Dumped Corsairs

Harvard IV · **Posted:** Sat Oct 02, 2004 5:08 pm

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I've heard that several Corcairs and Hellcats were dumped near the Great Barrier Reef after WW2 by the RAF or RAAF. I know that an Australian gentleman recovered a couple corroded hulks from there and sold one to Bootstrap. I tried to contact the guy in Australia who recovered these planes about it. However, I was never able to reach him. Does anyone know a contact person invloved in recovering a few of these planes?

Thanks,

Chris

Harvard IV · **Posted:** Sat Oct 02, 2004 7:54 pm

Well,

It is arguable that some would have good metal if by chance they were in a certain type of sand with good cathodic characteristics. Given the number of aircraft reported --800. Chances are that there is one good plane.

Another comment: I don't think the U.S. Navy has jurisdiction in Australian waters. In addition if they are in Australian waters. Austrailian ownership would go into effect based on maritime and territorial laws. Ie. They were the Navy's planes, but since they are on so and so's property to bad so sad...

Broken-Wrench · **Posted:** Sat Oct 02, 2004 9:01 pm

Dude I was in the Airdale Navy and a mechanic for years. When they go in the Sea stick a fork in them because they are done. Even if you pull them right out it is almost impossible to arest the cemical reaction that results in corrosion. While in the service a H-3 went in and was upside down still floating, we pulled it out and opened the panels and flushed it with fresh water but you can't get all of the salt out. It gets between the ribs, stringers, skin , and Lap joints and just sarts eat'in. The Helicopter went to NARF where thye junked it. I know I would not fly in anything that went in the sea. Generaly the max allowable material ( Mechanical Corrosion Removal ) that can be removed is 10%. So if a part that you want to use out of the ocean that was .065 thick YOU COULD ONLY REMOVE .0065 TO BE LEGAL and that ain't much. :idea:

Harvard IV · **Posted:** Sat Oct 02, 2004 9:15 pm

Hello Everybody:

I really don't want to start a debate, and really don't care if someone throws out an opinion even if they are a Phd in Metalurgy, or a ex-Navy mechanic with 75 years of experience.

What I am interested in is getting some information on who has been recovering these aircraft, and sending them an email.

Thanks,

Chris

DaveM2 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 02, 2004 9:33 pm

Harvard IV wrote:

Hello Everybody:

What I am interested in is getting some information on who has been recovering these aircraft, and sending them an email.

Thanks,

Chris

Do a search in the old archives, there were a couple of detailed accounts, one by a guy who was close to the action.
Plenty of rumours flying around at the time including a P-51 raised still in its crate and flown ashore by helicopter, video showing some of the aircraft sitting on the oceans floor, something like 1,000ft down I think. Possible that some aircraft could be good static displays, especially those pickled in crates....wait and see I guess.

Dave

Mick Grinter · **Posted:** Sat Oct 02, 2004 9:35 pm

Try Robert Greinert i think he is recovering some main spar sections at this moment.

Harvard IV · **Posted:** Sat Oct 02, 2004 9:38 pm

Thanks a lot everyone..

Chris

Rob Mears · **Posted:** Sat Oct 02, 2004 10:14 pm

You can contact Gary Steenbuck at: hirena@hirena.com.au

He's recovered parts from at least three different aircraft, including the Corsair spar that was sent to Hayward, CA back in 1999 in an attempt to get it certified. He made mention a few years back about a 'vat' process for treating the recovered parts, but I'll have to concur about their condition after 60 years in salt water. 10 days in salt water was all it took to necessitate a complete rebuild of the Collings Corsair.

Harvard IV · **Posted:** Sat Oct 02, 2004 10:25 pm

Hello:

Again, not interested in opinions. I just want contact info.

Thanks,

Chris

RMAllnutt · **Posted:** Sat Oct 02, 2004 10:38 pm

The guy you are looking for is Gary Camm. I used to be in touch with him, but it's been several years now, and I am not sure I still have his e-mail. We talked on the phone a couple of times. I have some of the parts which came from these aircraft. There is a lot of junk, but some of the forgings and steel parts are in excellent condition.... the skin and non-anodized sections were the parts most affected by corrosion. From the photos I have seen of the spars.... well, nothing could be done to save them. Probably not even good enough for a static.

Cheers, R.

Harvard IV · **Posted:** Sat Oct 02, 2004 10:54 pm

Gentlemen:

Again, I appreciate all of this info. Wow, this forum is a great place to gather info and share ideas.

Thanks,

Chris

DaveM2 · **Posted:** Sun Oct 03, 2004 1:37 am

Harvard IV wrote:

Hello:

Again, not interested in opinions. I just want contact info.

Thanks,

Chris

Post on here, you'll get opinions....just because you aren't interested , doesn't mean the rest of us aren't....it is after all a 'discussion forum'

Dave

Harvardiv · **Posted:** Sun Oct 03, 2004 1:40 am

I was encouraging the folks in the discussion to stay on track to the original point, so that good conclusions could be drawn..

Thanks,

Chris

Guest · **Posted:** Sun Oct 03, 2004 3:40 am

Harvard IV wrote:

It is arguable that some would have good metal if by chance they were in a certain type of sand with good cathodic characteristics. Given the number of aircraft reported --800. Chances are that there is one good plane.

The main thing is - who can afford to raise 800 aircraft to find that one possible good one? Its hardly an economically sound prospect.

Unfortunately.

guest · **Posted:** Sun Oct 03, 2004 1:47 pm

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