Warbird Information Exchange

This message may seem a bit obscene for the purists BUT has anyone ever considered converting a PB4Y-2 Privateer to a PB4Y-1 Liberator? Yes, I know it only requires $$$ but to shorten the fuselage to the proper length (about 8') and fabricating a twin-tail horizontal is within skill limits of warbird restorers. Seems to me that I've seen a photo of the wreck if a LB-30 laying somewhere in Alaska with the tail assembly still intact.

There is only one ONE original PB4Y-1 Liberator in existence and its on display at the Castle Air Museum, CA...and is in 8th AF markings. It was last assigned to a USMC General and designated as a PB4Y-1Z.

I understand your point of view, but to me, chopping up a perfectly good airplane to create an ersatz copy of another type that isn't extinct goes against the grain of what I always thought warbird restoration and preservation was to supposed to be about. If we had dozens of Privateers sitting around in boneyards gathering dust maybe I could see it, but since we don't, no.

The though here is to get some feed back of what we are planning to do this spring before we do it. The CB on the tail and ATU12 have been picked. Our Research shows that the rest is correct for late 1940's. What do you think? JOE

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Joe Amend - YAM Restoration

I asked a YAM member once if they ever considered converting the Privateer into a B-24 since they we're built there at Willow Run. He said they had considered it but since one of the founders (or an investor, I cant remember) was a Privateer crew member, that pretty much killed it right there. I do however hope that they eventually build and install the original nacelles and engines.

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Keep Em' Flying,
Christopher Soltis
Dedicated to the preservation and education of The Sikorsky Memorial Airport

CASC Blog Page: http://ctair-space.blogspot.com/
Warbird Wear: https://www.redbubble.com/people/warbirdwear/shop

Chicks Dig Warbirds.......right?

We are currently looking for engines or parts to build engines. We have the mounts and nacelles and plan to start working on that project this spring. We are converting a Privateer tail into a 24, not as easy as it looks. Our guy's have done a great job so far. They attached the PB4Y-2 tail section to a B24 Waist section that we had. That is on display at the Museum at this time. JOE

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Joe Amend - YAM Restoration

Well, I'm flattered that you're putting my initials on it, but my choice would be Glenview:

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)