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

[A26 Special K]

Who sez we don't have fun? Big Ed and Jim worked on the QEC prep while Clay and Denis did some sheetmetal work on the ring and the cowl flaps. Ray pounded on the nacelle to try and get it finished up for the engine mounting. JR had his hands full with the prep of the engine mounts on Mona. Larry continued the installation of the new 406 ELT so that it will get the lat/long from the GPS source plus have a on/off/test switch that will be mounted on the pilot's side subpanel. This leaves him one circuit breaker unused on the CB panel. So we need to come up with another piece of equipment for him to think about! BTW, Kay is going to be fully ADS-B compliant right out of the hangar thanks to our avionics guys' diligence. Arnold, Rand and Alex worked on the installation of the ignition leads and coils on the left engine. David B and John filled in several places where needed. We had a great turnout yesterday with several old hands returning to help. Lots of detail work got done, but a lot more to go. We still have to fabricate the engine fire extinguishing system plumbing and research the autofeather system on the props some more, but the major airframe components are all in place. Sure could use some wiring diagrams for the autofeather system if anybody has them. Stay tuned for more. The Other JR

[A26 Special K]

Previously, we mentioned that JR was working the engine mounts. These are critical items in that the alignment to the QEC has to be perfect for these two things to mate up properly. He is toying with the idea that we might be ready to hang the engine on the QEC this coming Saturday and IF all goes well, mate the QEC to the nacelle. This would be a super big milestone for us. Will keep everybody posted on how it goes, of course. The Other JR

[A26 Special K]

We were proud to have Clay and Denis back to help with some repairs and metal work on the cowl flaps and other parts. They were some of the early members of the team. Both are full time mechanics and doing well. Denis is the crew chief on the GGA DC-3. This coming Saturday, Valentine's Day, the DC-3 will be offering rides and pilot experiences at separate times of the day. Check out the GGA FB page for more information. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Greatest ... 1821796002
Meanwhile, preparation continues on getting the engine ready to hang on the right nacelle. What a day that will be. It is the last BIG piece of the puzzle along with the prop. Then all we lack is finishing up. BTW, on the GGA FB page, there is info on two ground schools coming up for those interested. Feb 21 and March 1 for the DC-3 and A-26 respectively. Sign up with Dana and learn all about these warbirds. See you there. JR

[A26 Special K]

Larry and JR worked on the wiring for the ELT and the CB connection. The wires across the throttle quadrant run from the 406 ELT to the GPS receiver so it can get the position for reporting purposes if needed. Larry and Ray installed a switch for this new style ELT. Looks like it should have been there the whole time. Great restoration taking place of the instrument panel. The CB panel is about filled so we may have to slow down adding new equipment... not. There are a couple of things left that would be great for modern day navigation. More about those later. Another great Saturday in store for tomorrow. Be a great day to give your Valentines a visit to the museum! The Other JR

[A26 Special K]

It's a beautiful thang! Our new engine is all mated up the to QEC and ready to hang next week on the nacelle. The guys went all out to get it ready and Ichibod delivered the goods. We are getting close to having a complete airframe again! Hoowwwwlaluuuya! Amen! Should be a good show so please feel free to drop by and see the action next Saturday at the VFM Hangar.

Here's to the team for today's work! JR

[A26 Special K]

Mona's backside is nice. Made more so by Big Ed and Alex as they work to tighten up the mounting bolts and finish up the other engine accessories. JR reports that the engine should be ready to hang next Saturday if all goes well. With the B-29 in the front of the hangar now, we have room to get Ichabod around with the engine to the nacelle. This will be a super Saturday event to watch. There are a number of other projects under way to finish up the nacelle on top, but these will not prevent the installation. Lou and Miguel have some sheet metal repairs going on the top vent lines cover. After we hang the prop on the engine, this will leave the engine fire extinguishing system to install. We have most of the major components but have some plumbing to fabricate. The airframe will then have all of the major components and the nitty gritty detail work to finish her up will continue. Anxious in the Republic, the Other JR

[A26 Special K]

Meanwhile, work continues on "Lisa" to finish up the ignition system. Rand, David B and Arnold have been hitting this hard the past couple of weeks. We received new Y leads and some new high tension leads from Precision Engines this week so those were all the parts we lacked to finish it up. Lisa should be ready to run. As soon as "Mona" catches up, we just have all those details to complete mentioned earlier, then Kay can be towed outside of the hangar and leak tested before engine runs. Hmmm, seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. JR

Stay tuned

[A26 Special K]

What's a sure sign that a round motor is ready to go? Miss Mona is marking her territory already! The B-29 left today for the west coast tour so all is ripe for an engine hangin' this weekend. Temps forecast near 78, but a little windy and maybe a spotty shower or two. Looking good for this big milestone. Wouldn't you know, I have to miss it?? But maybe some of the guys will get some good pics or video. Sleepless in the Republic, JR

[StangStung]

Hey Special K team, just wanted to say it's looking great! I was through there this past Sunday after I was able to convince the family to do an impromptu drop in around 4:00pm. I managed to drop my two year old in the T-37 sim, which kept him very entertained, while I had a look. Keep it up! Love watching progress here on the Wix when I can't get by in person!

[A26 Special K]

StangStung, thanks for dropping by and having a look. By 4 pm most of our team is gone so sorry you didn't get to see them in action. Come back again though a little earlier if possible. JR tells me there are some glitches to hanging Mona on the wing this coming Saturday. Maybe the following Saturday, the 28th, and I will get to see it. Happy in the Republic, The Other JR

[A26 Special K]

Greetings from Midland in the Republic. Had a good visit with Tim Black, A26 pilot during the unpleasantness over Laos in the last group of Nimrods to see combat. Sorta made tentative plans to invite the guys when we are ready to start engines on K. Of course, we will invite this special group to the first official flight as well. Sure was good to visit with Tim. Stay tuned as I expect some pics & a report from JR on progress tomorrow. Cheers! The Other JR

[A26 Special K]

Received intel report this afternoon that the new engine & prop were hung on the wing today. This is like being an expectant father & baby being delivered while gone out of town. Can't wait to get home for a first look!! Pictures will be posted soon! Check back tomorrow night. Big bunch of kudoes to the team!! Cheers, JR

[A26 Special K]

JR sent me this shot of the beginning of the delivery. It took about 4 hours of rasslin' with the alignment of the engine mount bolts to get them lined up on the top four and then the sling had to be adjusted to allow the other bolts to go thru. Big Ed is driving Ichabod Crane to deliver the goods. David A, Too Tall Tim, Larry and Stan rounded out the doctor's helpers. Everybody is very pleased with the newborn.... especially your's truly. Couldn't be prouder of the guys for getting this done. It is a super big milestone since now we can say the airframe is whole again. There are a lot of little details and systems checks to be done, but like the guys say, " All we lack is finishing up!" The Other JR

[A26 Special K]

More of the unveiling of our newly overhauled engine, "Mona". The QEC mating to the nacelle took more time than expected. The alignment of the bolt holes is critical. The top four bolts went in ok but the last one at the bottom just refused to cooperate. After it was given a stern talking to by JR, it finally agreed to join the rest. The Other JR

[A26 Special K]

Wouldn't you know it, got the prop all ready to install and then found a glitch. Back to the hangar, Orville. Will get it straightened out hopefully by next weekend if the weather lets up a bit. We have been nearly shutdown for two days due to the ice storm which coated all the roads. There is a warm up on the way by Sunday, but Saturday will be in the 40's still. Not a particularly good day to be in the hangar. The team usually will gut it out though and show up, well, except maybe for Inu our floor mgr. Last time it got cold, he opted to stay in bed with the covers over his head. We shall see what he does this time. Stay tuned! JR