TBY-2 Sea Wolf in Color

[Dan K]

Hi All,

Hopefully some color footage will help prove to the viewer that the TBY actually existed!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTE9xVEXMqM

The vid shows the journey each Sea Wolf took from factory (a converted Mack truck/bus plant) to airfield (Convair Field...now Queen City Airport) during production in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Much of the route still exists. If curious, Google Maps will help you find Queen City Airport. From there follow Vultee Street ENE back to the plant. The railroad tracks are still there, as well as the intersection with Lehigh (where the wings were folded in the video).

Enjoy!

Dan K (the "tby guy")

[AG pilot]

Very nice video. Thanks for posting the link to it!

[Nathan]

Thank you Dan. I live two hours away and I will have to make a visit this summer. I really liked the video and I saved it. I also looked around on google map. The original hangar and street are still there. It's interesting there is an old rusted t-hangar near by and you can see a very faded large color profile of a TBY on the side of the building!

[Nathan]

TBY Mural. I love stuff like this!!!!!!!!

https://www.google.com/maps/place/All+S ... 75.4878049

[Mark Sampson]

Another aircraft that I never knew existed. Thanks!

[jdvoss]

A monster of an aircraft !! 180 were constructed. What advantage did this A/C have over the TBM Avenger???

Jdvoss
www.fuselagecodes.com

[Dan K]

A monster of an aircraft !! 180 were constructed. What advantage did this A/C have over the TBM Avenger???

In a nutshell: Approximately 50 mph faster top speed, superior handling (according to period pireps), and an increase in range of around 500 miles.

And yes...250% more canopy glass!

[Nathan]

A monster of an aircraft !! 180 were constructed. What advantage did this A/C have over the TBM Avenger???

In a nutshell: Approximately 50 mph faster top speed, superior handling (according to period pireps), and an increase in range of around 500 miles.

And yes...250% more canopy glass!

did you see the mural, Dan?

[JohnB]

I've always liked the looks of the TBY...Looks a lot more modern than the portly Grumman.

[JohnB]

Another aircraft that I never knew existed. Thanks!

We'll sentence you to getting U.S. Naval Aircraft since 1911 by Swanborough and Bowers.

[hbtcoveralls]

I grew up near Allentown and remember hearing stories of the planes built during WWII

Queen City Airport (convair field) is still there and in operation. The WWII hanger has been used as the city garage for 40+ years and isn't available for tours but can be seen easily from the parking

The TBY mural was painted around the time of the 50th anniversary of WWII and a history group used to display a few items from the Seawolf including a center cockpit canopy section

Vultee street is also still in use. Interesting history about what might have been

Tom Bowers

[Dan K]

did you see the mural, Dan?

Indeed I did, Nathan.

As Tom B. mentioned, I think I'd heard that the mural was done for the 50th anniversary of Convair Field...FWIW.

For all those interested in Convair Field's history, you have probably already stumbled across this dedication footage (But just in case you haven't...):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bNzSOTTTR8


And being a redundant old fart, how about one more look at "Ol' 927"/"Diamond Lil" on the ramp in Allentown. The good folk there should invite her back sometime for a then-and-now photo op, don't you think?