Construction progress on “Blue II”

July 2008 report

This report is out a little early because I will be leaving for Oshkosh on the 26^th,

 and I would like to get this out before I leave.

Planning for Thunderstorm 2008 is under way and will be held as usual during the Reno Air Races on September 10^th through the 14^th.  As in the past, everyone with even a remote interest in, or connection with, a Thunder Mustang is cordially invited, and all TM owners are encouraged to bring their aircraft.  We will take care of all TMs attending.  The format and menu will be similar to previous years.

Our collective jobs during the event will be to support the TBG standard bearer, George Giboney with “Rapid Travel,” to insure their win of main event.  Crew member Wayne Richards has taken over ordering all of the merchandise for the Blue Thunder II team and the TBG. He has selected some killer crew shirts and related apparel for us.

As to the construction progress on “Blue II”, we have closed out the fuselage as I mentioned last month, and the baggage door has been installed.  I had to include this picture to show how we were able to get the exact same radius in the corners of the baggage door as Papa-51 did.  Freshly ground, perfectly round.

We have been doing a lot of work on the engine installation for Fred Roscher’s TM which has the same updated oil pan and oil pump configuration as the future “Blue II” engine compartment will have.  This picture shows the new pressure oil pump and GAMI alternator with the oil supply manifold.  The manifold receives oil from the pressure regulator return, prop governor return, and the oil tank.

This photo shows the oil filter and distribution manifold.  Oil coming out of the cooler enters the manifold and is filtered by the Tempest filters, then distributed to the engine, PSRU and the prop governor.  I will hope everyone attending Thunderstorm 2008 will thank John Herman for his support of Blue Thunder II and buy his filters from your local filter supplier.

The Dailey Engineering scavenge pump is a seven segment unit evacuating each Falconer V-12 cylinder pair and the PSRU.  There are two –16 lines returning all the oil, air and whatever back to the oil tank.

The cooling air exit ducts for the water and oil radiators have been trimmed and installed with the doors requiring a little more trimming and adjustment. 

We have been using the Click Bond fasteners, nut plates, stand offs and studs for some time now.  I can not describe how much time these products save.

The wing is ready for closing but will have to wait until the manpower can be scheduled after my return from Oshkosh.

Next month we should be able to provide more detail about the wing close out, cooler door modifications and function and show you the new “drive by wire” prop governor.

Once again, Jan and I, with the entire Blue Crew, wish to thank everyone for their continued support.  We hope to be seeing everyone in September.

Blue Thunder Air Racing