Mon Apr 09, 2007 12:03 pm
They did it for the same reason F4U-5NLs with winterization equipment were sent to Honduras postwar ! 
Govt efficiency ! 
[/b]
Govt efficiency ! [/b]
Mon Apr 09, 2007 1:15 pm
VMB-611's PBJ-1D's appear to also have this "air-scoop" as noted in these photos of MB 3 and MB 4. Unfortunately, I do not have any close-up photos of their PBJ-1Js. From my documentation, 611's PBJs were modified with the addition of HVAC hard-points at Barbers Point NAS after leaving San Diego, so if the "air-scoop" was a modification, I don't know where or when it was done to their PBJs.
Also note that MB 3 has waist-gun windows. I believe the "D" normally did not have waist-guns, they were added to the "H" and "J" models. I've been told all of 611's "D" models were modified as such, but also do not know where or when.
Also note that MB 3 has waist-gun windows. I believe the "D" normally did not have waist-guns, they were added to the "H" and "J" models. I've been told all of 611's "D" models were modified as such, but also do not know where or when.
Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:07 pm
Dave,
Great photos! The mod looks to be the same minus the fluted front piece. Sure would like to solve this mystery.
With regards to the waist windows on the 'D' models. They were standard beginning, I believe, with the -30 or -35 block. There is at least one survivor like this - 43-3634 - flying as "Yankee Warrior." I also believe NAA manufactured kits for many mods - waist windows included - which could be added in the field. The same probably holds true for our mystery nose modification.
Great photos! The mod looks to be the same minus the fluted front piece. Sure would like to solve this mystery.
With regards to the waist windows on the 'D' models. They were standard beginning, I believe, with the -30 or -35 block. There is at least one survivor like this - 43-3634 - flying as "Yankee Warrior." I also believe NAA manufactured kits for many mods - waist windows included - which could be added in the field. The same probably holds true for our mystery nose modification.
Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:12 pm
According to the directions in the Monogram B-25 1/48th scale model it is a gas fume expender.
???
Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:36 pm
The final word.
It is a mod on 25s with 3 nose guns using ram air to vent
cordite fumes from the nose.
It is a mod on 25s with 3 nose guns using ram air to vent
cordite fumes from the nose.
Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:41 pm
According to the directions in the Monogram B-25 1/48th scale model it is a gas fume expender.
Those .50s in the nose of a B-25 can really build up some fumes and smoke in the fuselage if they are not vented out properly. I keep wanting to think that the scoop has something to o with the nose of the aircraft because it doesn't make much sense to have such a long scoop just for a fresh air scoop. The B-25 has a couple of these already and they just stick right out side of the aircraft and trying to figure out why it would need such a production for simply fresh air unless they are trying to make get some sort of suction action from the long tube.
Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:58 pm
Sounds like Mustangdriver got it right and Jack had to know all along. Makes sense to me.
Craig,
You may be correct on the "D" waist-guns. I have a partial list (missing 5) of VMB-611's PBJs correlating their "MB" numbers with their BuNo. Their PBJ-1D's were from both -30 and -35 blocks. (One learns something new everyday!)
Dave
Craig,
You may be correct on the "D" waist-guns. I have a partial list (missing 5) of VMB-611's PBJs correlating their "MB" numbers with their BuNo. Their PBJ-1D's were from both -30 and -35 blocks. (One learns something new everyday!)
Dave
Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:11 pm
A fume eliminator -TOO COOL! Wonder if Boeing could install one on the 757 to vent the fumes from the forward lav and keep them from wafting into the cockpit! 
Mon Apr 09, 2007 8:43 pm
Since I knew I wasn't going crazy...
From RCAF Mitchell II Maintenance Manual EO 05-55B-2:
Pictured in the manual is Mitchell II light bomber KL 149 (B-25D-35 43-3647) with the "chute" shown. This manual does not show or discuss cartridge or link collection bags like the earlier manuals.
So it's both!
From RCAF Mitchell II Maintenance Manual EO 05-55B-2:
A combination cartridge and link collector and exhaust chute is fitted under the fuselage to the right of the nose wheel door.
Pictured in the manual is Mitchell II light bomber KL 149 (B-25D-35 43-3647) with the "chute" shown. This manual does not show or discuss cartridge or link collection bags like the earlier manuals.
So it's both!