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

[A26 Special K]

AW crud... just noticed that we are missing another instrument on the pilot's side. There is a clock in the place of the G meter. Gotta fix that. I did find a potential replacement for the two airspeed indicators that will be like the original. Just need to verify they are airworthy. Oh that... yes.. And I am also wondering about the article in the latest AOPA magazine concerning angle of attack indicators. There would be a need for that since, being an old fashioned military airplane, K doesn't have a stall warning system. Wonder if that contributed some to the landing accident rates back in the day?? Anybody familiar with any of the companies mentioned in the AOPA mag that might be willing to work with us on engineering their system to fit an A-26? Cheers, Jim R.

[A26 Special K]

Well, gee, no guesses on the new game, "Where are we"? Is it that tough??? I thought at least that Muddyboots would have answered that we are in Texas or something. Dwayne, Randy?? CAPFlyer?? All the usual suspects?? Don't tell me we have finally stumped the experts?? Rick H?? Where are you, man? Lady02 pilot?? Everybody give up?? JR

[LadyO2Pilot]

Just saw this...having never been in this position with Special Kay, I will answer from perspective of Texas Special. If I were there, I would be sitting on floor board just to side of access stair thru former bomb bay looking at the right main gear up on a jack. However, our window is curved and I claim ignorance of those in Special Kay...if it is even possible to get into that position due to your actual operating bomb bay. How's that for a rambling sentence. I also suspect that the "window" may be held up and not a window at all......those Special Kay people can be tricky with their contests.

[A26 Special K]

Just saw this...having never been in this position with Special Kay, I will answer from perspective of Texas Special. If I were there, I would be sitting on floor board just to side of access stair thru former bomb bay looking at the right main gear up on a jack. However, our window is curved and I claim ignorance of those in Special Kay...if it is even possible to get into that position due to your actual operating bomb bay. How's that for a rambling sentence. I also suspect that the "window" may be held up and not a window at all......those Special Kay people can be tricky with their contests.

Sorta close, but not there yet. Keep going. How often have you heard that?? I have always wanted to say this!! JR

[A26 Special K]

Well, nobody else has claimed victory so here is the answer. Lady02 pilot was close. There is no trick and we are not holding up a part in the wrong place. This window is in the bottom of the bomb bay door. There were several others at one time, but they were later plated over. OnMark delivered every K model with 2 noses... a gun nose and a glass nose which could be fitted with cameras. Each airplane bay could also be fitted with all sorts of cameras and indeed, the attach and mounting fixtures are still in our bomb bay. The conversion to an RB-26K took only a few hours. They were used for mapping and recon primarily in Central and S. America in the 60's before being deployed to SEA/NKP. The bomb bay did not have to be opened to get the shots. Some even were involved in the CIA actions in the Congo. So there is more history there than just combat over Laos. And that folks, is the rest of the story!! JR

[RickH]

See, there's my excuse... I've never seen the K up close and personal. Our Douglas stock C model didn't have those windows. They did have round plates that could be removed from the doors to facilitate cameras.

[NImrodA26]

I disqualified myself from that one, Jim. At first I thought it was taken from the rear compartment, but the window wasn't right, and the view wasn't right. Went back through my pics and found this.
Randy.

[A26 Special K]

Yep, Rick, it was a little tricky in that the stock airplanes didn't usually have windows in the bay doors. Come on up next time and we will be glad to show you all the differences. And Randy.. ewww... perfect shot to show where that window is located on the right side bomb bay door toward the back. Good work!! Thanks!! JR

[A26 Special K]

We have had our history lesson for the week. Now, let's do something different. Will take questions about 679, our plans, operations, restoration... just about any area. Over to you... with over 39,000 views, there must be something interesting going on here. Would like to answer your burning questions so who will be first to step up to the plate?? JR

[carlisle1926]

I was able to pull the rudder gear box control thingy deal. I will send it to y'all this week. I hope it helps.
Jason Barnett

[A26 Special K]

Hey Jason... great... many thanks for that. Always appreciate the help. Was there a control rod that came out of it back to the tab? If you can spare that, we need it for the end fittings if it looks like they might still be good. Come see us when you can! We always like having company... well, except for a few ol grumpy people. Are we sure Mad Cow Disease can't spread to humans cause I know some that seem to get that way at least once a month!! JR

[carlisle1926]

I'll drill out the rivets that hold that assembly in tomorrow and send the whole mess to you.

[A26 Special K]

Jason... thanks for that. For the rest of the folks, don't forget that Greatest Generation Aircraft is having a flyin in, car show, airplane and helicopter rides on Saturday, March 31st at Meacham Field in Ft Worth. One of the special airplanes that will be giving rides is a 1929 Travelair that was of the type used to haul 6 passengers for some of the early airlines. Our DC-3 will be giving rides as well. GGA members can book their annual free rides with Dana. Be sure to see her contact information at http://www.gga1.org or http://www.pacificprowler.org and look for the Facebook page of events. Come enjoy a good time, vintage airplanes, good food and a fun time. Jim R

[A26 Special K]

Good morning DFW. There is a big conference in town for the Women in Aviation organization. Had some of the ladies out to the museum to see the K and our other airplanes. Like to welcome them to town and invite more of participants to come see our work. One thing I did notice is that the ladies smell better than the hairy legged ol boys we have working on the airplanes. Is it supposed to be this way?? I forget. Cheers, JR

[A26 Special K]

Not sure exactly what this picture is about. Been thinking about a title, but I just wanted to share it with yall and see what you think?? Anyway, I have been invited to a QB meeting tomorrow night and hope to talk about the K restoration some. Next week, Hawkeye and I will be presenting a restoration update to the Daedalians here. Should be an interesting couple of weeks coming up. Then Spring Fling has had a very good response in terms of vintage aircraft owners who have notified us they will be brining their aircraft to the fly in. I don't think Meacham has seen anything like this in a long time. Great fun and food to be had. Mark Saturday, March 31st on your list of things to do. Cheers, JR