LSFM PB4Y Privateer SOLD!!!

[jamesintucson]

I was informed recently that the Lone Star Flight Museum had donated it's PB4Y Privateer "Charlie 30" to the Pima Co. Air Museum. Something about the hurricane doing more damage to it than they were willing to fix to continue it's restoration to flight status.

Whereas I find this to be both disheartening and.....unbelievable, I figured I'd throw it out for others (who might actually know for sure) to either confirm or dispel the information as true.

So, how 'bout it? Anyone know?....

Pima has purchased both the Privateer and the Catalina from the Lone Star Flight Museum. They will be moving here later this year.

James

[jamesintucson]

James,

Don't get me wrong about the disheartening comment. Pima has an absolutely fabulous collection and the restoration quality is second to none from what I can see. It's just that the Privateer was on its way to being a flying example with all 6 turrets in place. I was really looking forward to seeing her on the circuit.
As for becoming a static bound example, I can think of no finer home for her.

Tho still disappointed that she won't be flying, I look forward to the fine example that Pima will make of her.

Perhaps you can gather the original cowling that I've heard still exists in Greybull and convert her back to 1830s while finishing her off. That would truly bring her back to WWII standards.

After its salt water bath thanks to the hurricane a full restoration to fly just wasn't ever going to happen. We've done a little preliminary asking around about original cowls but haven't had any luck yet. If anybody knows for sure where some are I'd love to hear about it.

James

[marine air]

That's very sad it won't fly again. Good news for Pima. The Privateer at Oshkosh looked great and they have done a ton of work to ensure it's airworthiness. It's a shame all those turrets and other items of originality on the Lonestar Privateer will never be displayed at airshows and public events.

[JohnB]

It's a shame all those turrets and other items of originality on the Lonestar Privateer will never be displayed at airshows and public events.

Look at it on the bright side, Pima has lots of visitors, more people will probably see it there....AND a stock looking example will now be preserved at a museum.

BTW: Doesn't Pima have a firebombing PB4Y?
Any chance that could move to a new home and be made operational?

[Warbird Kid]

I'm glad of course that the two Consolidated airframes are going to a great place like PIMA to be cherished and preserved for years to come.

BUT: this is how I really feel.

[Malo83]

[jamesintucson]

It's a shame all those turrets and other items of originality on the Lonestar Privateer will never be displayed at airshows and public events.

Look at it on the bright side, Pima has lots of visitors, more people will probably see it there....AND a stock looking example will now be preserved at a museum.

BTW: Doesn't Pima have a firebombing PB4Y?
Any chance that could move to a new home and be made operational?

We are a public event. Just in the same place all the time.

We don't have a fire bomber Privateer. Our fire bomber collection is:
C-119
C-123
P2V
DC-7
N3N
Guardian
Cessna 130

James

[bdk]

Cessna 130

??????????????????????????

[jamesintucson]

Cessna 130

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How's Cessna 310 sound instead?

[peter]

PIMA will be a fantastic place for her!!

[WIXerGreg]

Edit: Nothing to see here.

Last edited by WIXerGreg on Sat Aug 29, 2015 8:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[TAdan]

Like others I am a bit disappointed to hear that the Privateer won't be taking to the air, but given that salt bath she took it is understandable. I'm sure Pima will do an awesome job taking care of both airframes. Hopefully it will free up some resources for LSFM too.

[Clifford Bossie]

Pima will be a great location! Plus that is less than half the distance to my house vs. Galveston.

I saw both airplanes last weekend. It will be nice to see them displayed in Tucson. Plus they have to go through here to get there.

[steve dickey]

James, will they be placed indoors or permanent outdoor display?

[T J Johansen]

Given that this is a former fire bomber, with rich historic ties to AZ (T & G Aviation just up the road at Chandler), and currently on its way to Pima, it should really be restored as such (Tanker #30). I seem to remember that the DC-7C Pima has is also a former T & G aircraft. Turn the turrets over to another restoration that can emphasize on the PB4Y in military service. Would this recent thread offer up a candidate..?
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=56351

T J