Kinner

The tail wheel assy was nearly consumed in the Lake Michigan toxic mud sothere was nothingleft to restore. The museum was able to come up with another tail wheel assy from a later model TBF. Interesting to discover that the wheel installed in the pictures would not retract up unless the fuse was cut away more. This particular TBF had the tail hook attached inside the fuse as later models the hook was mounted outside (TBM-3C). As well, it had the dorsal window for the bomb aimer to ply a smaller machine gun.

Ray W.

Kinner

Some good pictures of what went here but I'll post later.

Research of my data shows a TBM-1. Interesting to note some differences from the main fleet airplanes. This was a trainer on a lake Michigan aircraft carrier named "Wolvereen". A modified side wheeler.

http://www.nieworld.com/special/flor...awaytimes7.htm

http://www.time.com/time/video/playe...915688,00.html

Ray W.

butlern

My Feedback: (15)

Great pictures and stories, Ray!

Thanks for sharing!

Best,

Noah

Kinner

The turrent was removed earlier and isn't in the best of shape but it still has it's parts. The .50 Cal is removed and I don't know if it had one when it went in. Intersting to note, Peter had a good source for his outstanding turret build. The plexi is broke in some places and no one knows how it happened.

The curator who showed us around noted that much of the wing damage not associated with the impact was from the raising and traveling crews.

The two electric motors for azmuth and elevation canbe seen with lots of corrosion. Control stick still evident and the trigger is still red.

Seat looks just uncomfortable but remember, a seat pan with chute was the main seat.

First view is from the back. Gunners amor can be seen and a peek at some forward armor.

If you have Windows Media Player, you can transfer these pix over and then zoom in to some nice details.



Ray W.

Kinner

Striking was the discovery of a Transmitter control box and a Morse Code Keyer just to the right of the gunners elbow. Good shot of the turretcontrol stick.

Ray W.

Kinner

The two bars are what the .50 cal was mounted on. I'll read the datat plate: U.S. NAVY BUR of ORD. .50 Cal AircraftMachine Gun Adapter.

The model, S/N and the like are stamped and legible. It was made by "Bell Aircraft Corp. - Ordinance Div. - Buffalo, N.Y.

When the gun was removed is unknown. I'd guess it was not part of the aircraft as it could be used elsewhere during training and not subject to loss by a ditching.

Upon looking at all my pictorals, I've seen some differences from the official literature. Noted was the morse keyer in the radio compartment where the relief tube normally was. Hmm...

Tunnel on the right from the radio compartment is access to the second seat under the greenhouse. When I was very young, I had a tuff time sliding through and had to do it on my side.


Wish I had more time.

Tempest-RCU

My Feedback: (98)

I have a question for the Avenger collective. I have been collecting the parts for Charlie's design for a while now and currently have everything required except for an engine. It was originally my intent to install a ZDZ 90, however I noticed mention in this thread of using a Saito 450R radial. While I have the Saito, I had originally discounted it as not being powerful enough. The ZDZ is certainly a beast with its ability to spin a 28-12 at 6,400 rpm and has more than enough power for this airframe. The Saito however can spin a 22-12 at 7,000 rpm. My sense is that the Saito is just not strong enough for an approximately 38 pound airframe, but I thought I would ask for some opinions since the Saito has appeared in this thread.

By the way, you guys are doing some beautiful work on this beast. I have a couple of projects to finish up first, but I am hoping to get the Avenger on my workbench soon.

Thanks!

Paul

peter w h

38LBS!!! I have to go on a diet. Good luck keeping it that lite, once you start adding all the bells and whistles and you will, that's the allure of this model, you'll want/need the comfort of having that extra power to get out of trouble if needed. I think you are answering your own question; follow your senses.Still building like MAD.Peter H.

Tempest-RCU

My Feedback: (98)

Thanks Peter. That's what I thought, but I guess I was looking for confirmation before I acquired the ZDZ. Plus I just love the sound of a radial... Yeah I know, buy the Moki. :-)

By the way, your Avenger is stunning and a real inspiration.

Paul

Kinner

Swinging a 24-10, manufacture lists 40 pounds of static thrust. No mention of HP. I figure , I'll build lite and she'll perform well and realisticaly with the 450 3Cyl.

More pix of the restoration TBF in Deland. Noticed right off when I looked over the stacked up wings that the slot fwd or the ailerons had a flap that was piano hinged and was nearly closed. Not sure what to make of that. Perhaps for training or simulating the performance of most carrier borne aircraft, I just don't know.

Note too, the number 20 in small size on the wing. Orientation would be legible when the wings are folded.

Seems RCU isn't taking photos at the moment....

... nor today March 2.

I get error message that says my files can't find a place to reside.

Ray W.

Kinner

any better today?

Nope, still no joy on hanging some pictures. I give.

Ray W.

redtail

My Feedback: (15)

Great photos on the turrent. Will be useful in the future for me. Chic

Kinner

Good, I always hope someone can use pictures. I've sure stolen goodies from other's efforts.

I wish I could get the photos of the slot panel I was refering to. As if it were ground adjustable to effect airflow over the ailerons at low speed. It looks nothing like the photos of other TBF or 3 views.

I've decided to just paint the slots on my TBF (when I can start). Lots of work to make them look convincing for little to no advantage in the smaller scale model arena. Reynolds effect I think.

Perusing the other threads, I'm not the only one who is not able to put up pix. I've never had as much issues with any site like RCU. I suppose I'll accept those problems with a free site.

Ray W.

Kinner

Maybe today?

Nope.

Ta Da!!!

Ray W.

Kinner

I guess they popped the little hampster up side it's head and got it back to work:

Note the faint number 20 on the wing and the top of the National Star Insignia that is early in WWII and projects into the aileron slot.

Good view of the aileron hinges as well.

Just inbd of the missing sheet metal wingtime , one can see the remnants of the upper formation lite.




Ray W.

WARBIRDRCER

My Feedback: (22)

"I wish I could get the photos of the slot panel I was refering to"

Hello TBM guys.

I have a friend here in OKC that is restoring an Avenger. I am scheduled to visit him at his hanger soon when he returns. He is a UPS pilot and is also currently working with an A-26 group getting them checked out to fly the plane, so his schedule is busy. However I know one guy who works on the plane with him, so I will see when I can get access.

Just provide me with a list of what you are looking for and I will do the rest.

[email protected]

Hey guys, I haven't researched this so I could be wrong , but I suspect the slots ahead of the ailerons were to maintain control when flared for either landing or on a torpedo launch run. BTW, my dad said the when he joined the Saratoga CV3, as and 18 YO, the first TBF they launched went in the drink and he wondered what he had gotten himself into. They were in the New Hebrides. He also said getting in and out of the turret was not a quick and easy.

Kinner

Yes, the slots aided airflow over the ailerons at low speed and high angles of attack.  At least , that is my take on it. 

On the old bird I crewed in the AF, we had 'slotted fowler flaps'.  Slots at the LE of the flap directed air down the back side of the flap and kept the air sticky enough to do more than just turbulate.

Ray W

redtail

My Feedback: (15)

Wing Slots:

redtail

My Feedback: (15)

Charlies Wing:

Kinner

Well, that top view of the slot doesn't appear different to the one I found in Deland.  Doesn't show any inner structure but what the hey.

Since I saw the piano hinge attachment I often wondered why the hinging.

Thanks for the pix Redtail.

Ray W.

peter w h

Cool pictures Ray.Latest pics.Peter

Kinner

Nice work indeed.  Must be the inspiration from the Canadian Beer.

Ray W

lkahn4

Peter,
All I can say is, I'm looking for the lighter fluid and a match... Awesome, manifique.... if you don't win Toledo and Top Gun in FL ppl should have their heads examined.

I'm so jealous of your craftsmanship.

Larry

glazier808

My Feedback: (1)

Simply amazing!

Casey