Warbird Information Exchange

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The Australian National Aviation Museum are restoring a wartime RAAF "Black Cat" and are seeking a set of PBY Flying Boat Beaching Gear for its eventual display.

Our A/C is one of 29 PBY-5A Amphibians "field modified" by the RAAF during WW2 to become a PBY-5A(M) Flying Boat by converted through a 1500 manhour conversion resulting total removal of the amphibian's undercarriage to increase range and payload for its own "Black Cat" Operations.

This A/C A24-88 "RK-A" of 42 Sqn RAAF and former USN 48352, saw operational service in the Pacific during WW2 and took part in a 9000 mile 18 hour "Black Cat" mission to mine Manila Harbour in December 1944 prior to General Mc Arthur's landings.



Any leads and all help appreciated

Regards
Mark Pilkington - Secretary
on Behalf of The Australian National Aviation Museum - Moorabbin

http://www.aarg.com.au

http://www.aarg.com.au/Catalina.htm

_________________
20th Century - The Age of Manned Flight
"from Wrights to Armstrong in 66 years -WOW!"

I have at least one of those gear here in Midland. It's awesome that you posted those pictures, because just day before yesterday, we were out on the hill trying to figure out what in the world that gear went to. There may be more than one there, but I'll have to go back out and check. Either way, send me a PM and I'll work with you on it if interested.

Gary

Gary

thanks for that, PM sent, looking forward to hearing if theres a second one out on the hill?

regards

Mark Pilkington

_________________
20th Century - The Age of Manned Flight
"from Wrights to Armstrong in 66 years -WOW!"

Gary, additionally they would most likely be interested in the tail beaching gear assembly. This is a "V" shaped unit with 2 wheels and a steering tiller bar that attached to the tail tie-down ring. You guys may have one somewhere.

Got any pictures of one?

There are many pics in numerous books. Maybe the bookstore there has a PBY "squadron signal" book or some other PBY books.

Squadron Signal PBY Catalina in Action, page 12 is a drawing of a tail beaching gear.
bill

Roger that. I'll go check it out and see if I can find one out on our pile.

Gary

Well, y'all were right. I do have the tail beaching gear assembly here in Midland. I'll get with you via e-mail regarding this Mark.

Gary

great news jason

Gentlemen,

What size tires are used on the beaching gear - 15.50 x 20?

I am assuming that the beaching gear that I put in the shipping container in Wa. made it to Australia?
G.

hello Gary

yes it did - thankyou for all your good work including the trip to Pima etc

Here is the one you picked up from the East Coast and took to West coast and loaded into the container.




For those interested, here are the bits Gary Austin was mentioning in his posts above,





These came home to Australia too, Gary and I were quietly working together on PBY bits back in 2006 long before we collaborated on saving "Sea Bitch" the former CAF PBY-5A in 2007.

regards

Mark Pilkington

_________________
20th Century - The Age of Manned Flight
"from Wrights to Armstrong in 66 years -WOW!"

John?

The main wheel tires are 11.00 - 12 and embossed as "Beaching Gear"



Regards

Mark Pilkington

_________________
20th Century - The Age of Manned Flight
"from Wrights to Armstrong in 66 years -WOW!"

Hey Mark! Glad to hear....I guess if I'd have looked at the date of original post, I would have known better....my bad, that's what happens after a long day of shopping at the WalMart....Anyway, you don't send me roses anymore, now that you've got your beaching gear...sob, sob. Looking at the pic you posted of the main gear, reminds me of how much space they took up in my living room for a few months...Ha!
Is that Petercar (Peterbuilt) down there in Auzzieland?
G