Project Warbird

Work continues on Diamond Lil in preparation for her joining the 2026 tour this summer. One of the big items was getting the fuel tanks resealed. You saw some of the prep work on a video a couple of weeks ago, but now the right fuel tank is 99% complete. Compare that prep video to the sealed tank in the photo. You can imagine how much work that was!

The B-24 Liberator used what were essentially integral fuel tanks built into the wing structure, commonly referred to as "wet wings." Unlike many later aircraft that relied heavily on removable rubberized self-sealing fuel cells or bladder tanks, much of the B-24's fuel was carried directly within sealed compartments formed by the wing structure itself.

This design was possible because of the Liberator's distinctive high-aspect-ratio Davis wing, which was thick enough to accommodate large fuel tanks within the wing. The arrangement provided excellent fuel capacity and contributed to the B-24's long range.

Importantly, early B-24As (and remember, Lil was 25th off the line) used integral wing tanks that were not self-sealing, making them vulnerable to battle damage. Combat experience led to the addition of self-sealing protection in many operational Liberators, particularly those intended for combat theaters. This protection typically consisted of laminated rubber walls, with vulcanized and raw rubber layers, that sealed bullet holes by swelling when fuel contacted the raw rubber layer.

Made a mistake tracking down gauges for Liberator II “Maid of Athens.“ Accidentally purchased the wrong variant of dual oil pressure gauge.

The type we need have numbered needles and notations for every 20 between 0-200.

Does anyone have a proper dual oil pressure they’d be willing to trade? Or some other appropriate piece for Liberator II “Maid of Athens”?

Pics attached showing the gauge we ordered (in my hand) and an example of a properly marked pressure gauge for our project.

Update from the hangar. I have finished the ailerons, elevators, and horizontal stabs for the 1946 Aeronca Champ.

We have made a lot of progress on the new building. Everything that needed stripped out is gone and the entire inside has been pressure washed. I want to Thank Mike Clary, and Hunter Houston for all your help in getting this done. The next step is building, painting and making it the way we need it.

A new update from Hangar Thirteen!

Update 2026-4-21 - Hangar Thirteen Lucky Thirteen‘s top turret dome is held in place against the mold for the cockpit canopy. This mold will be used to press the curves here into the aircraft aluminum. Photo taken 7 April 2026. The inside of the cockpit canopy mold. The layout of the forward, side, and upper window can be seen here...

Update from the hangar and new building. The 1941 Piper J5 is now on it's landing gear. The 1946 Aeronca Champ ailerons, elevators, and horizontals are now finished through silver and ready for color coats.
The new building is now fully cleared out. I want to thank Michael Clary of The Southern FAC museum for helping me tear down the old office and store room. The next step is pressure washing the inside.