Lost Indochina PB4Y-2S Privateers

[Shay]

I was reading "Vietnam War In The Air" by Rene J Francillon. And in the book it is mentioned that 4 Privateers of Flotille 28F were lost between 1950 and 1954. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about their remains or wreckage? Also mentioned was that when the French finally pulled out another 12 of the Flotille 28F Privateers Returned to North Africa. Any clues as to the dispositions of these aircraft? Thanks

Shay

[tom d. friedman]

contact chris aka harvard iv upon his return from the region, he may have some good info. by the way..... anybody hear from him since the quake their a few days ago?? best, tom

[Shay]

Hey Rob, what's up?

Quoting from Mr Francillon the last sentence of the 1st paragraph on page 30:

"After the end of the war (1954), during which four PB4Y-2Ss had been lost, six Privateers were returned to the U.S. while 12 others were flown back to North Africa."

So all the Privateers weren't returned to the U.S.

I just check Joe Baughers website. He states the 12 the returned to North Africa fought in the Algerian War and sad were scrapped later in France in 1961.

Shay

[TimAPNY]

There are a few X-tankers out there for sale (still???).

I hope they find a nice home that will return them to the air.

Any word on how Lone Star is doing on the PB4Y-2?

[Jeff Funk]

Tim,


Since my Southeast Texas business meeting ended early yesterday (8/30), I was able get over to Lone Star. To my unqualified eyes, it looks like they have a way to go. Only two engines hung and I think they're probably works in progress. The side blister turrents are installed and will make an interesting sight when she does make the air show circuit. I'd say my observations are line with the last quarterly member update, slow but steady progress. If I had to guess, it looks like the number priority is getting the current show planes ready for the season. They were working on the P-47 and B-17. I took a number of slides, but probably won't get them developed for a while. If they turn out, I'll post some if someone doesn't beat me to it.

Jeff

[Broken-Wrench]

Why doesn't somebody buy one and rebuild it as a b-24

[Shay]

Why doesn't somebody buy one and rebuild it as a b-24

i actually wonder what percentage a Privateer is identical to a Liberator? Extended fuselage, Single Tail assembly, dual dorsal turrets, blisters to only mention the obvious. Still it would a neat project to undertake. Although I would to see a restored Privateer at the air shows too.

Shay

[TimAPNY]

I've seen pictures of the inside of the CAFs LB-30. I t seems to have the fittings for turrets still there. My question is why hasn't it ever been refitted with turrets into a bomber configuration? I can only assume that massive amount of time, money and parts needed to give her a Bombay again. But turrets would go a long way to bring her back to a Bomber. From what I have read the a/c was made as a bomber, then never delivered to the British. At that point converted to a cargo a/c.

I’d want to see at lest one PB4Y-2 in the air before someone starts to chop one apart to make a Pseudo-B-24.