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This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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Odd mods on this Marauder

Fri Jul 12, 2019 2:53 am

From a current eBay listing:
Image
So why the solid or painted-over (except for bombardier's glass) nose and shackles under the belly?
Over to the experts...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1944-USAAF-ATC ... SwI2NdJnG6

P.S. Same seller has a bunch of shots of a/c that passed through there, including the infamous Curtiss C-76 :shock:

Re: Odd mods on this Marauder

Fri Jul 12, 2019 7:22 am

Indeed and interesting nose- no idea on that.

Regarding the rack, wonder if that is the keel mounted external torpedo rack? Some fitted for service in the Aleutian campaign.

Re: Odd mods on this Marauder

Fri Jul 12, 2019 8:29 am

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi ... y_1942.jpg

Looks like that to me too. Perhaps the nose which appears “one piece” was a fiberglass part designed to replace the two part plexi as added protection against bird strikes? It would seem to be a hazardous train8ng operation for the crews to be on the water practicing torpedo runs at speed with seagulls being a constant hazard.

Re: Odd mods on this Marauder

Fri Jul 12, 2019 8:30 am

My first reaction is a radar test bed.
But more pointed than the P-61 nose.

Using an available (bailed) B-26 (looks like it has a trainer number on it) makes sense.

Re: Odd mods on this Marauder

Fri Jul 12, 2019 9:50 am

Appears to be a B-3 or B-4 version, based on the intakes. The nose looks to be purpose built, so maybe a weary bird impressed into a test program..

Re: Odd mods on this Marauder

Fri Jul 12, 2019 8:54 pm

Nice Marauder- don't forget the Dodge Command Car in the background!

Re: Odd mods on this Marauder

Mon Jul 15, 2019 3:43 am

Torpedo rack underneath..

Re: Odd mods on this Marauder

Tue Jul 16, 2019 5:30 am

There appears to be a flat clear view panel underneath the nose, which to me suggests that it is not a radar nose.

Re: Odd mods on this Marauder

Tue Jul 16, 2019 6:50 am

To me, it looks like the standard plexi unit that has been painted over, except for the bottom flat portion.
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