Updated pics on LSFM PB4Y-2 restoration

[Connery]

Reading through the messages, I ran across a post requesting some updated information on the LSFM's PB4Y-2 restoration.

So here are a few pics that we took back in July. I'll probably be going back down there soon for additional pics for an upcoming 1/12 or 1/9 scale RC model build.

As you can see from the pics, they have the Erco Bow and Waist turrets installed and the two top Martin turrets are sitting in a rack waiting to be installed. From the pics you can see they are restoring it with the R-2800's instead of the R-1830's. I was hoping that they would return it to the WWII configuration with the "liberator" style cowlings that were rotated 90 degrees.

Let me know if you'd like to see more pictures.

[warbirdguy]

Any idea of when she will be flying? If you have anymore pictures could you post them!

Thanks

[ww2John]

Thank-you for sharing your very detailed pictures.

I vsited in 1995 at the point when they had just "gutted" the fuselage and were finishing the "cleaning up" of the interior. They treated me very well (even asked if I wanted to go to work, right then & there, with a big wink & a nod), showed much of their parts cache also in restoration at the time and generally were hospitable to this visitor in every way. I am really looking forward to seeing this terrific restoration when it is completed.

[C170BDan]

Thanks for posting the pics.

I believe they are 2600s with B25 cowlings.

Cant hardly wait to see it fly! Will look good in an overall blue paint scheme!

[michael luther]

I think they are planning to use the three tone blue paint scheme, which will look great.

[C170BDan]

Ah.... blue on blue with blue trim...

[Todd Hackbarth]

In the obscure 1990 book "The B-24/PB4Y in Combat" by Rhodes Arnold, there is a small b & w photo of Lone Star's PB4Y-2 BuNo 59819 in the three-tone paint scheme taken on August 1st, 1945 when the aircraft was with VPB-120 on the island of Shemya, in the Aleutian Islands.

[Steve T]

Hi Connery--

Thanx for posting those. Haven't seen that Privateer in 13 years. A lot of changes in that time!

I'm curious about the apparent Spitfire partially visible in a couple of the shots. Something about it looks unusual to me...can't think exactly what. Which Spit is it?

S.

[ACarey]

Image deleted

Last edited by ACarey on Thu Mar 29, 2007 6:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Connery]

Steve,

Unfortunately I didn't take any pics of the Spit ( I was too focused on the Privateer ) I'm sure someone else on here can provide more info on the Spit.

[Mark V]

Hi Connery-- I'm curious about the apparent Spitfire partially visible in a couple of the shots. Something about it looks unusual to me...can't think exactly what. Which Spit is it? S.

Its Spitfire Mk 16, TE392 which was restored for the museum by Harry Stenger in 1999. It looks a little unusual as it appears to have the upper fuel tank removed (I imagine for maintenance).

[Flat 12x2]

.................... I'm curious about the apparent Spitfire partially visible in a couple of the shots. Something about it looks unusual to me...can't think exactly what. Which Spit is it?

S.

Here you go
Mk XVIe TE392 / N97RW
http://www.warbirdregistry.org/spitregistry/spitfire-te392.html

Martin

[Xrayist]

Sorry for the dumb question, but will this be flying, or since the Hawkins and Powers Privateer crash is the FAA grounding this type?

[bilwor]

It was the Forest Service that grounded them for fire fighting use not the FAA

[Ryan Keough]

Sorry for the dumb question, but will this be flying, or since the Hawkins and Powers Privateer crash is the FAA grounding this type?

All LB-30 type aircraft were issued an AD note that was to be complied with I believe. I am not sure if H&P complied, but I am not sure if they flew them after the AD was issued. LSFM did comply as did CAF and Collings Foundation.

Ryan Keough