" installation. The cowl flaps on that side are in place now and getting closer to being operational. JR worked on some of everything as usual while keeping our paperwork all straight. That is nearly a full time job in itself. Inu was there napping as usual on his mat while keeping one eye on everybody to make sure there were no slackers on the job. It is tough being the Floor Manager in this outfit sometimes... especially around chow time. Today, the nice VFM folks had open house and served hot dogs to visitors and volunteers alike. Yours truly contributed the homemade chili made from seven herbs and spices from a secret recipe that my Momma invented. Turned out lip smackin' good! Meanwhile, our hangar mate, Buba, was pulled out of the hangar and a run up was done to check out some carb adjustments. The report back was good. The sound of those R-2800's though was like music to the ears. Can't wait to try out "Mona" and "Lisa" and then they tease us with 32 cylinders making good noise.
Buba is supposed to go to Midland tomorrow, weather permitting, for a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday. Sure hope they make it ok. It just reminds us why we keep working so hard on these old airplanes.... to honor those who served. Without them, there would be no story. Thanks from the Special K crew.... The Other JR