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

[A26 Special K]

..............I have finally gotten used to him even if he is from New York City.
Know what you mean, my daughter married a "anchor cranker", and I've gotten used to him. Truthfully, he's OK. When he was still in the Navy, we would get a call from him and I'd ask where he was calling from, and he'd say, "I'm calling from my cell phone on the carrier deck somewhere in the Sea of Japan." Took me awhile to get used to that, since all we had back in the day was a MARS relay station, or VERY expensive phone calls.

Roger Graham mentioned getting a MARS relay in his book "The Nimrods" when he was at NKP. That was such a great service even though it was difficult to get connected. Some of the radio grinders in the hangar want us to keep the HF radio functional and talk to HAMS. I am not sure I speak their language so will have to haul one around with us to do that. We are looking into some parts to make the attenna functional again. Our former Navy avionics guy says he can make it work so why not? That would be a hoot if we could hook up with some of the old MARS guys. Hello CQ whatever the heck that means!! JR

[A26 Special K]

The news of the loss of Howard Pardue came as a shock. The Grim Reaper can show up anytime and nobody lives forever, but to lose someone who has contributed so much to the warbird community and the advancement of history is very sad. I can only hope that there will be enough people to fill in the huge gap he has left us. It will be very tough to do. To his family in Breckenridge and all of his friends, one final salute and a job well done. I am sorry the K is not finished so that we could particpate in a fly over. It is the greatest of traditions for a fallen aviator. Jim R.

[K5DH]

Roger Graham mentioned getting a MARS relay in his book "The Nimrods" when he was at NKP. That was such a great service even though it was difficult to get connected. Some of the radio grinders in the hangar want us to keep the HF radio functional and talk to HAMS. I am not sure I speak their language so will have to haul one around with us to do that. We are looking into some parts to make the attenna functional again. Our former Navy avionics guy says he can make it work so why not? That would be a hoot if we could hook up with some of the old MARS guys. Hello CQ whatever the heck that means!! JR

Hey Jim, I volunteer to be the ham that you haul around. . . "CQ CQ CQ, this is Kilo Five Delta Hotel Stroke Air Mobile". . .

[A26 Special K]

Hey Jim, I volunteer to be the ham that you haul around. . . "CQ CQ CQ, this is Kilo Five Delta Hotel Stroke Air Mobile". . .[/quote]
Well Dean, since you offered to bring beverages for the pig hunt, that can probably be arranged although you do have some competition from our resident former Navy avionics guy and amateur radio operator. He is looking into building us a new antenna if we don't find the one part we need for the existing. Will let you know. Thanks for voluntering! We can always use more help. When we get the antenna repaired or replaced, we should fire that puppy up and see if it will put out. Come back, good buddy, 10-4? You got the One Mad Scientist! Oh wait, that .. oh sorry, just reverted back to CB days... My bad. Guess we do need some expertise on HF. The other JR

[A26 Special K]

This notice to the Lady Duck Driver. The reason you have been having difficulty with your broom is that you have been trying to ride it side saddle. If you recall the video of your first solo that we posted recently, it goes between your legs. Try that and see if you don't get more satisfactory results. Let us know how that works out for ya!! JR

[A26 Special K]

Several folks have posted pictures now from Spring Fling last weekend at Meacham. Go to our Facebook page from http://www.gga1.org or http://www.pacificprowler.org or
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greatest- ... =1&theater

There are some great shots of Ford Mustangs parked in front of the P-51 Mustang. They just naturally go together. Ck it out. JR

[A26 Special K]

Oops, my bad. While doing research on AD's for the K, I ran across one on the Duck Driver's broom. Seems there is a problem that has surfaced during speeds above 360 K. It may be rectified by installing an 8 in metal plate at the base of the dorsal side and in front of the tail assembly. I won't go into all the details, but this has been shown to give the added stability needed. It further states that the AMOC is to restrict the conveyance to 300 K. Oh, the good news is that there is an STC for the installation of a side saddle arrangement for those who prefer this seating arrangement. There is also a two seat extension STC in the book as well. Aren't you glad we found this? Incidentally, we have located and complied with most of the AD's on the 26. When we get around to working the right wing nacelle, will take a look at the fuel tank area on that side. Good morning, JR

[A26 Special K]

Plans for a mini reunion of some of the A26 guys from NKP days is tentatively set for Satuday, May 5th. Yes, Cinco de Mayo Day!! We are thinking about slappin a BBQ together at the hangar. Just wondering if there would be any interest from other folks to come join us and get a chance to meet and eat with these extraordinary gentlemen from the Air Commandos and Special Operations Squadrons involved in the unpleasantness in Southeast Asia?? What say ye? JR

[Mark Allen M]

Isn't it time someone makes a "Sticky" of this thread? More photos please.

[CAPFlyer]

Pending work schedule JR, I'd definitely make time to attend something like that. Sadly, as my schedule is week-to-week, I can't tell ya for sure if I'd actually make it or not until the Friday before.

[A26 Special K]

Pending work schedule JR, I'd definitely make time to attend something like that. Sadly, as my schedule is week-to-week, I can't tell ya for sure if I'd actually make it or not until the Friday before.

Will let you know if this thing gets off the ground or not. By the way, since we are coming up on the 100th anny of the loss of the Titanic, would anybody like to hear a Paul Harvey-like story about that event? How bout you, Lady Duck Driver? Want to improve your knowledge of history?? huh?? huh? JR

[A26 Special K]

Well, Joe T made it back from his exile to Californya and is back at the horizontal stabilizer spar repair. Here he is measuring and drilling the holes for the doubler plate. These have to be done very precisely and carefully. Only get one chance to make a hole in the spar right. Has to be at the correct angle so he will be using a drill guide to punch the actual holes tomorrow. There is another piece that goes on top to fill in the ground out area. We plan to put moldable shim material in there to smooth out any small gaps and then the top piece of the sandwich goes over this. We are just very grateful that a repair was found in the manual for this. It should end up stronger than original. JR

[NImrodA26]

Isn't it time someone makes a "Sticky" of this thread?

===============
I've heard this mentioned before--------what's a "sticky"?????????????????

[NImrodA26]

Hey Jim,
Bet ya didn't know they have submarines at the Air Force Museum, did you!!!

[A26 Special K]

Well, Randy, no, I can't say that I did know about subs at the AFM. Where was this picture last Sunday when Scott was talking about changing WIX over to submarines?? You could have been the first one to post a pic. Missed your chance looks like. But now that I look at the thang, it sure seems to have some very thin walls to be a submarine unless it is the kind like I used to play with in the bathtub??? Shape is kinda odd too... sorta square. I think they like em to be a little more rounded to carry the pressure better?? Would you be pulling our leg there, Pardner?? Ok, I will bite, what the heck is it?? JR