Warbird Information Exchange

I'm a life member of the CAF and have given thru the years to many of these aircraft. When Gary told us about the cost of the guns, its was said that the Wixer's could help by buying the guns an we did and I was the first to say here's my $50.00, who's next. The guns were paid for in short order. I also sent in more money after that and I now have a few bits signed by Gary over my desk which mean more to me. I didn't donate thinking my name was going to be put on a gun, I did it to help her get it back in the air where she belongs, always....

Lynn A. Allen II

James,

Well said!

I thought I'd throw in a couple of pictures real quick while I'm sitting here at my desk, trying to muster up some energy to get back to work. The navigator's seat and the gyro for the Sperry bomb sight arrived yesterday. I took the seat over to the upholstery shop and should have it back today so that I can paint it and get it ready for installation. Don Obreiter is finishing up some fabrication for the bomb sight and will likely get the entire assembly installed in the nose of the airplane this weekend.....








I just finished the insignias on the wings this morning, although I'll be surprised if they stay on the airplane after the first flight. As dry as Midland normally is, we've had a large amount of high humidity days lately, likely due to Mother Nature knowing when I'm about to paint. Anyway, here's what they look like for now. I'm hopeful that the paint flattens out like it's supposed to, but who knows under the circumstances this morning. Oh, and I'll get the top of that aileron painted green when I shoot more green on the fuselage in a few days......






Gary

i didn't know that B24A's were equiped for inflight refueling but seeing as it looks like you will have three beers on tap in 927 can we put in a few suggestions as to our prefered brews?

edit... it puts a new twist on the term bomber.... ba boom boom tishhh.

right i'll shut up now.

Gary,
During WWII it was very common for churches and schools to have small bond drives to raise money for the War effort. At the end of the bond drive there would usually be a ceremony where a Jeep, Tank, Aircraft or Ship would be affixed with a small plate stating for example: "This Aircraft was purchased with War Bonds raised by the Midland Texas Elementary School" - and that aircraft went off to war. The B-24 "V-Grand" was signed by all of the factory workers, but not all of them put the aircraft together nor flew her in combat. I think the brass plates you added are a very subtle touch that will show the public that this was/is an all hands restoration. I believe that you are not only restoring an aircraft but also showing the way funds were raised then (and now) to get the aircraft in the air! I think you’ve held one hellova War Bond Drive!

_________________
Thanks,
Van
Kosovo, Afghanistan (x2) and Iraq Campaign Veteran
B-29 42-24791 "Big Time Operator"
C-47A 43-15137 "7H" Normandy/Holland Vet
SNJ-5B S/N 84947
UC-45F 43-35764 Cockpit
PT-26A 42-71104
LNE-1 S/N 31556
CG-15A Cockpit
CG-4A Cockpit (x2) and fuselage
Follow QuestMasters on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/QuestMastersMuseum
Museum collection homepage: http://www.questmasters.us

James and Van;

Ditto!

Hi all,I guess deadlines make some a little testy.Thanks Matthew & IAPA for providing some insight into the squadron background and what different volunteers are able to do with their time.My comments on the Volunteers 'coming out of the woodwork'is based on my experiences with rebuilds over the last 24 years and the folks who show up at the very end,my sincere apologies if any were offended.Gary has commented on his frustration with the deadline being inflexible and on the physical toll on him,surely someone in a position in management at Midland has a duty of care to ensure his wellbeing.The biggest project I was ever involved with was a 5 year rebuild on a G-73 Mallard which involved re sparring the centre section and conversion to PT6a engines so I appreciate the pressures applied by others.Since I work shiftwork for an airline here and then work 3 out of 4 days off on the rebuild of the Hoskings F4U-5 Corsair and also have a family I don't think I am out of line in making the odd comment,that is after all what this forum is about.At the end of the day I wish Gary and his assistants the very best as this is by far the most interesting post on WIX,best regards,"MR Pete"

_________________
Give me a Centaurus over a Merlin any day

Great Job Gary! Keep it up!

My two cents on the plaques...
I donated, as did many others with no thought to having my name placed on the aircraft. I'm flattered that it was done, and it was a nice touch, and much better than names emblazoned along the "outside" of the plane!

Perhaps, if others are not so pleased with their names on the guns, the plaques could be painted black, thus blending in a little better with the surroundings.
I think they are fine the way they are and it does remind me of the Wartime Bond Drives to purchase aircraft for our armed forces.

She looks great Gary! Thanks to you and everyone involved who has helped out!
Blue skies,
Jerry

_________________
"Always remember that, when you enter the ocean or the forest, you are no longer at the top of the food chain."

I've been trying to figure out a way to respond to the recent tone that this thread has taken (if that's the right way to word it). So, since I'm not able to generate any interest whatsoever in working on Ol' 927 today, here is a babbling message of my thoughts.....

It seems to me that everyone who frequents this forum, whether they post their thoughts or whether they're just lurkers, are entitled to their opinions. Like OZFURYFAN just said, that's what a public forum is about. I have been blown away by the kind words that have been directed towards me and my helpers throughout this project, as they have all been unexpected and very much appreciated. Of course, on the flip side of that, there are going to be occasional words that may not sound quite so complementary. That's okay too, but obviously more difficult to take, whether its directed towards me or my crew. I'd say that I've been on both sides of that fence with my comments towards folks sometimes as this thread has progressed as well, so I understand. Many times my remarks are written in the "heat of the moment," and I'm sure that others who've posted here are the same.

To me, it's part of what makes this thread so interesting. I feel like everyone typically sees only the "good part" of a restoration (or reconfiguration in this case), so seeing the not-so-good part is intriguing as well. It seems to be a part of our human nature to be interested in what other people are going through...good or bad. I've tried hard to be as candid as I could, while at the same time, putting a smile on my face, even if I felt I was feeling badly at the time, or had the feeling of being second guessed by someone. It's been a difficult task somedays, but I think worth it overall.

Many of you have expressed your concern for my well being lately. I cannot tell you all how much I appreciate that. There is no doubt that I'm very tired and have not been feeling great from time to time due to a chronic pain issue of mine that pops up occasionally, but if you're gonna be dumb, you've gotta be tough. The work I do on these old airplanes is one of the few things in life that make me feel good about myself. I think it's great that there are so many of you out there that like to watch me at work, so to speak.

I know I'm just rambling now, but today started out as "one of those days" for me. I'm running out of gas am starting to struggle to make it to the finish line. I will be out of town tomorrow to go pick up my little air racer, and should be back to work on the B-24 late Thursday. I know this is a bad time to be taking a day off, but I've been meaning to go get that airplane for months, and I simply need to get away. Recently, I had a fella ask me how much time I'll have worked on this project since I started on it on Octoer 27 of last year, so to answer him, we sat down and came up with the following math.........


First we'll start with what's considered "normal" work hours:
8 hours per day, 5 days a week = 40 hours per week
52 weeks per year = 2080 hours per year

Okay, now we'll do my hours just for fun:
12-15 hours per day (somedays more, somedays less, but we'll call it 13.5 hour per day average), 7 days a week = 94.5 hours per week
4 weeks in a month = 378 hours per month
31 weeks (just over 7 months) until near completion, using May 31 as ending date = 2929.5 hours total

That is 849 hours beyond a "normal" amount of hours worked for a year...or, a little over 21 weeks of "normal" work...or, a little over 4 months of "normal" work @ 5 days a week.


I reckon I just didn't have any idea it was that much work. Anyway, I hope everyone continues to post their thoughts on this forum, good or bad, as I find it quite interesting to read what you've all got to say. I'm going to try to get re-focused and get just a little bit of work done today, so I'll holler at y'all later.

Gary

This shot might have been posted earlier in the thread - I have a bit of catching up to do. I just wanted to say, I love this picture. It actually made me laugh out loud at my desk this morning... that darn question mark. Very clever, Gary. (And of course by clever I mean sneaky!)

It looks beautiful and the work you've done is incredible. Enjoy your mini-vacation.

Stephanie

_________________
"It is the greatest shot of adrenaline to be doing what you have wanted to do so badly. You almost feel like you could fly without the plane." Charles Lindbergh

My god Gary after all those hours dont even think badly about leaving for a day or two!! You and your team have worked wonders on the old girl and I have to keep reminding myself it is not a New flyable B24 project but a refreshed one!

Hope your trip goes ok and you get your little racer back with no problems. Please dont even think abour ol 927 while your away you need a break!

Oh and for anyone with negative comments like gary mentioned, Put your money where your mouth is shut up and help gary out by either volunteering your time or reaching into your wallet!

_________________
Cheers,
Peter

________

You've done an awesome job Gary and you'll get no qualms from me.

I can't believe the amount of hours you've put in over the last 7 months and the fact that you're still breathing. I would've had a coronary and a nervous breakdown a long time ago if I worked those hours. Enjoy your trip and get away from ol 927 for awhile so you can recharge your batteries and regain your sanity. Or do like I do and have the furry little helper "Mosquito" curl up on your lap while propped up in the Lazy-boy. There's no better stress reliever (other than sex ) than a purring cat in your lap.

John

Gary,

Opinions are like a**holes, everyone's got one and you're bound to hear 'em on a forum like this. Regardless of anyone's questions/opinions, everyone's really blown away at your unbelievable mechanical/fabricating skills and even more significant in the process, the amazing character you've shown to see the transformation of AM 927 through to the end...even in the midst of adversity in your personal life. Enjoy your time off and don't forget to clean the paw prints of the wing!

Gary and I got a good laugh on a previous post where I agreed that it should not have any nose art because it wouldn't have had any back then, and yet, I am the one that got the final nod to design and paint the nose art. Ironic!

That being said, I wanted it to at least "look" as authentic as possible given the requirements. I can't really say more without giving anything away. But I can tell you that we all felt very strongly that it should all be brush painted for authenticity. The whole design, including all the type, was designed/drawn by hand rather than computer in the initial stages. I will say I did draw the final design on the computer because A. that is how I work, and B. it gave the PX folks a head start on merchandise and marketing materials.

In the end, I am extremely proud and honored to be a part of the whole process. It is something that I will never forget. Ever.