A field full of Avengers at Reeder Flying Service in Twin Falls, Idaho. Reeder operated the TBMs as large acreage sprayers and fire-
bombers but as the type was phased out of fire-bombing, there was less work for the Avenger and many were just simply parked —
often at remote airfields. Reeder operated a large number of TBMs and also kept a substantial inventory of spares, fortunately rarely
disposing of the ex-military items like bomb bay doors or turrets. Pacific Fighters was able to acquire a considerable portion of this
inventory, which has aided in numerous restorations over the years. Center aircraft is TBM-3E BuNo 91714/N9429Z and, as can be seen,
it is fitted for both spraying and fire-bombing. In 2013, the Avenger was purchased by a collector in Missouri but the registration was
cancelled in March 2018.One of the most popular airshow performers during the 1950s and 1960s was Bill Adams. He had a highly-modified Boeing Stearman Model
75 registered N53234 that was fitted with a 450-hp P&W radial. The aircraft had been previously operated by Marion Cole for his aerobatic
act and Bill did other modifications including metalizing the fuselage. He had the engine replaced every 400-hours and on 23 July 1966 was
doing a show at Porter County Municipal Airport in Valparaiso, Indiana. The prop shaft failed and the prop hit the left wing brace, causing
the wings to fold. The aircraft plunged to the ground and Adams was killed. What was left of the plane went to the EAA and is now in the
hands of Stearman restorer Larry Johnson.
68 AIR CLASSICS/August 2022
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