Great news on the rear gunner's turret - it is mostly intact, including the electric drives. The one thing missing is the trigger grip from the gunner's aiming / control box. We have found a replacement (pictured).
Also, TBM Avengers were a single position pilot controlled platform. The position behind the pilot was originally for radio equipment. But in later models, many were manufactured (or converted) to house an autopilot. The old autopilots were connected directly to the main aileron and elevator flight control action shafts and cables via the same means: an actual yoke stick. In our Avenger, we have a middle seat and the lower yoke element is still there. However the yoke stick has been sawed off. We have a replacement for this too, and plan to install it so that the ship can be partially dual controlled (no rudder pedals for now for middle seat position though).
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