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

[A26 Special K]

Ahhhhh, the next project for the cockpit crew... the compass mount. We are not certain where or when this mount was "constructed" and it certainly is well dampened, but it does not match the original in the Tech Order. Anybody got a clue as to why it was done this way? We noticed that Buba has a similar sort of arrangement although not an exact duplicate. The video and pics of K during her military days all show a very simple mount. Larry has found the appropriate mount and it is on the way. We also have a new BMEP gauge, new Fuel Flow gauge, and some other associated hardware on order. We found eight new static wicks for the ailerons and elevators so that is another square filled on the to-do list for the avionics guys. Larry put in some overtime today working on the instrument panel. Kudos go to him for going above and beyond on this project. If you aren't aware, all of our people are volunteers. That's pretty incredible considering the high caliber of talent and dedication of these guys. They are doing a magnificent job. It will be worth the wait!!! Cheers, JR

[A26 Special K]

The real JR and David A banged on this right side oil cooler for the better part of one weekend. Those last cable pulls were a bear because the cooler did not line up exactly right on the front side with the air intakes. It took a bigger hammer and maybe a rubber bygawd to coax it into place. But they hung with it. That's what I mean by dedication. The real JR is taking a little trip up to the Northwest this week so maybe he can get a look at one of our ignition harnesses we sent to Precision for overhaul. Doesn't look like our engine will be back before the VFM Hangar Dance on the night of Oct 4. Shucks! If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, be sure to visit the Vintage Flying Museum's website for a discount. The GGA DC-3 will offer rides as well, weather permitting. And we will kick off our raffle for an aviation themed quilt that would make a great Xmas gift. More about that later. Can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday night than with a Big Band and airplanes!!! See ya there!! The Other JR

[Zac Yates]

It's fascinating to watch and read all these updates, not just to witness the restoration process but also the community around it. Great stuff

[therealJR]

Keeping our visitors updated is our way of sharing the passion for Kay.
Regarding the No 2 oil cooler installation, I recall from my F4-E days the maintenance / flight hour ratio was 72:1. We were elated when the A-10 came into service at 48:1.
With Kay, and I suspect most warbirds, maintenance hours wasn't a concern. Accordingly the maintenance manuals reflected it. Here's step e. "Install rubber seals to oil cooler and air ducts with cables and clamps".

[A26 Special K]

Well, I am wondering if we have any Latin scholars on board WIX??? We are looking at designing a shield and patch for Kay. Can someone please interpret this phrase, "Non mihi sed Patriae"? Hopefully I got the spelling right, but please correct if not. Many thanks! I am fluent in four languages, but this is not one of them. I speak, English, North Texan, South Texan and West Texan. Still working on East Texan, but I just can't bring myself to put a pinch between my gum and cheek so I can keep my mouth closed while talking. So help me out Latin scholars...... Speechless in the Republic, JR

[LadyO2Pilot]

Well, I am wondering if we have any Latin scholars on board WIX??? We are looking at designing a shield and patch for Kay. Can someone please interpret this phrase, "Non mihi sed Patriae"? Hopefully I got the spelling right, but please correct if not. Many thanks! I am fluent in four languages, but this is not one of them. I speak, English, North Texan, South Texan and West Texan. Still working on East Texan, but I just can't bring myself to put a pinch between my gum and cheek so I can keep my mouth closed while talking. So help me out Latin scholars...... Speechless in the Republic, JR

Non mihi se Patriae = Not me, but the Country

[A26 Special K]

Well, I am wondering if we have any Latin scholars on board WIX??? We are looking at designing a shield and patch for Kay. Can someone please interpret this phrase, "Non mihi sed Patriae"? Hopefully I got the spelling right, but please correct if not. Many thanks! I am fluent in four languages, but this is not one of them. I speak, English, North Texan, South Texan and West Texan. Still working on East Texan, but I just can't bring myself to put a pinch between my gum and cheek so I can keep my mouth closed while talking. So help me out Latin scholars...... Speechless in the Republic, JR

Non mihi se Patriae = Not me, but the Country

Well, now that was quick. What would we have to do to make it say "Not for me, but for my country"? Hmmmmm? JR

[LadyO2Pilot]

Well, I am wondering if we have any Latin scholars on board WIX??? We are looking at designing a shield and patch for Kay. Can someone please interpret this phrase, "Non mihi sed Patriae"? Hopefully I got the spelling right, but please correct if not. Many thanks! I am fluent in four languages, but this is not one of them. I speak, English, North Texan, South Texan and West Texan. Still working on East Texan, but I just can't bring myself to put a pinch between my gum and cheek so I can keep my mouth closed while talking. So help me out Latin scholars...... Speechless in the Republic, JR

Non mihi se Patriae = Not me, but the Country

Well, now that was quick. What would we have to do to make it say "Not for me, but for my country"? Hmmmmm? JR

Non mihi, sed me patria

[A26 Special K]

Gosh, I think that has a nice ring to it: "Non mihi, sed me patria" Thank you!!! Did you learn Latin in the Convent before you went over to the Dark Side and became a pilot?? Glad you did. So anyway, what do ya'll think of this motto for a shield or patch?? JR

[LadyO2Pilot]

6 years of Latin study in my youth.....remembered some of the words. Knew where to look for a little help with others.

[A26 Special K]

This was an earlier stage in the teardown of our engine. Guess I overlooked it, but I like how it shows the cylinders that are still on vrs the empty slots. Sure like to know what it looks like now, but it is one of those things where you don't want to disturb the doctor during surgery. And how bout the O2 Lady knowing Latin?? Didn't know Broomriders ... oh wait, now it comes clear, their special books are written in strange languages and it is getting closer to Halloween. I bet she is studying up for the big one. VMC is in the long range forecast for that night but might need the longhandles!!! JR

[groggie]

Wow Karen! I am very impressed! JR, are you craving flies again?

[LadyO2Pilot]

LOL, Chris.....it amazing that half the time I can't remember where my keys or cell phone are......but stuff I studied long ago.....almost comes back...and then I get with a little help from old books.

No ribetting for JR this time....he promised me a pony But he is pushing this issue asking me questions that require me to remember cases and declensions......so there is borderline desire to turn him green.

[A26 Special K]

LOL, Chris.....it amazing that half the time I can't remember where my keys or cell phone are......but stuff I studied long ago.....almost comes back...and then I get with a little help from old books.

No ribetting for JR this time....he promised me a pony But he is pushing this issue asking me questions that require me to remember cases and declensions......so there is borderline desire to turn him green.

Nott bordrrrrline... dangg haaaarrddd to teype with webbingggggg groeing btwwen my finngereres. The REal JR rrreports that Precisssiona is makinggggg good progresz onn hourrr ignitshunnn parts overallll. He gets baaack tommmoroww from Seaatle meeting.... We have lotssz of parts inboundd 4 T to recieeve from the nice UPSS and FEDXX guys.... new Fuel Flow gageeej, BMEP gajjj, two new preszure transmittters for torkk, 8 newe statik wiks, and a newe carbb airre temppp gaje. Da othurr RJJR Ribet

[A26 Special K]

Got some preliminary info from the surgeons today. Not very good news. There's been a lot of "part-ectomies" as shown by these shelves piled high with items that are bad so far. The front power case and bearing are not going to pass. Many cylinders are "big" according to the measuring stick. So we have to think about replacements. This could go to the point that it would be cheaper just to buy a ready to go engine and make a boat anchor out of this one. Just very glad we decided to have it overhauled instead of trying to run it another season. Good grief, Charlie Brown. Saddened in the Republic... JR