Gary ~ What's The Plan For Diamond Lil ? 2006 and Beyond!

[Shay]

Whew. I reckon that's kind of a long-winded explanation as to why the radio operator's chairs are probably the same. But that's the best way I could explain it.

Gary

Prattle on, prattle on Gary. I think everyone here is enjoying your updates. It's the next best thing to actually being there.

A question for you:



Is there any significance to the circular form in the top of the fuselage with the control cables running through it?

Looks like it's for a dorsal turret but I didn't think the "A's" had dorsal turrets.

Shay
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Semper Fortis

[APG85]

I've got to have one of those chairs for my living room!

[Michel Lemieux]

I think everyone here is enjoying your updates. It's the next best thing to actually being there.

Ditto here.

Tks for the updates & great work.

[retroaviation]

The ring in the top of the fuselage was a modification that Consolidated did to fill the order for the LB-30's. You are correct in that there were no turrets in this airplane and there were also none in the first LB30's. This ring simply had a pair of .303 caliber machine guns attached to it. The way I understand it, the gunner basically stuck his head out of the hole in the top of the airplane and shot at the bad guys that way. Sort of like an "advanced" W.W.I. airplane.

The B-24A had a square hatch that went in this same location and the gunner here used a .050 caliber machine gun. I just discovered yesterday that our airplane still has some of the structure in place for that position (above that British gun ring), and the plan is to eventually put that gun position back in place. But I just don't know how much of this I'll be able to get accomplished this winter.

Gary

[Ztex]

This is the best thread ever!

Thanks Gary

[retroaviation]

Forgot to add this one from yesterday. It shows just a tad more detail of the center section of the wing with those primered pieces of aluminum that were in the other pictures out of the way.

[Django]

Whew. I reckon that's kind of a long-winded explanation as to why the radio operator's chairs are probably the same. But that's the best way I could explain it.

Hahaha, that's why we love you Gary!

[retroaviation]

Well, this series of pictures will show that when you're by yourself on a project like this, you have to improvise a little. When trying to reinstall the radio operator's floor in it's original, lower position, I found myself with nobody here to help me lift the floor into the correct spot. Sooooooo...

First attempt with boards and 4x4 blocks. Stupid idea, as it was way too rickety...


The second effort worked well. I got my head out of my rear and got me some ratchet straps to hold the floor up. This also enabled me to get the floor the exact height I needed for making the brackets which hold it into place...


And here it is holding itself up. I still have the center brackets to make, which will take that wavy look out of it, but at least I'm not worried about it falling on top of me anymore.


Gary

[Brad]

If you can wait until the 28th or so, and are gonna be in town, I'll come out and help you for a couple of days. I'm coming to San Antonio for the Air Force anyhow and might as well take a few days of leave. I'll know more when I get back from this trip.

[retroaviation]

Awesome Brad! I'll have the drills all warmed up and waiting on you.

[lmritger]

Absolutely fantastic stuff, Gary. And add me to the list of those who are absolutely THRILLED beyond words to hear that you're making her a REAL B-24! I'd like to cast my vote for the Neutrality markings over RAF camo... the huge American flags will surely resonate with airshow crowds, and it has the added benefit of being completely authentic.

Plus, it looks so cool, it hurts.

Keep up the fantastic work, sir!

Lynn

[Shay]

Anyone know anything more about this bird?

Looks like she's wearing British paint with blacked out Roundels.

Also any guesses as to what the dark spot just aft of the Cockpit canopy is?

Shay
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Semper Fortis

[Ztex]

Also any guesses as to what the dark spot just aft of the Cockpit canopy is

Looks like a prop shadow to me...

[/code]

[Shay]

Also any guesses as to what the dark spot just aft of the Cockpit canopy is

Looks like a prop shadow to me...

[/code]

Above the prop shadow. Directly on top of the fuselage. The spot is very circular.

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

[hairy]

It's got my vote for best thread...............

Imritger, Shay and others will probably like these............................

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared ... 4S-025.jpg

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared ... 4S-023.jpg

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared ... 4S-024.jpg
In regards to the dark patch, better shot here, as seen from the inside earlier.

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared ... 4S-010.jpg

With just a little more work..........(just kidding, interesting though)
http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared ... 4S-039.jpg

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared ... 4S-017.jpg

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared ... 4S-016.jpg

Paint job idea.................
http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared ... 4P-004.jpg

Hope like these pics (if you havent seen them already of course)