Warbird Information Exchange

I was wondering about that since (a) 34012 is a -5, not a -6, number and (b) see the Registry: http://www.warbirdregistry.org/pbyregis ... 34012.html

What's involved with changing a -5 tail to -6? Is it a bolt-on deal?

First off, even though it has a tall tail, IT IS NOT A CONSOILDATED PBY-6A......!

BUNO 34012 was one of a batch of 100 PBY-5A machines manufactured under a contract for the USN (BUNOs 33960 - 34059) of which a total of 31 went directly to the USAAF under serial numbers 43-43839 thru 863 and 43-47956 thru 962 as OA-10-COs.

BUNO 34012 "WAS" a former USCG PBY-5A/-5AG machine. It entered on duty with the CG on 02/11/46 and remained operational until 03/21/52, when it was listed as retired & sold as surplus to the needs of the USCG.

Based on my experience with ID plates, it would appear the machine went to the RCAF where it was modified with the replacement of the vertical tail feathers. It also appears the tail mod was completed by Canadian Vickers as the plate shows the type aircraft as a model 28B - - - the internal Consolidated Aircraft Company model designator for their tall-tail PBY-6A model. It also appears that the basis for the mod was based on drawings provided by Consolidated. Additionally, the "Vickers' Plate" displays the approval stamps of the CV and RCAF inspectors. Canadian Vickers Limited was a major producer and modification facility of the Canadian PBY machines with their airframe types identified as PBV followed by the model number.

The next plate indicates that the aircraft was modified in Atlanta, GA by CONVAIR, or an agent of same in March 1955. This mod most likely consisted of the de-militarizing of the entire airframe (removal of nose turret, waist blisters, addition of the rear air-stair, and other items the new owner(s) desired.

The next plate, in Spanish, was most likely added to the airframe by the Colombian Air Force after they became the owner of the machine. The date on that plate indicates the year 1994.