...and then there were none.

[L. Thompson]

It would be interesting, ...sad..., but interesting, to see photos of some of the last known examples-before scrapping-of the now extinct World War II types. Dates and locations of photos would add to the interest. Some that come to mind:

P-43

P-48

P-66

XP-77

B-32

B-35

Airacuda

Devastator (above water)

[Wildchild]

There is one B-32 left... 7 miles below our feet

[L. Thompson]

Okay, some rules are in order. All photos have to be above water, and not on the moon.

It has been almost seven years since this post below, so if this one is on the list we will accept dark barn photos....


B29Gunner
Sergeant
Joined: 04 May 2004
Posts: 61
Location: North Georgia
Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 9:30 pm

You guys are right, there certainly are a number of birds out in the abyss we simply don’t know about. A friend of mine actually has one of these birds disassembled, safely tucked away. It’s something that no one here knows about! I wish I could tell you guys about it, but I gave my word that I would keep it quiet. But let me just say that one of these days when this thing finally goes public, you guys will LITERALLY $@&# a brick when you see this thing. There is really nothing else like it out there!

[JDK]

Intriguing question. And interesting, isn't it, that the 'extinct' US types are all minor, or second line or prototypes* - whereas most other nations can list a lot of major production types that are extinct. And Axis nations that loss rate redoubles - another reason not to come last...

In other words the US type survival rate - despite the wailing here at times - is excellent.

However there's a US built-foreign used element which is an interesting subset. Both the Martin Baltimore or Martin 167 Maryland are extinct from W.W.II - I can't think of any examples of either survived past 45 - unless someone knows better. In fact, for a major producer, Martin didn't fare well at all in the 21st century survival stakes.

Regards,

*L Thompson's criteria for 'above water' is reasonable, I certainly agree - but we do know of two, relatively complete Devastators, even so. Nothing else on the list is of major significance, much as I like 'em all!

[Forgotten Field]

JDK,
There was a Martin Baltimore that was given to the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (a high school) after WWII, and was used up to 1957 as an A&P training platform. There is no record of it after that. I had a chance to acquire a piece which may have been off the airplane and missed it due to a misunderstanding with the owner- she threw it out because I didn't offer her $1000's for it.
I have one piece off a Baltimore- it is some type of hydraulic balance motor made by Maytag. It is marked GLM and A-30. I'll get you a photo if you like.

[JDK]

Thanks, FF! Interesting. I wouldn't have thought the last Baltimore would've been in the US, given its overseas (mainly Med) service. So we live and learn.

As medium bombers, I think both the Maryland and Baltimore have a certain elegance, and they were certainly useful weapons.

Back to the original question, where were the last above water Devastators? The Wiki pages state the tech school examples were all gone by '44.

Regards,

[tulsaboy]

Not that I have the money to pursue them, but that list would make an interesting "bucket list" for an underwater explorer who had the resources to intentionally identify and locate examples. If the Smithsonian had the interest or resources, it would make for a fun challenge to identify the most significant of the "extinct" types and intentionally go after them. The clock is ticking on the length of time remaining for even the deepest and coldest of the WWII underwater types before they are merely piles of rubble. They won't last forever.

kevin

[kalamazookid]

There is one B-32 left... 7 miles below our feet

Don't forget about the one on the moon.

[Steve Nelson]

The remains of the Arabonita were still sticking out of the bank of Patuxent River as of a few years ago..not much left other than a corroded center section.

I agree it's a shame no examples of the Martin twins were saved..they are quite attractive. I suppose there's a remote possibility a hulk might turn up in North Africa someday.

Don't forget about the <B-32> on the moon.

Oh come on..that's an urban myth and you know it. A closer look at the photo clearly shows it's a much more rare XB-24N!

SN

[Warbird Kid]

[PinecastleAAF]

XP-37.

[Chris Brame]

Either Air Classics or Warbirds International had photos of the last known intact P-43, which Earl Reinert sadly just missed getting before it was cut up around '60; all that's left are the main gear with wheels and a few smaller bits.

Another type to add to the list: Curtiss SOC. Are there any known pieces or underwater wrecks?

[hang the expense]

The remains of the Arabonita were still sticking out of the bank of Patuxent River as of a few years ago..not much left other than a corroded center section.

I agree it's a shame no examples of the Martin twins were saved..they are quite attractive. I suppose there's a remote possibility a hulk might turn up in North Africa someday.

Don't forget about the <B-32> on the moon.

Oh come on..that's an urban myth and you know it. A closer look at the photo clearly shows it's a much more rare XB-24N!

SN

We had that pic on the wall to the entrance of flos at chino calif. back in 91.It read B-32 dominator found on the moon.Contact jerry miles, as is where is.It is just as funny today as it was 21 years ago.One of the banner pilots for king put that up.Jerry was not amused.

[T J Johansen]

I remember that the photo was published in Air Classics or Warbirds Intl. at the time as well. They noted that local Van Nuys "wheeler-dealer" Ascher Ward was probably getting ready to retrieve it...

T J

[Obergrafeter]

Tighar is actively pursuing a grant from the administration to get the B-32. About 4 trillion dollars last I heard, and the Sec of State has blessed it if only they take her husband on the trip to get it.