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

[Dan K]

You guys are mounting an original Jetson Weapon System?

The authentic restoration bar has just been raised a coupla' pegs.

[NImrodA26]

Is the bomb bay jettison switch still in the aft compartment as well?

[A26 Special K]

Randy, I think the jettison switch is still in the "doghouse", but I honestly haven't looked recently. Work has begun on that area though so I will check it out. The picture shows the two doghouse covers that we have. In looking at the one we traded for and the original fitted to the airplane, it appears that we could take a few parts off the traded one and make our original whole again without having to trim and adjust the other one to fit the airplane. We had some long curved stringers that were badly corroded and were not going to be easy to fabricate. Looks like the problem is solved though with the swap. Then the new glass can be installed and the escape hatch made operational. Meanwhile back at the ranch, the nosewheel was removed and the spare was installed. The nosewheel is going to the shop this week for overhaul and a check out of the tire. We think it is probably good but want to have a look inside. A new tube would be in order as well. A flat tire could be bad news as low as the props are to the ground. Any excursion off the runway with a flat will most likely result in some sort of prop strike so we have to take all precautions with it. In all, we had a very successful day. JR

[A26 Special K]

Another project we have going on. Arnold and Ed started work on the new crane GGA obtained from the surplus yard. Needed some exhaust pipe repair and a general clean up. The fuel tank was found to be rusted out at the bottom .. probably from sitting too long empty and water getting in. This will have to be repaired or replaced. BUT, the Diesel engine is still good and the hydraulic system checked out fine. Arnold used some solvent to clean things up so they are sweeping it up in the picture. It is rated at 17,000 lbs so should be more than enough to lift our engines off the airframe for overhaul and repair work behind one of them on the nacelle. It was very hot and humid in the hangar yesterday, but the guys kept right on going. Inu, our floor manager was there to supervise! He kept doing belly flops on the concrete to try and keep cool what time he wasn't spending at the water cooler. Everybody was ready by noon to head to the mancave for lunch and a cool down. Inu had a good time mooching little yummies from the guys. JR

[A26 Special K]

Denis and Mark worked on readying the replacement fuel bladder to go in the B-25. The replacement aux tank has already been installed. When this aft main gets all buttoned up and a few other details closed, it should be ready to fly again this week. We are planning to take it to the Gathering of Warbirds/Legends in Topeka Aug 1-4 along with our DC-3. So far, there are nearly 80 warbirds that have signed up for the event. Lots of airplanes to see including the complete line of WWII Grumman fighters from the Wildcat up thru the Tigercat. Three PV2 Harpoons have indicated they will show up. Static displays, rides and formation or solo demos are planned. Even the Tigercat will sell rides. B-17, DC-3, B-25 will offer rides as well. There is a list of "ridehoppers" on the website along with the schedule of events. Ck it out and come see us at Forbes Field in Topeka. http://www.warbirdsandlegends.org/ This event could become the next great annual affair!! JR

[A26 Special K]

Our very own videographer, Hawkeye, interviewed Frank Nelson and Randy Ryman recently about their experiences with the A-26. The guys came to work during our Militaria Show. Frank tells about flying across the Pacific in 11.5 hrs, his one day time mission at Khe Sanh (rest were night) and several other interesting stories about training at England AFB, LA, to combat out of NKP. Randy tells about dealing with .50 cal's and loading bombs on the A-26 so this is a great video. Thanks Randy, Frank and Hawkeye for sharing these priceless experiences. The link is http://vimeo.com/67780405

JR

[A26 Special K]

Today, Ray and the real JR pounded rivets to finish up the bomb bay area repair and install the forward door actuator. With both actuators now ready, the guys should be able to run the bomb bay doors and complete the rigging next weekend. Accolades to Ray Schechter for now the bomb bay forward bulkhead structural restoration is substantially complete. This area was damaged during the Macon accident in 1978. It was cosmetically repaired but some structural deficiencies remained. Ray has essentially rebuilt the entire area piece by piece. His craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail are superb. The actuator assemblies were fitted this afternoon thanks to JR. There remains final painting, switch installation rig & ops check. Meanwhile, Larry made a lot of headway in checking out the attitude gyro instrument and the gyro control in the avionics bay. There is some work left to do there. The planning for the wiring harnesses for all of the avionics continues. Thanks Larry for the extra effort today. This restoration will be something all of us can be proud of and can feel the great satisfaction of returning 679 to flight. OOOOOOhRah! The other JR

Thanks Ray

[A26 Special K]

Is the bomb bay jettison switch still in the aft compartment as well?

While I have been gone to Canada for a few days, the real JR got this shot of the switch you asked about, Randy. Guess this answers the question. Still there!! Lucky us. We will have Rand work his magic on the switch and guard while preserving the placard. There are a good number of placards in the bomb bay concerning ordnance, camera mounts, fuel tanks that we will have to be very careful about painting around. So far the guys seem to have that issue figured out, but we sure miss our most excellent painter, Big Mike. He is having a good time up in Alaska sounds like. Should we check back with him, oh say long about November or December?? The other JR

[A26 Special K]

The real JR has been busy working out a design with an artist from Greece for our new A-26 T shirts. Son, Tristan, is modeling the latest version. Looks like it will be a hit especially with the kids since it seems to go along with the new Disney movie about "Planes". But the guys on the restoration team all wanted one when JR unveiled it last Saturday. The front side will have a pocket with B-26K and Special Kay on it. We expect to take some to sell at Topeka Aug 1-4. We are also announcing on www.Barnstormers.com and our website, http://www.gga1.org, that we are holding an A-26 ground school on Oct 19 at the hangar in Ft Worth. Ck it out. It is a fun and informative way to learn about warbirds in general and the A26 in particular. We have had a very good run of B25 and DC3 classes so we are pleased to add the A-26 to the line up. Come see us! The other JR

[A26 Special K]

Here is another shot of the new T shirt logo. This is on the back of the shirt. Special Kay and B-26K are on the front. When they are delivered, we will put up a notice and let you know how to order. Thanks, JR

[A26 Special K]

This tool was found inside K after the Macon accident in the 70's by Rob S. during the rebuild to ferry it to Billings, MT. Maybe it was left by some OnMark guy during the 1965 rebuild or perhaps a mechanic from the State of Georgia Forestry Service that owned the plane at the time. It is just amazing what can be found leftover whether it might be tools or penciled instructions/signatures. All cool. Good ad for Snap-On Tools, eh? JR

[stuessy]

Turn it over and look at the back.... it says " 609 Maintenance Division "

[A26 Special K]

Turn it over and look at the back.... it says " 609 Maintenance Division "

You mean like this? Thanks Rob! Appreciate your input! So hey Randy... Bob... or any of you guys who "loaded" the airplane for bear back in the day, would this have been a type of tool you might have used? If so, was there anything specific that it did? Curious in the Republic... JR

[A26 Special K]

As I was researching A-26's, ran across the 13th Bomb Squadron's website. Wow, what a good source: http://www.13thbombsquadron.org/B26invader1.html
This outfit was in Korea doing essentially what the A-26's did in VN.... night interdiction of supply convoys. The picture above captured my attention because of the name. I am wondering if it is the same Curto who was the commander when the A-26A's came to NKP during the unpleasantness in SEA. Did Captain Curto become Colonel Curto in the pictures greeting Capt Joe Maynard and crew when they arrived there? Randy? Bueller? Anyone?? Anyone? JR

[NImrodA26]

Yessirr, it is indeed the same Curto, if the first name was Dominico. Sure looks like him as I remember him. Just a little older at NKP. As I understand it, he was a "Loco Ace" (locomotive) during Korea. I also have an old Air Classics here somewhere with his picture in front of a 26 in Korea.