PV-2D Harpoon 84062 (Tanker 101) comes back to life

[Taigh Ramey]

Speaking of Ricky, did you know that he was a Proctologist in a previous life before he came to work at Vintage Aircraft? Sometimes his old skills come in handy as it did on the Harpoon one day. He needed to fix the tail flap and later he was working on the tail gear indicating system.

[Taigh Ramey]

Sometimes I come across a new part that is better that what we may have for the PV-2 which is the case for our ARN-8 Marker Beacon set. The ARN-8 is a simple beacon receiver that is used for navigation especially for instrument landing procedures. A beacon is set up on the ground and sends a radio signal straight up in a fan shaped pattern. They are typically placed along the approach path to the runway. As the aircraft flies over it the signal becomes stronger and it will trip a relay to turn on a light on the pilots panel indicating he is over the beacon and at a specific point near the runway. There is also an audio tone and Morse code signal associated with the different markers on the approach path namely the outer, middle and inner markers.

Even though this system was being put into use through WWII the same system is in use today using the same frequencies and tones.

The ARN-8 that we had in the PV-2 was robbed from one of the Navy Beech 18's we have here until a better one could be found. Mr. Donzelli heard we were looking for a nice one and he offered us one at a decent price. As you can see it looks a lot better than the old one.







Now all we need to do is wire it up, fabricate the wire antenna and hook it up and see if it works. We are almost IFR certified!

Hey, what happened to our electrical crew chief anyway? We have lots of radios to get up and running!

[Taigh Ramey]

At Reno last year we had a problem with the guys towing the Harpoon into the NAHI event and 062 was damaged when a tow bar was bent, came off and their tug became a wheel chock, or should I say an oil cooler chock, for the Harpoon. It took a while for us to get a new oil cooler scoop and to get it fixed up as a replacement.

Here is Kenny working on removing the bent oil cooler scoop assembly. You can see the dent from where the Harpoon parked on the hood of the tug.







I don't have any photos of the fixed oil cooler scoop going back on as I think I was out of town when the guys installed it. Here is Jordan painting the nose and some other touch up work. Goofy guy!

[Taigh Ramey]

Finishing up her inspections and getting 062 ready for her first air show of the season. Here are Jordan and Daniel giving her some needed attention.





After getting her all cleaned up we brought her out for engine runs and systems checks. She looks pretty good but we have been concerned about our paint as it is fading prematurely for some reason.



Our first air show was at Travis Air Force Base. We assembled an interesting crew for the flight over with some special guests. Here is Pat Patteson of VPB-135 taking his old seat in the cockpit of the Harpoon for the flight over.



Pat and I took off together and then he flew us to Travis, did a low approach on the left runway, side stepped to the right runway and came back around for a landing. It became quickly apparent that he didn't need me there as he was doing a great job. 92 years old and didn't miss a beat. Greased it right on. I had a Gopro on the panel in front of him and I will post that video on Youtube and you will see what I mean. Pat was right at home flying the Harpoon.









We had two other distinguished guests along namely Earl Snyder a top turret gunner from VPB-128. Earl is one tough son of a gun as he was out in the wind that was blowing a gale all weekend and was talking to the crowd. We couldn't get him to sit down! After the Navy he went to the Air Force and flew in the Berlin Air Lift and also flew C-124's. He told a story about delivering one of the atomic bombs for testing in the Shakey. Good stuff.



Here is Bob Handell who was a PB4Y nose gunner/bombbardier. Bob has the distinction of sinking 7 Japanese ships with 6 bombs!



At the show our three WWII vets hung out and talked to the crowd and shared their stories. Their family came along and also enjoyed the show. What a treat to have them with us. This is what it is all about.








After working hard on the Harpoon for quite a while Ricky manned the table to help hock our wares to try and raise some much needed money for the Harpoon.



It was a great show for the PV-2 and our WWII vets.





Robin has been working hard on the Harpoon and was able to enjoy the fruits of his labor. His first air show I believe.



A model and photographer came by who wanted to use the Harpoon as a backdrop for their photo shoot. This happens quite often.











Lots of people like to help out during these photo shoots. I'm not sure why...





One of the best things for us is to listen to the stories of our wonderful vets. Man its good stuff



A much deserved rest in the BOQ after the show on Saturday. Well done Ricky!



Sadly Eddie Andrini perished at the show on Sunday and the field was closed down. Our WWII vets were not able to fly back with us on Monday so Ricky took back is regular seat and flew us home. He was kind enough on several occasions to give up his seat for our WWII vets. Thanks again Ricky!





Fritz came along to fly in the PV-2 for the first time.



All in all it was a successful outing for 062 on her first outing in 2014. She ran great, looked good and was well received by the crowd. We got to get three WWII Navy vets flying again and they and their families had a wonderful time.

Thanks to all of you who helped out to keep 062 up and running. We all really appreciate the efforts!

[Travisd80elcam]

Awesome Update!! I love reading the stories that you write about the vets flying. This post reminds me of an earlier post about a gentleman who synced up the props, just like he had done it a couple hundred times before. Thank You as always, still wish you guys were east coast based

Travis

[happymeal]

Excellent update ! Are you guys bringing it to OSh again this year ?

[Taigh Ramey]

No, the Harpoon isn't going to Oshkosh this year. We could still take her if anyone might want to step up for a donation to the museum that might cover the cost of the fuel and oil but that doesn't seem likely at this late a date. Maybe next year.

[happymeal]

OK, next year then !

[Warbird Kid]

Taigh,

We need to find you some big sponsors. East Coasters need to see that beauty over here! Especially in Geneseo!

[Redtracer]

Hey guys, sorry the Harpoon couldn't make it to OSH this year, but,,,,,,,hopefully we will be there in 2015 with our latest project? Who's up for another flying Lockheed twin tail????? And, this one should be painted green and gray......and, can carry a couple more people.

Still working on getting the guns in the nose of 062, with a little snap, crackle, and pop. Just taking us a little longer than we thought, however should be done by the start of the 2015 season.

More info soon!

[PeteM]

Let's see, Let's see!!!!

[Redtracer]

Soon, very soon, and we expect all you WIXers to join us again on this new bird! As always your help, encouragment, and insight is greatly appreciated!

So anyone want to turn some wrenches up in Northern California? Help us "wish upon a star."

[cco23i]

We are gonna try and get up there (as we all are going NUTS) so "Stay tuned"

[Fouga23]

You got a Connie?

[Warbird Kid]

Clue 1: And, this one should be painted green and gray......and, can carry a couple more people.

Clue 2: Help us "wish upon a star."

Guess: You guys acquired "Lady Loadstar" from Gary?