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

[A26 Special K]

Dave L also got the tail ready for the reattachment of the tail cone after the rudder goes back on. JR

[A26 Special K]

and this is how it looks now. Good job Dave!! Thanks! JR

[A26 Special K]

The real JR has been fabricating the new gap seals for the rudder. Then he will start on the horizontals gap seals. These are attached as the control surfaces are re-attached. This will be a big milestone when all of the tail feathers are back in place! The other JR

[A26 Special K]

Joe T, JR and Felipe were like kids with a new toy when the new Cherry Max rivet gun was delivered. Did we mention we got a new Cherry Max rivet gun? Yes, indeedy! We can get the leading edges of both horizontal stabilizers patched and re-attached fairly quickly now. There is some dimpling work to be done before some of the rivets can be shot so naturally we didn't have the right sized tool to do that today, but we will find one quickly so it doesn't hold us up. The other JR

[A26 Special K]

Just about all but one of the leading edge ribs have been repaired or replaced on the leading edge of the right horizontal stab. The missing rib should be in place and ready for the leading edge skin next weekend. More progress! It is such a beautiful thang! JR

[A26 Special K]

Another needed project was completed this weekend. Our parts blaster received a good overhaul with a new glass, seals, nozzle, gloves and a lot of TLC from Dave L. He also placed it on a roll around platform so that we can roll it where needed and keep the residual media from making any messes. Thanks Dave! JR

[A26 Special K]

The real JR thinks he is making gap seals here, but what he is really doing is making history. His son T will know one day what a miracle his Dad pulled off getting the K flying again. We really appreciate all that JR does for the program and keeping everybody on track with the project. It has been a great time and a wonderful bunch of guys and gal who have dedicated themselves to getting this done. JR has been our leader and mentor in charge. Many thanks!! The other JR

[A26 Special K]

And for those of you who doubted we had a pony to give away in our contests, this is proof positive. We awarded this first place prize to none other than T, the Cowboy, who correctly answered our last question of the week. Eat your heart out O2 Lady!! Better luck next time!! The other JR

[pjpahs]

You show a photo of your parts blaster and how you replaced the glass. Was it broken, in our shop we have a rather large parts blaster and the glass is approx.14 x 24 in. and we have this clear harder plastic we place between the frame and glass to keep it from getting frosted by media. when frosted we replace the plastic, same glass for 15 years. We use a fine glass bead in our blaster, what do you use, walnut or corncob media? I had went to Ft. Worth (Cowtown) in the fall of 2010 for a relatives wedding ,-my wife was born in Ft. Worth- and I visited Cavanaugh and on my list was Vintage Flight Museum. Chuckie was there and behind it was this Douglas B-26K and I wanted to stay forever but couldn't and how happy I am to see it being rebuilt. I watch the rebuilding and wish I was there to help in any way possible, but it's almost 1000 mi. one way, one heck of a commute and hope to get back there to see relatives and a B-26K. Great job.

[A26 Special K]

The blaster glass was replaced after the plastic deteriorated and it wasn't caught in time. We allowed anyone in the hangar to use it and apparently somebody who didn't know better ended up pointing the nozzle at the glass. It wasn't one of our volunteers because we gave them guidance about how to use it and most of our folks are A & P's so know better. But that is water under the bridge. We move on and stay focused on the completion of the restoration. It is almost eerie to be working on some part or place in the airplane and think about connecting to the original folks who built it in 1944 and then modified it in 1965. Our Special Kay was the last airplane off the modification line and the last one flying. This just has to be the closest we have ever come to history then and now!! JR

[A26 Special K]

Work continues on the electrical system check out although we have slowed down on the restoration of the cockpit itself at this point. Our go-to-guy, Rand, has been off to Savannah for Gulfstream school so will have to wait for his return to get back on it. We did get the quilted green insulation material cut and sewn to fit on the sides of the cockpit, but this will be one of the last things to install. The pilot seats are done and have new cushions. The number of seats has not been determined yet as we are waiting to see if the FAA lifts the moratorium on new LHF Exemptions and what the conditions might be when that happens. We are hopeful we can add the airplane to our existing Exemption for the B-25. We know we want two seats in the aft compartment for our crew chiefs to accompany us on tour and going out to airshows. The issue remaining is whether to add seats in the cockpit. There is the matter of originality vrs economic practicality also involved in this decision. Just have to cross that bridge when we come to it!! JR

[A26 Special K]

Wayne Keeney, a friend of Special Kay and Viet Nam US Army Vet (66-67) took the left brake overhaul under his wing and insured it was restored to "like new" condition. We want to thank Wayne and the Aviall folks for making this possible. These are almost a one of a kind deal and it took a lot of looking to find the right manual, parts and people with the know-how to put it together. Ain't she pretty?? Any of our pilots who abuse these will be "terminated with extreme prejudice!"!!! JR

[A26 Special K]

Our new Materials Handling and Shipping man brought the newly overhauled precious metal to the hangar this afternoon. He took every precaution not to make even a scratch on it. Guess he read what would happen to the pilots if they abused the new brake assembly!! Word gets around fast! JR

[A26 Special K]

Please mark your calendars for Saturday, July 21, for an open house at Meacham Field in Ft Worth. This involves the entire airport and not just the museum. We will have the B-25 on display, the CAF will have their A-26 and there should be fun for all with many other activities. Stay tuned for more details. JR

[A26 Special K]

More details on Meacham Field "Open House" next Saturday, July 21st..... from 9 am to 1 pm... there will be a fly-in so an open invitation is made to anybody who wants to park at the terminal area to bring their airplane. There will be several aircraft on display including our B-25 and the CAF A-26. Our DC-3 will be available for tours and rides. A free shuttle service will run from the terminal parking lot over to the VFM hangar for those who want to come see us. We will be working as usual on Special Kay so please feel free to visit and chat with us about the project. Be glad to show you around. Come join us!! Can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning. JR