Warbird Information Exchange

G stood for Georgia as in the state Forestry Dept. There were 3 airplanes that were pulled out of the boneyard by them with the intent of converting to air tankers and given N numbers ending in G. The timing was just right for the conversion to never happen. One airframe you are very familiar with the one in the AF Museum with parts from Florence, SC air museum victim, 640 and 679, although the former maintenance manager for the Georgia FS told us it was the other way around on the AFM airplane. Not sure which one is correct, him or the WR. I will have to research the FAA records on the N numbers. Also, the Warbird Registry here has a bit of misleading information in it which is why I asked if 640 was really 640. It has the correct info and then contradicts itself saying it was another airplane. Haven't figured that one out either, but then I have sent two updates to Scott the Editor for 679 and not gotten a reply or a change. Not sure if there has to be a parting of the Red Sea demo to get something accepted or what the protocol is??? Anybody know for sure?? JR

Breaking news..... the A-26A/B-26K guys and gals are considering a mini reunion in Ft Worth at our Meacham Facility in May. Stay tuned for the date when confirmed. Wouldn't it be grand to come by and meet the folks who actually were involved with 679 during the VN era? We are excited about getting to see our good friends again. The shot above was made at their reunion last October at Eglin AFB, FL. JR

Oh crud... tornado sirens just blew. The weatherman was just calling for scattered thunderstorms and now the whole sky to the west and south is RED on radar with all sort of whirly things coming out of them. Called all the guys working at the hangar and gave them the bad news to clear out and shut the doors. Sheeeesh, this is kinda like pacing up and down at the hospital waiting on news of the baby delivery. Just hope the K comes out with all her fingers and toes. Well, you know what I mean! Everybody put in a good word with the man upstairs for us cause we sure don't want anything to happen here. Thanks, JR

Is all OK now? I just saw the tornado mess on TV.

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The nose art/aviation artist and general lunatic from Houston, Texas http://www.jasonbarnettartist.com

So far so good... heavy rain, some hail and wind, but the whirly things went around the hangar. There is another wall cloud with a hook hanging out of it just north west of Meacham but it hasn't hit the ground yet. It is moving off to the NE. Radar shows the line of storms has almost passed the airport, but since we are on the west side of the metroplex, the rest of the cities are in the path. I think I have heard reports of at least 5 tornadoes passing thru so far. Some housing subdivisions have major damage to roofs, trees and cars. More reports are expected. Probably be on the news tonight. All of my relatives have been calling and have been surprised when I answered. Have not lost power or phone lines here YET. Keep fingers crossed. Oh, and the K is doing just fine. Got a little wet from the leaky roof in the hangar, but we had her covered with tarps on her more sensitive areas!! Back to work!! JR

I'm a marshaller. She has not one, but TWO, whirling meat cleavers of death that she likes to aim right at you. Only Jerry Wisely is unafraid of her, she lets him move her airplane all the time. The only one of us that she actually lets touch her airplane, actually.

Jerry is a much braver (or dumber) man than I. That black airplane is dangerous with a woman driver, especially when she is backing up!

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"You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass..."
Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto

Actually, for once, since I have already used up 7 of my 9 lives today and promised to give up the other half of my sins if the whirly things went around Meacham, I think I will not chime in on this particular discussion. No use risking any other spells or poxes today. Will save my ammunition for later. So guys, it is all yours!!! Good luck!!! Let me know how it works out for ya!! JR

JR, I didn't intend to hijack the thread, and would like to try and get it back on track. It may be premature, but do ya'll have any idea on when you might be getting to the "putting back together" stage, engine runs and then fly? I would like to try and be there when it flies again.

John

Nah, not hijacked at all. It is all relevant to our partners in the hangar with us. That ugly ol Black A26, oh wait.. how do you erase on this thing?? Where do you put the whiteout?? uh, she is working on that other airplane. As far as we know, with no other bad surprises and the continued level of support from our volunteers, the K could possibly fly in August without paint. Or we could go another direction if we run into another big problem with the gear or have to fabricate more pieces. It also depends on whether we get some funding for an engine overhaul. While it is down, we would like to get the high time engine done if possible. It could last awhile longer, but would prefer to not go that route as it just makes the overhaul that much more expensive in my estimation. It would be better to improve the odds for the one and only K model left flying in the world, right? That's sorta my thinking at the moment. JR

The heck you say !!!!!! Don't even get me started on that............better be glad I only have my broom these days.........<must find out which show is next for JC...mmmmuuuuuhhhhhhhaaaaaaaahhhhhhaaaaa>

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Despite what The Other JR says.....really looking forward to when Special K and that "ugly old Black" Texas Special will be flying together....

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Hey O2 Lady, didja notice I took the high road and stayed out of those other guys' derisive remarks? Huh? Huh?? And yes, I think it only appropriate to have our own A26 Texas Air Force formation especially since I have history with both airplanes!!!! Eeehawww.. just whippin and spurrin... Oh wait... who is going to lead?? I think I should since I am the elder one. Besides, I hate it when a woman tries to lead or was that on the dancefloor? I get those things confused sometimes. Oh well, JR

My next show will be in...California, yeah thats the ticket. Way north in California. I won't be anywhere near Burnet next week.

John