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This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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Re: B-26K Counter-Invader Restoration ("Special K")

Thu Nov 03, 2016 7:06 pm

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The cockpit is minus one each 3 in 1 engine gauge. Fuel pressure side went Tango Uniform. Of course it had to happen while we were planning to run engines again soon. My solution was to go caveman on the gauge with a bigger hammer, but Larry talked me out of it. It is just frustrating that about the time I think we have everything working, something else breaks. Fortunately, there are some nice folks at Century Instruments in Wichita who can fix it for us. Scramble Scramble Scramble! Bumfuzzled in Ft Worth, The Other JR

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

Sat Nov 05, 2016 9:05 pm

Success! Engines runs went well this morning. Video is posted on our FB page. No login is required.
http://www.facebook.com/a26specialkay

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

Sun Nov 06, 2016 8:34 am

Fantastic!! Well done chap's

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

Mon Nov 07, 2016 2:16 pm

NImrodA26 wrote:Image

If you get the CBU's built, here's what the nomenclature on the side of it should look like. I'll get you the diameter on the Bomblet when I get home.


Tromblay Machine built an immaculate set of dispensers for WHF "Bad News". Specifics on the munitions themselves and drift effects, etc are easily available through the Skyraider Assoc. The SUU-14 dispenser, in fact, was designed in Ft Walton Beach by the Aerojet company specifically for the A-1.

Ken

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

Mon Nov 07, 2016 11:31 pm

Ken, not sure if that particular CBU and dispenser were used on the K's. Maybe some of our resident gunplumbers can chime in here. Bob? Randy? The pictures of the cluster bombs that Bob sent me don't look anything like these. I would like to get a line on a flare dispenser that looks like three pipes bundled together.... that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. :D Thanks, JR

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

Mon Nov 07, 2016 11:40 pm

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It's 8 Nov 1950, Lt Russell Brown has just shot down a North Korean MiG-15 in his F-80. This was the first air to air, jet to jet score in history. The F-80 or P-80 was developed too late for WWII, but led the way in being the first true operational USAF jet fighter. And to train those pilots, it didn't take long to discover the need for a two seat version. It was first known at the P-80C, but later became the T-33. So what does this have to do with Kay? Meet Kay's new chase plane. The airplane is based in the VFM hangar. So if you had a choice, which one would you rather fly or ride in, the A-26 or the T-33??? Be assured the Russians will not influence or manipulate your vote! :-) JR

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

Tue Nov 08, 2016 9:52 am

I believe that pic of the CBU-14 (SUU-14 dispenser) is just a close-up of the center section where the mounting lugs are. The center section was made of thick aluminum and "wrapped" around the six tubes organized in a triangular shape. I think the pic is of the flat side of the triangle. Do a google search for SUU-14 and you will find plenty of pics. By the way the designation SUU-14 is the designation for the empty dispenser. It becomes a CBU when it is filled with bomblets. There were different types of bomblets that could be used. Different bomblets would result in a different CBU number; i.e. CBU-25. To the best of my knowledge the ones we flew were always CBU-14s.

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

Tue Nov 08, 2016 9:55 am

Nice shot of Denny's Dream, Jim! Where was that pic taken? Looks like a nice country place.

Are you planning to get checked out in the T-Bird?

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

Tue Nov 08, 2016 10:29 pm

Bob, thanks for the clarification on the cluster bombs. I was thinking they were different for some reason as far as what was carried on A-26's plus the smaller ones you sent pics of that were installed in the bomb bay.

And Dean, your question on the T-33.... hope to get it flying soon. Crew Dawg is working on it. Most everything should be ready for a test run this coming w/e. Say, if you aren't busy, we have been having a little problem with the ignition system. If you would help us out, stand back by the exhaust and when Bill yells "now", flic your Bic lighter in the tail pipe. Don't forget to jump back quickly though. Thanks for asking. The shot was taken after it came out of the paint shop at Jacksonville over in E. Texas. JR

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

Tue Nov 08, 2016 10:41 pm

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The essence of concentration here. The stick actuator is trying to figure out how the Russians hacked into the Garmin 650 and ran a banner across the screen saying the engine will stop now... and it did. Then the Christmas lights went out. We are all baffled as to how they might have pulled this off, but Lefty caught the event with his camera. Even the FBI is puzzled. Who knew? There was no classified information on the Garmin 650 by the way.
geek geek geek geek geek geek geek geek geek geek

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

Wed Nov 09, 2016 3:12 pm

Yippe, the election is over and we can get back to watching old war movies like 12 O'Clock High and Strategic Air Command!! Or, or, or we can finish the A-26 and go fly it! We should start a pool predicting the date and hour of the first flight. The winner might get a ride in the airplane!! I mean, if the Cowboys can have a winning season and pools on their games, it just makes sense to have one for Kay, right? Anybody think this might be of interest?? JR

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

Wed Nov 09, 2016 3:57 pm

I'm not a gambling man, out of enthusiasm I'd go for the soonest date and time! :supz:

Forgive me if I've missed it: will she be painted before or after she flies?

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

Wed Nov 09, 2016 8:34 pm

Kay will be painted after flying long enough to figure out if we need to pull any components. Don't want to mess up the paint job before going to OSH. First flight probably won't happen until the B-29 leaves. It blocks us in but we have enough to do to need that time anyway. March maybe?? JR

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

Thu Nov 10, 2016 7:11 pm

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The first combat use of the K model did not take place in the Vietnam War. Anybody know the story? How about sharing some firsthand stories? This is big clue above. JR

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

Thu Nov 10, 2016 7:38 pm

Not much interest expressed in starting a pool on when the first flight will be for Kay. How about the T-33 since it seems to be more imminent? Nobody want to enter to win a chance for a ride in one or the other??
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