Would CWHM or VWoC accept a PB4Y-2 (RY-3) ?

[rcaf_100]

Just to clarify what was mentioned previously, the RCAF only operated a single Liberator C.IX, which was JT973 (ex-USN RY-3 BuNo 90021, aka the "Rockcliffe Ice Wagon") and was only on loan from the RAF from 1946-1948.
She was used for icing research by the RCAF Experimental & Proving Establishment in cooperation with the National Research Council, and was based at RCAF Station Rockcliffe.



A lack of spare parts kept her grounded much of the time, and was scrapped in 1948 or '49.
She was replaced in her ice research duties by RCAF North Star 17513, which was modified with a dorsal wing section on the fuselage and observation blisters.



Although it would be really nice to see another Privateer in the air, I doubt that Canada would be the right home for it with such limited service here.

[Nathan]

I think a PB4Y-2 would be best seen in post-ww2 US Navy scheme of perhaps a Naval Reserve unit with orange tail band, and sea blue paint scheme.

[K225]

The RAF's experience with the Privateer known as Liberator C.IX in service was not stellar. Three of them (including Churchill's personal aircraft called Commando) were lost in fatal crashes, and it was thought that there was some basic problems with the structural integrity of the aircraft. All but one of the remaining RAF Liberator C.IXs were struck off charge in April of 1946 and either scrapped or returned to the US Navy. That's how the sole surviving Liberator C.IX (JT973, ex BuNo 90021) ended up flying ice-research missions with the Royal Canadian Air Force for the National Research Council as the Rockcliffe Icewagon. They kept it flying by scavenging spare parts from the Liberator stores, and later from the U.S. Navy's PB4Y-2 inventory. After the Rockcliffe Icewagon flew her last mission in late 1948 it was scrapped.

[Triplane102]

Thanks again, Steve ! Speaking of the RAF, My friend in S.A TX reminded me that Winston Churchill had a Liberator II (RY-3 ?) "Commando' AL504 (?)

[seabee1526]

[quote="Nathan"]I think a PB4Y-2 would be best seen in post-ww2 US Navy scheme of perhaps a Naval Reserve unit with orange tail band, and sea blue paint scheme.[/q

[K225]

Have to agree the PB4Y-2 should be displayed in USN colours. The Liberator GR Mk VIII at the CASM which is the machine exchanged with the Indian Air Force is currently displayed in the RCAF wartime scheme.

[jdvoss]

Hello TBM Tony,

Yes, Winston Churchill did indeed have a LB-30 Liberator named "Commando" RAF serial AL 504. IIRC, there is a photo of it in Alan Blue's book "B-24 Liberator" and the aircraft had been re-fitted with a single vertical tail (possibly the first one?). The book photo was taken at the Consolidated-Vultee Modification center in Tucson, AZ. Eventually, Churchill (as well as Roosevelt and De Gaulle) were all provided with C-54's.

JDV
http://www.fuselagecodes.com

[Mark Sampson]

Not to go too far off-topic, but if you've read Ernest K. Gann's comments on the flying the C-87 in his memoir "Fate is the Hunter", you might find it odd that the RCAF would have used one for icing testing.
If you haven't read that book, go get a copy today. It's an essential resource, by someone who a) was there and flew the airplanes.. and b) could tell a story.

[Triplane102]

Thanks JDV & everyone, Great Input !

[seabee1526]

thank you

[old iron]

I would like to see a PB4Y-2 Privateer go the NASM. They have desired a B-24 for many years; a PB4Y would be a good alternative, and would give them a four-engined aircraft type that saw non-nuclear use in the Pacific.

[Warbird Kid]

My hope is one (or both) remaining Privateers in Greybull make it into the hands of active groups that would fly em coast to coast. (Collings, CAF, etc.)