Warbird Information Exchange

Climbing the external ladder allowed for much easier access to the flight deck, (via the roof hatch, which is located behind the windshield), as opposed to entering the airplane through the aft belly hatch and moving forward.

With the retardant tanks installed (four tanks), there is a "catwalk" in the former bomb bay area, part of the original structure, in which one has walk through to access the cockpit and vice versa. It is a very narrow space between the tanks and depending on one's size, you have no choice but to walk sideways.

CS

Thank you N4- that clears that up nicely. Seems like a nose hatch could have been of use when B-24's/Privateers came off the assembly line- but not much clearance for a wheel well door or other belly door like on other aircraft. Somewhat surprising how low they sit.

I ran across a Facebook paged dedicated to the Privateer at Casa Grande. https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Cons ... e_internal

Based on this photo taken at GossHawk, I wouldn't give up on seeing a fully restored Navy Privateer fly just yet.



Also, you've probably already seen this, but if you haven't, the fun starts at 0:46 (Sand Point Naval Air Station) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfMJYwu5bM0

I think #30 has a B-24D nose glass installation.

PIMA has it in the tri-color scheme now. There won't be any nose art though. Glad it will be WWII livery rather than post-war though.

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That new paint scheme looks fantastic.

It's about time we got one of these oft-overlooked veterans some limelight. Now, if only Pensacola would step up its game and fix theirs up. I know that they are planning on a new hangar, so maybe there is yet hope for their Privateer.

I for one feel that Pensacola should get Pima's Mariner, but seeing as how Pima has done such a good job with it, I can't make any complaints.

It isn't "Pima's" Mariner, it's the NASM's Mariner.

I'm a bit baffled about the Privateer at Pensacola. They had it in the shop intalling all the turrets and a stock canopy when I visited in 2010, but a couple years later it was sitting on the ramp with the outer wings and vertical tail removed. From what I understand it hasn't changed.

SN

Crap..double post

As with the Coronado, the PB4Y will have to be partially disassembled
to go inside the main building. That's the reason for wing removal.

Sad to hear that this Privateer will not fly again.


Chappie

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Brrring. Dispersal? TWO SECTIONS SCRAMBLE!!