April 26, 2012
The restoration of the “Wildwood” Mace, by the team at the Indiana Military Museum (www.indianamilitarymuseum.org/) in Vincennes, IN continues. Here’s the latest update. (Note: During the restoration, the missile has gained a new nickname – “Miss L”).
From: Jerry Brenner
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2012
To: Frank Roales; Max Butler; Russ Reston
Subject: Mace missile restoration update, 260412
Russ,
Here is a little update on the Mace restoration. Please forward to the membership.
Since the weather is turning a little nicer, we have been able to get a few things done. The three pedestals are set in the ground, thanks to a lot of help and worrying by Frank as they dug the holes and put the uprights in the ground. We have acquired the top bracket that will hold the missile on top of the pedestals (bracket made by J&J Welding, Mt Vernon, IN). I took it up there today, Thursday and with some help, we were able to make sure that it did fit and it does. We painted it and Frank had a plate made for the exhaust which will replicate the tail exhaust and the red covering over the opening and it too was primed. Since the main fuselage is still inside, we painted all the seams so that they would be well coated when we took it outside and put the final coats of paint on it. We also fitted some cardboard in the intake so a plate could be made to cover the opening. After the pad outside our work area is concreted, we will be modifying the original transportation cradles and put the missile on them and add the tail section and start the final painting and then the fun part of adding the stencils and decals begins.
Jerry Brenner – USAF veteran, 1966-1970
Nuclear Weapons Specialist – MOS 46350
Rocket Jockey
