Look what I Got B-26
10-27-2009, 07:17 PM
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Look what I Got B-26
A couple of weeks ago, an elderly gentleman and his daughter came out to our field and asked who would like an airplane to fix up and maybe get flying. He said that he built it back in he 70's but never flew it. It was scratch built or built from plans, but I'm not sure which. Checking it out it does not look like it's kit built. It is modeled after a B-26, that he was the bombardier on during WW2 in the Pacific. I had no idea what like of shape it was in and this is what I got. It needs some work, I'm hoping to make it very presentable and hope to fly it some day. It is full of interesting things. The nose gear is steerable and rotates when it retracts, the main gear are mechanical and uses air cylinders for actuation.
And all the gear doors work, well sort of because all the actuation gear is broken/became unglued or pieces broken. I guess it's been moved several times. I am looking forward to the challenge to get it back in shape. The wing span is 53" and length is 44", it had a single OS .30 with an exhaust baffle, the other engine was missing. The fuel tanks seem to be homemade, they are metal and fit right behind the firewall in a very confined space. Check out the pictures below.
And all the gear doors work, well sort of because all the actuation gear is broken/became unglued or pieces broken. I guess it's been moved several times. I am looking forward to the challenge to get it back in shape. The wing span is 53" and length is 44", it had a single OS .30 with an exhaust baffle, the other engine was missing. The fuel tanks seem to be homemade, they are metal and fit right behind the firewall in a very confined space. Check out the pictures below.
10-29-2009, 09:53 AM
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RE: Look what I Got B-26
I think I'll be going with a couple of OS .25's I have had good luck with them and several guys at the field are flying Twin-Stars with those engines and doing well. I think if you are careful and tune the engine properly you will be OK.
10-29-2009, 04:00 PM
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RE: Look what I Got B-26
Some pics of some of the work done. Elevators were disconnected, opened rear, fixed pushrod, patched openings and covered with Monokote.
Ran new air lines to retracts and installed elevator and rudder/nose steering servos. It' getting crowded in that bomb bay. Don't know yet where I'll place the air tank, retract valve and servo.
Ran new air lines to retracts and installed elevator and rudder/nose steering servos. It' getting crowded in that bomb bay. Don't know yet where I'll place the air tank, retract valve and servo.
10-29-2009, 10:45 PM
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RE: Look what I Got B-26
Yes, I was planning on using a smaller Spring-Air tank but I'll need a Robart retract valve as they are air up & down. One reason I like Spring Air is one less air line and lighter components. I just replaced Robarts retracts in a FW190 I have with Spring Air and I was having problems with the Robarts to boot.
