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

Wed Nov 28, 2007 12:18 am

Wed Nov 28, 2007 7:29 am

Great photos, Roger. Thanks for posting!

Gary

Wed Nov 28, 2007 10:52 am

Thanks,

Actually, I'm saving the good one until Classic Wings next issue comes out...........

Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:33 pm

Gosh Gary I just found out about your bird’s bent butt! My condolences! From the pictures it doesn’t look too bad. Looks like mainly sheet metal. I hope that is the case. Hang in there baby!

Dan

Thu Nov 29, 2007 1:21 pm

Well, there's not too much to report on the B-24 right now, as I've really only gotten as far as uncowling the airplane and taking all of the PX stuff out of the compartments inside. However, I just wanted to show y'all the newest ornament that will hopefully go on the B-24 this winter. Squadron member and pilot, Matt Olafsen, purchased this for the airplane recently and just sent it to me. It's the same style ADF antenna that Ol' 927 had on it originally. Sure, it's hideous, but in a cool sort of way. I personally think it'll be a great addition to the airplane. Thanks Matt!

Gary

Thu Nov 29, 2007 1:35 pm

Cool find Matt! Now, who's going to crank it around to get a proper fix!?

Scott

Thu Nov 29, 2007 3:56 pm

Hideous? No way, that is an object of beauty! Way cool.

Thu Nov 29, 2007 9:26 pm

Second Air Force wrote:Cool find Matt! Now, who's going to crank it around to get a proper fix!?

Scott

I'm not a member of the B-29/B-24 squadron, but I'll volunteer anyway!

Fri Nov 30, 2007 1:44 am

Here's how the Consolidated folks mounted Matt's antenna originally:

Scott

Fri Nov 30, 2007 2:07 am

Here's a question someone asked on another forum. What are the flat plain round discs behind the prop boss in the above pic? Oil coolers or something? I can't recall any other type with that setup, and of course 927 don't have them now...

I see Gary's already snuck into the pic and popped that lil' chock under the tail bumper...

Fri Nov 30, 2007 10:06 am

JDK wrote:Here's a question someone asked on another forum. What are the flat plain round discs behind the prop boss in the above pic? Oil coolers or something? I can't recall any other type with that setup, and of course 927 don't have them now...

I believe those were kind of an afterbody, of sorts, to help with cylinder cooling. The object for them was to redirect the air straight into the cooling fins on the cylinders, however, I believe they didn't work out too well, so they were removed.

Gary

Fri Nov 30, 2007 10:17 am

ADF ring ? I thought that was a lifting eye ! :lol:

Maybe the new Director of Maintenance can sort it all out.

Fri Nov 30, 2007 10:20 am

Gary-

While possible they look much like the winter fronts that have been used on some radials to maintain oil temperature in the nose case.

Tom-

Fri Nov 30, 2007 10:22 am

GilT wrote:Gary-

While possible they look much like the winter fronts that have been used on some radials to maintain oil temperature in the nose case.

Tom-

That's certainly possible too.

Gary

Fri Nov 30, 2007 10:38 am

.

This is from the new "Big Kahuna" of the CAF............

It is my pleasure to announce that Gary Austin has accepted the position of Director of Maintenance and Quality Assurance, reporting to Bob Stenevik. Gary will be heavily involved in the transition process, with Lyn Fite, Neils Agather and myself, to insure the continued progress towards getting the B-29 in the air and the B-24 on the road.

I am very excited to add Gary’s expertise towards insuring the strength and continued safe operations of the CAF’s aircraft. Please join me in congratulating Gary.

Steve

Stephan C. Brown
President / CEO
Commemorative Air Force (CAF)

Basically what this means is, as soon as we find a suitable replacement for me as Crew Chief of the B-29/B-24 Squadron, I will start the new position. It's a new job altogether, although it will still include some of the things that Eric Van Hoff used to be responsible for (Safety Bob is going to take care of most of Eric's old duties). I will be responsible for inspecting all CAF aircraft to insure their airworthiness, safety, and general appearance and upkeep. I am NOT "out to get" anyone, but rather to work with each individual Unit and help them to insure that they are able to maintain the CAF aircraft properly that have been assigned to them.

I'm pretty nervous and a little bit scared, but at the same time, I'm looking forward to being a part of something that many of us feel the CAF has needed to have implemented for a long time now. I feel honored that they chose me to take on this task.

Gary