Bombing Up A PBY

Mustang51 · **Posted:** Sun Oct 07, 2007 9:59 pm

The beaching gear points are still attached to the HARS PBY-6A at Albion Park

JDK · **Posted:** Sun Oct 07, 2007 10:07 pm

Thanks for the insights, gentlemen. Bombing up while on the water was always a tricky operation, but in the case of pure flying boats like the Sunderland, there really wasn't an alternative.

For the Non-Aussies - What's this?

No, it doesn't say 'Acme - One careful Rabbit Owner'.

Mustang51 · **Posted:** Sun Oct 07, 2007 10:23 pm

Young James,

What system do you submit your pics under. I am having the devil's own time trying to get them to open and yet others that have been posted open easily.

Cheers

PS Where do I get the personally autographed Walrus book?

JDK · **Posted:** Sun Oct 07, 2007 11:09 pm

Mustang51 wrote:

Young James,

Sweet. Having just turned 41, you clearly want something.

Mustang51 wrote:

What system do you submit your pics under. I am having the devil's own time trying to get them to open and yet others that have been posted open easily.

You've presumably got a 'block' on Photobucket (which is the website I use) and or others. Best advice is to find a teenager and offer Pizza after he's solved your problem. Or next time I'm in your area, but I require 3 courses and champagne...

Mustang51 wrote:

PS Where do I get the personally autographed Walrus book?

Easy. Provide a Mustang manuscript (recall a discussion?) and the Walrus will be in the post.

Check your PMs.

Dan K · **Posted:** Sun Oct 07, 2007 11:16 pm

JDK wrote:

For the Non-Aussies - What's this?

Just a guess: Diving shoe for a mother-in-law?

JDK · **Posted:** Sun Oct 07, 2007 11:19 pm

Very good, no.

It reads: 2 Ton 6-10-42 (that's sixth of October, BTW)

airnutz · **Posted:** Sun Oct 07, 2007 11:24 pm

It probably has some sort of catchy Aussie name, but I'd guess it's an anchor block
for a mooring buoy.

JDK · **Posted:** Sun Oct 07, 2007 11:32 pm

I think they were known technically as those bl**dy awkward b**astard blocks we had to sink. That's the Parlour Stryne version, you understand.

This example is at the RAAF Museum, and was used at Lake Boga, the secret inland flying boat maintenance facility at the far NE corner of Victoria. It was retrieved for the museum when revealed after a serious drought a few years ago. BTW, Lake Boga is a loooong way from the sea.

http://www.travelcentre.com.au/travel/a ... museum.htm

airnutz · **Posted:** Mon Oct 08, 2007 12:10 am

JDK wrote:

I think they were known technically as those bl**dy awkward b**astard blocks we had to sink. That's the Parlour Stryne version, you understand.

Thanks James..You don't have to censor yourself here...we colonials haven't a
clue 'bout the "Queens slang". You can shout "bloody booastard blocks" to
the heavens if you please! You got me on the PS version tho..I was certain it
was an earlier Slutmore Pillock Block with a Poofter Ring..I learn something new
everyday... :roll:

JDK · **Posted:** Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:23 am

Hem hem...

Back on topic, there's some interesting PBY bombing up operations including a definitely peace-time "detachable platform, hooked to the bottom of the wings, makes it easy to inspect the bomb attaching mechanism..." on the linked page.

http://www.nasjax.navy.mil/Command_Info ... allery.htm

Mark_Pilkington · **Posted:** Mon Oct 08, 2007 5:47 am

JDK,

nice pics, I am not sure the detachable platform in the photos was only used in peacetime?.

Wing and engine platforms for maintenance were developed and available during wartime use, and while not always available in combat areas, or bothered with, however attached are some photos of them in use as various VP squadrons in the Pacific & PNG during WW2.

Regards

Mark Pilkington

JDK · **Posted:** Mon Oct 08, 2007 7:22 am

Hi Mark,
My remark was just observing the somewhat 'by the book' and complex pre-war operation, against what we know occurred in wartime.

Good point re the engine servicing platforms. I'd say they were an essential (hence the shots of them in wartime use) as against the bomb-loading check platform which was essentially an accessory that I suspect was ditched early on once operations moved from USN permanent bases.

Cheers

Mark_Pilkington · **Posted:** Mon Oct 08, 2007 3:11 pm

JDK,

I would agree the bomb loading gantry may have been ditched for more improvised options in the field although I have seen it used wartime photos to load torpedo's under the wings, but as you note, the engine gantry's didnt have any suitable alternatives.

Of interest is the question - were these stowed in the aircraft somewhere, or solely squadron stores based equipment?

regards

Mark Pilkington

David Legg · **Joined:** Sun Dec 31, 2006 1:07 pm **Posts:** 338

Referring to the engine inspection platforms as opposed to the underwing stores inspection platforms, I can confirm that we still use the former on the Duxford-based G-PBYA. We take a set with us wherever we fly, even on land, as it would require a rather large conventional ladder to get up to the cowlings on each side of the P&Ws (the top ones are accessible from the wing). The platforms clip into place on the leading edge and the engine cowl. On water of course, they would be invaluable if required. Originally, there was also a stand that attached in front of the engine and at right angles to the two side platforms but I do not believe we have one of those.

Canso42 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:07 pm

James,
Ol' 740, ex RCAF9742 has its beaching gear points still. This is an early 5A model. They are right forward of the front wing strut and one of the castings is one with the lower strut mount. I agree with your opinion of why they were left on unless specifically ordered deleted. David makes a good point too. How many other warbirds carry their own set of service jacks. P-boats forever!

Doug Ratchford, 'Canso42'
plane captain PBY-5A N68740

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Bombing Up A PBY

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