Stopped by Vintage Aircraft with my buddy Eric Kunkel to see progress.
Coming from Australia, we had to have the TBM recertified. This has now been accomplished. Also, the 2018 annual is complete. The guys took care to painstakingly set the timing perfect for each cylinder.
The rear machine gunner turret is now on a custom built movable “rotisserie” rack, making access to each part open to conveniently work on from any angle. Key parts are being replaced with new, which include the drive motors. Starting the build on the propane/oxygen firing system for the single .50 caliber machine gun, along with the forward firing wing guns. The middle seat now also has an integrated yoke stick control. We started setting out and assembling the transmitter and radios, along with other authentic period devices, to be installed back in the radio tunnel.
We towed the TBM to the runup ramp and started the engine. She fired right up and ran very smooth. We spread the wings, taxied about, did a run up, and on the way back to the hanger folded the wings back. Everything is working great.
Taigh let Eric sit in the B-17 ball turret and turned it on. Eric did well. He slid right in and loved it. Check out the smile on his face as I was looking in from the outside down the barrel.
Here are some videos and pics:
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