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

[Merlin540]

According to the text from the Corona Harvest project I received from Maxwell, the Modification Requirement 1203 confirms the Mark 20 Modification 4 gunsight as the right one for the K.

I really hope that you can bring her up to Oshkosh next year!

BTW ... I'm trying to build a model of a K in 1/32 scale using a very basic vacform kit ... does anyone have access to plans/measurements of the pylons, tip tanks, rudder and main gear? Also, interior color references to the cockpit, bomb bay, rear radio/observer compartment, together with wheel wells. It'd be a huge help! Thanks!

Kerry Brunner
nailcreek@hotmail.com

Here you go............!!

A-26 Invader Mega-Thread... Plans, Pics, etc. etc
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=34530

[hawkeyepoole]

The gunsight, so far is made from unobtanium. I've looked everywhere on the Internet for it, and called a few folks, and so far, no dice. If anyone has knowledge of where else the Mark 20 Mod 4 was used, I'd like to know. Maybe there's one still on some ship in a graveyard.

Regarding the completeness of Special K, I'll say from what I've personally seen, and been told by people who know way more than me that it's almost perfectly complete. The only two major items I personally know we're missing are 8 .50 caliber machine guns and the Mark 20 Mod 4 gunsight. The owners may be planning for propane guns in the nose, I haven't been told.

You can always look for video updates (shot by yours truly) at http://vimeo.com/channels/nimrods

[Nailcreek]

Merlin,

Thanks much ... great stuff and very helpful!

Here you go............!!

A-26 Invader Mega-Thread... Plans, Pics, etc. etc
http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.o ... =3&t=34530[/quote]

[Ken]

Regarding the completeness of Special K, I'll say from what I've personally seen, and been told by people who know way more than me that it's almost perfectly complete.

Knew that Special K was unmolested, I guess I was trying to ask if it was more complete than the Museum airplanes?

[hawkeyepoole]

I have relatives who are familiar with the Air Force Museum in Dayton. I don't know for sure about the "K" model there, but am told that there are frequently interior items like radios missing from some of their aircraft. I have attempted to contact them, but am told they are very busy... When I can, I want to get up there with my video and still cameras to get pictures inside the cockpit, bomb bay and aft radio and tail compartments.

Our "K" has ALL of the military radios and I'm told they all work. The hard points will hold and drop bombs and the solenoids for the .50 cals work and would fire the guns if installed!

Maybe this winter restoration will start!

[mustangdriver]

The one at the NMUSAF looks pretty complete. This from the museum website.

[hawkeyepoole]

Yes that's a stock picture you can download from the website. Our cockpit looks just like that but missing the gunsight.

Interesting trivia. I was told by one of the pilots that the white face guages are 60's vintage and the yellow (off white) face guages are 40's WWII vintage.

[mustangdriver]

Yes as I credited in my post that is from the museum website. Not sure what you mean by stock photo, but I posted this to answer the question on how complete this aircraft is. This photo is of the museum's A/B-26 cockpit.

I can't wait to see your project in the air. It will be an awesome sight!!

[Crosshairs]

I've got a Mk.20 Mod. 4 gunsight if you are still looking for one. I listed in on eBay with a handful of other sights a couple days ago, but I'd of course prefer it to go into a warbird. If you are interested, let me know and I'll take it down. Here's the LINK if you want to see it. It's complete and in good condition, and even has some Skyraider history!

[hawkeyepoole]

Yes, I want that so bad I can taste it! However, I'm not the BuX guy so I have to ask the BuX guy. Please contact me directly so we can talk about this. This is the only thing of real importance that i know of that we're missing. Maybe I can get several of the Nimrods to kick in and help purchase it from you.

I'm just a volunteer, but I'm passionate about this aircraft.

[Crosshairs]

Sounds good. I'll take down the auction so no one else can get this. I'd love to see this sight in that beautiful bird!

[clangjr]

Sounds good. I'll take down the auction so no one else can get this. I'd love to see this sight in that beautiful bird!

Bravo to you sir! Perhaps you could work out some sort of donation!

[hawkeyepoole]

I would like to report that the A-26 Legacy Foundation has purchased the Mk 20 Mod 4 gunsight from the gentleman. He offered a stellar deal and we gladly accepted. My personal gratitude goes out to him. We'll get it installed, even if temporarily, in the A-26A and take pictures for all to see.

[hawkeyepoole]

The B-26K/A-26A restoration team is in possession of two brand new bubble canopy sides for the radio compartment of the aircraft. They are both covered top and bottom with a sprayed on protectant that has over the years, become part of the plexi.

I have a part of one canopy soaking in water overnight, but don't see any change. I have access to every solvent known to man, but am not willing to risk damaging these bits of unobtanium with an experiment.

Some of the restoration guys worked in Iraq/Afghan and said helicopter plexi comes covered in something similar, and they sometimes break it off in sheets. Trust me, this isn't coming off in sheets, or even in small flecks without me damaging the plexi by scratching it.

Suggestions? Anybody dealt with this before? Feel free to email me directly as well as post suggestions here.

[Ken]

What's the latest with Special K? Any news? Photos? Anyone from the group make it to Dayton or Pima yet for research?