New TBM Restoration - Wings Are Back On. First Flight Soon!

johnrfuentes · **Posted:** Wed Aug 10, 2011 1:58 pm

Hi Guys,

Engine from Anderson...........................Delivered 8/10/2011 located at our hangar in Culpeper Va.

Air Wolf kit arrived................................Delivered 8/09/2011

Back seat from Lance ............................Delivered 8/15/2011

Engine pre oil kit from Oil-O-Matic..........Delivered 8/16/2011

Dummy .50 cal for turret ordered from BMG.....Planned delivery late October

Avionics ordered.

Accessories to be shipped to Aero Accessories of San Antonio TX......turn time 4-5 weeks.

Prop to be sent to overhaul shop out of state.

johnrfuentes · **Posted:** Fri Aug 12, 2011 9:38 pm

The overhauled Wright R2600-20 was delivered from Anderson Aeromotive

on Wednesday August 10, 2011. We cannot wait to hear this monster run!

BillB24 · **Joined:** Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:38 pm **Posts:** 32

The bomb bay doors, the dorsal fillet, and the vertical fin were installed this week. Work continues getting the turret ready for installation.

johnrfuentes · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2011 10:12 pm

Hi Guys,

This is what we plan to paint our TBM like.

USMC---VMTB-123 The Rocket Raiders of the USS Gilbert Islands CVE-107

However, ours will be P87 "Doris Mae"

johnrfuentes · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2011 10:24 pm

Hi Chappie,

Not sure if you have this picture.

Photographer unknown

Chappie · **Joined:** Wed Dec 19, 2007 9:40 am **Posts:** 987

John,

Thanks John, no I did not have that photo. I spoke with Charles Hoke for about an hour yesterday. Terrific guy, he made it very clear that he wanted to see nothing in print that said he was a hero. He actually said it three times. Typical of that generation. His birthday is next week.

However, I have not heard from William Hay.

Chappie

johnrfuentes · **Posted:** Tue Aug 16, 2011 8:43 am

Hi Chappie,

That is great that you were able to speak with Colonel Hoke!

If I can be of assistance with any pictures you might need

I have a large file on my computer of many, from the restoration, to

others that I have been able to source over the last several years.

StangStung · **Posted:** Tue Aug 16, 2011 9:40 am

Guys, this restoration looks absolutely fantastic. Kudos to all the folks working hard to put it together.

One thing, please, please, please, resist the urge to "modernize" the nose art! I think the scheme and art chosen looks awesome the way it is. A bit primitive, but those were the conditions, and they worked with what they had available at the time. Every time I see a wonderful warbird with some airbrushed clearly post-war enhanced model, I wince.

But man, does that Avenger look good!

johnrfuentes · **Posted:** Tue Aug 16, 2011 12:22 pm

Hi Guys,

Engine from Anderson.....................Delivered 8/10/2011 located at our hangar in Culpeper Va.

Air Wolf kit arrived..........................Delivered 8/09/2011

Back seat from Lance .....................Delivered 8/15/2011

Engine pre oil kit from Oil-O-Matic....Delivered 8/16/2011

Dummy .50 cal for turret ordered from BMG.....Planned delivery late October

Avionics ordered...........................ETA T.B.D.

Accessories to be shipped to Aero Accessories of San Antonio TX......turn time 4-5 weeks.

Prop to be sent to overhaul shop out of state.

Chappie · **Joined:** Wed Dec 19, 2007 9:40 am **Posts:** 987

johnrfuentes wrote:

Hi Chappie,

That is great that you were able to speak with Colonel Hoke!

If I can be of assistance with any pictures you might need

I have a large file on my computer of many, from the restoration, to

others that I have been able to source over the last several years.

John,

Well I'll dipped. I got home from work tonight and Judge Hay had left a message on our machine--- but he did not leave a phone number! I just sent an e-mail to Bill to see if he has his number. Do you have the Judge's number, if so can you shoot it to my email?

Chappie

johnrfuentes · **Posted:** Tue Aug 16, 2011 9:26 pm

Hi Chappie,

I do not. Please check with Lt. Col. Bill Douglas (USAF Ret.)

He was our p.o.c. with Lt. Hays.

Hopefully you can speak with him soon.

It would be great if we could get the plane ready and have Lt. Hay

and Col. Hoke

fly in her and appear at a few shows with Jack Kosko and his crew.

Sorry Jack, not sure of your rank?

Chappie · **Joined:** Wed Dec 19, 2007 9:40 am **Posts:** 987

johnrfuentes wrote:

Hi Chappie,

I do not. Please check with Lt. Col. Bill Douglas (USAF Ret.)

He was our p.o.c. with Lt. Hays.

Hopefully you can speak with him soon.

It would be great if we could get the plane ready and have Lt. Hay

and Col. Hoke

fly in her and appear at a few shows with Jack Kosko and his crew.

Sorry Jack, not sure of your rank?

John- I sent the Judge another email asking him to call me back. He did. I'll interview him tomorrow evening.

Chappie

johnrfuentes · **Posted:** Thu Aug 18, 2011 8:09 am

Awesome Chappie!!

Thanks for your persistence.

johnrfuentes · **Posted:** Sun Sep 04, 2011 5:44 am

Getting ready for paint ! :drink3:

Chappie · **Joined:** Wed Dec 19, 2007 9:40 am **Posts:** 987

It's looking good John! How are you going to do the wings? Will the aircraft fit in the building with the wings folded?

I've transcribed the interviews with Hoke and Hay and I'm starting to work them into the story. I got some info on the late-Bob Cardno from Hoke, but I think I may do a follow-up with both of them to try to get more info on him.

Chappie

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