Warbird Information Exchange

Ran across this picture and I'm still trying to figure out what is so different about it. Can't quite put my finger on it. JR

JR has a new whazit? We are looking at part of the QEC ring, but what is this gizmo hanging from its cannon plug and safety wired temporarily to the QEC? The Other JR

Tach generator.

Two or three pole?

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Lest Hero-worship raise it's head and cloud our vision, remember that World War II was fought and won by the same sort of twenty-something punks we wouldn't let our daughters date.

That's a Garrett Airesearch test bed A/B-26 (as they called it). More at:
http://napoleon130.tripod.com/id617.html

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Bob

Shrike, wow, that was quick. Thought I might have an angle on it that would not give it away. Yep, it is a tach generator for the right engine. We hope it will still talk to the tach on the instrument panel. Once Stan gets a look at it, we will know more about it. As for two or three pole?? Gee, I dunno. Usually, we don't frequent places with more than two poles. Three is too high class for us Texas boys. Ober, you ever been to one with more than two?? I'll have to defer to the Real JR for a ruling on that question. The Other JR

two pole

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The real JR

If it won't talk, I've got one sitting on my desk right here that has been checked for function.
I could always use another t-shirt.......

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Lest Hero-worship raise it's head and cloud our vision, remember that World War II was fought and won by the same sort of twenty-something punks we wouldn't let our daughters date.

That would be outstanding!! Will keep this in mind. See? The Real JR confirmed my suspicions, two poles!! That's just the way it is in the Republic. The Other JR

Hi Bob, how are things out in your neck of the woods? Thanks for the link. I had missed that particular part of that website. There are some interesting airplanes in the testbed mode. We have seen the jet engine in the tail before, but not any of the others. A 415 mph A26 sounds impressive for a little while. I would sure like to know what the engineers said about the long term effects on the airframe though. Wonder if it would hold together in a 6 or 7 g turn at Reno?? Maybe we should modify Buba and give it a try? What do you think? Only takes money, right? JR

This gap in the right wing will be filled soon. JR got word that the oil cooler overhaul went very well and it will be headed back from California shortly. It was last overhauled in 1965 so we expected there would be problems, but it turned out to be in much better condition than the other side. The left side cost almost three times as much as the the right side. So we are doing the happy dance once again. Never did I think I would say that but when talking about hundreds instead of thousands of dollars.....well, you understand. The Other JR

Ahhhh, how do you spell relief? Cold front coming last night that should lower our temps and make working in the hangar on Saturday very pleasant for a change. Even got a rain shower this morning. The line of thunderstorms extended from southwest of DFW all the way up to the Great Lakes. My old friends in Montana got temps in the 30's and snow yesterday. Can't say I miss that part of Montana. Anyway, since it should be so nice Saturday, feel free to drop by and say howdy to our A26 team. The DC3 may be flying so there may be some good noise. The CAF guys will be working on Buba as well. Lots to see and do at VFM. See you there! Cheers, JR

The latest addition to the Air Force of the Republic is on her way home this morning. As announced earlier, Mid-America Air Museum has acquired Jack Basler's restored A26 in California. Scott and Norm went to pick it up. We will be anxious to see the airplane!! Congrats to these guys for joining the A26 club.
JR

On this anniversary of 911, we want to recognize and thank those brave men and women of our military and first responders who are doing their best to keep us safe from the likes of those people who just don't want to play nice in the sandbox. Buba, the CAF A26 in our hangar has the paint job of one of those, a Korean War Congressional Medal of Honor winner, Captain John Walmsley, Jr., who gave his all.
His citation reads:..."Capt. Walmsley, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While flying a B-26 aircraft on a night combat mission with the objective of developing new tactics, Capt. Walmsley sighted an enemy supply train which had been assigned top priority as a target of opportunity. He immediately attacked, producing a strike which disabled the train, and, when his ammunition was expended, radioed for friendly aircraft in the area to complete destruction of the target. Employing the searchlight mounted on his aircraft, he guided another B-26 aircraft to the target area, meanwhile constantly exposing himself to enemy fire. Directing an incoming B-26 pilot, he twice boldly aligned himself with the target, his searchlight illuminating the area, in a determined effort to give the attacking aircraft full visibility. As the friendly aircraft prepared for the attack, Capt. Walmsley descended into the valley in a low level run over the target with searchlight blazing, selflessly exposing himself to vicious enemy antiaircraft fire. In his determination to inflict maximum damage on the enemy, he refused to employ evasive tactics and valiantly pressed forward straight through an intense barrage, thus insuring complete destruction of the enemy's vitally needed war cargo. While he courageously pressed his attack Capt. Walmsley's plane was hit and crashed into the surrounding mountains, exploding upon impact. His heroic initiative and daring aggressiveness in completing this important mission in the face of overwhelming opposition and at the risk of his life, reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force."
A month after Walmsley's heroic act, the searchlights were abandoned as too fragile and unreliable for bomber operations, offering a risk out of proportion to their usefulness.
How tragic would it be for us to just forget the sacrifices? JR

As I read this incredible story of a Korean War hero, I am trying to digest a disturbing rumor attributed to CAF HQ that they are going to have all CAF aircraft revert back to WWII paint and markings even if Korea(like Buba) or Viet Nam might be more appropriate. Furthermore, no Viet Nam era aircraft are being invited to the Midland Airsho this year, if I understand correctly, except for Randy Ball in the MiG17 who will do a solo demonstration, but not engage in any re-enactments or dogfights. He does a terrific show in it and his act puts one back to those days of Viet Nam and the struggle between the Migs vrs F-4's, F-105's, B-52's and all the other aircraft involved in SEA . But the CAF should take it one step farther in my opinion. The Viet Nam era flights and re-enactments are becoming very popular at airshows now. Seems to me to be very shortsighted to shoot off that foot when the organization is struggling to stay relevant to the public. Reverting to the good ol' days won't work anymore. Compare the number of bookings for the Tora Tora group this year as compared to just a few years ago. Other acts, ditto. If someone who has the big picture could just share it with us, it would sure be appreciated cause I just don't get it. Puzzled in the Republic, JR

This just in from CNN, a small correction to the previous story of the night. Apparently, only those CAF aircraft moving to Dallas Executive Airport, nee Redbird Airport, will be required to have WWII paint and markings. Well, that changes things a bit, but why even bother with it? Still doesn't change the question. Why not honor Korea and Viet Nam vets with the appropriate aircraft? Why only WWII? I am still puzzled in the Republic. JR