Hoping to find out the Identity of the Branson Harpoon

[GARY HILTON]

I finally got the go-ahead on the remains of the PV-2 in Branson, that was ripped to shreds by a tornado last year. As all the data plates are missing, and no visible traces of an N-number can be seen, I have my fingers crossed that the last four digits of the factory serial number are still in place on the center section outer rib web. It will take a hot saw to get to it, as she is so mangled.

Any requests for parts to keep off the airframe?

I will try to post pictures while this scrap work is in progress.

G.

[TAdan]

Yes, I'd love a piece of the Harpoon if you don't mind. PM inbound!

Good luck hunting down her identity. I'm glad that atleast an enthusiast who can appreciate the Harpoon's significance is the one who will be doing the scrapping.

[Chris Brame]

I wouldn't mind having that damaged rudder, as the only bit of warbird I have is a little square from the CAF B-24 (I gave the fabric from the crashed RCAF Norseman to the pilot's nephew last year), but I'd get in trouble with my folks for dragging anything that big into the house. Maybe a trim tab or a wingtip? Can you post some photos of the remains so we can pick out what we want?

[ChrisK48]

Is that the one that was at a miniature golf course?

[67N20]

Here some pictures I took of the Harpoon in July 2009:







I posted these along with the P-51 replica (I think it was also damaged/destroyed in the tornado) at the Veterans Memorial Museum (also in Branson) here on WIX in 2009.

[Cvairwerks]

Gary: Any chance for a prop?

[lmritger]

Well, if we're posting wish lists, any chance there might be an intact crew seat somewhere in that hulk? That would make a pretty bada$$ desk chair.

Lynn

[Zachary]

I would absolutely love to have one of the prop domes if available.

Zack

[GARY HILTON]

WOW! I sure did not expect the response this post has received!
OK, as I have told most who have sent me a pm...send me an email at... onetimehilton@aol.com send your phone number, and while I'm on location, I can call you back, and we can discuss what you might want.
The engines and props are to be used on the Lodestar that is going to replace the Harpoon.
I am pretty sure all the seats are gone, Lynn.
Yes, Pooner, I will separate the longest stringers for you..
I am not exactly sure when I will get to Branson, depends on my job, but likely will get there next Monday.
Zach, I have a friend in Kansas City with a dome for a Ham Standard prop...fits PV-2, B-17, B-24, DC-3, etc. He is asking $50 for it.

In the past, I was trying to trade parts from all the different surviving Harpoons to put on my PV...That way she would have quite a history on one airframe. Lets hope the future owners will carry on the tradition!

G

[GARY HILTON]

Zach, didn't mean to be so brutal, I forgot to add that Terry, the guy that has the dome, will trade for stuff as well....He is into short wing Pipers and Stearmans

G

[JohnB]

Are there any parts you can keep for your PV? (plexiglass, minor sheet metal parys, landing gear bits)?

[GARY HILTON]

The nose and tail cone will be saved, and if anything else is worth being salvaged will be brought home.

[CAPFlyer]

Too bad the prop and engine are spoken for. I'd have loved to have an R2800 Jug for myself.

Good luck on the project Gary. I'd love to get a part or help you out, but I don't have anywhere to put anything right now, and I definitely can't get off work to drive to Branson.

[GARY HILTON]

CAPFlyer, thanks for the offer of help. I am almost 100% sure that the engines are already gone, and are to be mounted on the Lodestar that's going to take the place of the Harpoon. The engines that were on the Harpoon were I believe P&W 1340s adapted to the airframe.
As far as the props go, last I heard, the ones from the Harpoon, are to be used, but they will be curled back to give it that bent propstrike look.

The only 2800 cyl I have belongs to Pooner, but I do have a few others..I was told they are from a 3350, but I am not sure...I don't have the rocker arm covers for them either.

[David J Burke]

Out of interest what is the going price for a static Harpoon at the moment?