B-25 & B-26 in Brazil

[Gregory]

I staged through Natal, Brazil, last week. BANT, the military side of the local international airport, has a B-25 and B-26/A-26 parked near the VIP terminal.

The Brazilian officers would have been happy to let me photograph both aircraft, but unfortunately the time allotted for the purpose was swallowed up trying to sort out problems arising from my US passport.

I thus discovered that W managed to alienate the Brazilians, which to my Latin roots are among the world's nicest and friendliest people. 'Nuff politics for an election year, but perhaps someone would be happy to know that the two old bombers are still there, in as good a shape as I could see from about 30 metres away.

Gregory

[T J Johansen]

Hi Gregory,

Kind of interested in that A-26. Can you tell me if it was natural metal finished, or if it had the emerald green top?

T J Johansen
Oslo, NORWAY

[Gregory]

TJ

The Mitchell was certainly silver overall.
If I close my eyes, I think I see the Invader in camo, which might be a mistake for the emerald green top. Bear in mind that from the ramp I saw mostly fins and rudders.

Gregory

[a26invader]

Gregory,according to my notes there should be a B-25 present at Natal (FAB 5133), but the Invader surprises me.

Kind regards

Nicolai

[Gregory]

Nicolai

Thank you for identifying the Mitchell as FAB 5133.

As to the Invader, I am sorry that I did not have the opportunity to snap a couple of pictures, and I may forget whether the bomber was silver or emerald, but I do remember two very different tails.

I also remember describing both aircraft to a fellow traveller, eliciting the response "Ah, you must be one of those guys that really like aircraft, huh?".

The way he said it, it sounded just one step away from insanity ... If he only knew I hang out on the WIX!

Gregory

[T J Johansen]

Perhaps this could be that elusive ex-LeTourneau A-26 that were used as a VIP hack (FAB 5176). This one was reported to be in a museum in Sao Paulo, but then it kinda disappeared. Any "Boys from Brazil" here who can check it out
T J Johansen

[a26invader]

On the Yahoo A-26 newslist the following update popped up:

Natal update
33874 ex USN BuNo 67838. To RCAF as 11068, then to Brazil as FAB 6523. Discharged 1968.
33882 ex USN BuNo 67846. TO RCAF as 11072, then to Brazil as FAB 6526. Discharged 1982


So, there should be two Invaders at Natal?

/Nicolai

[davem]

Something fishy about the RCAF info.

RCAF did not operate any A-26 Invaders.

I am away from my office, but recall 11068 and 11072 as being part of a series of wartime Consolidated Canso / Catalina RCAF serials.

Dave