Avenger & surplus

Air Classics, Feb 2003

Richard D. Santora recently sent in a photograph of Jack Kosko's TBM restoration. "The TBM has progressed nicely since our starting on the restoration in 1996," says Richard "and it should be flying sometime in 2003. The turret was courtesy of Gene and Russ Strive (Mid Atlantic Air Museum). They dug into their storage buildings and came up with two (well-worn) turrets. We used the best parts of both to make one mechanically operable. Several components needed to be rebuilt.

"Frank A. Damey, Jr. is one of our nearly dozen volunteers working on the TBM. Shortly after Frank was discharged from the USAAF in 1946, he inquired about the availability of an A-- 26 aircraft. The WAA sent him a reply that the A-26 was not available for surplus but sent a list of what was available for sale. Considering the rarity of all the listed aircraft, there apparently weren't many takers. What they cost now made them a bargain in 1946 but unfortunately most were scrapped. We thought Air Classics readers would enjoy seeing the list."