And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
Its based in England I think and is, like others still flying, not really original - no bow turret and the blisters are blown without the framing of the originals that enabled them to be open. Qantas flew these for years from Australia to Ceylon (I think) during WW2, crossing enemy territory at night. None were lost but the trip was well over 20 hours and load was minimal, often just one passenger with minimal luggage as they were pushing the range to the limit.
My helicopter platoon sergeant in Vietnam had been in the NAVY before joining the Army. Asked him why the change. He told me he was a PBY crew chief and they were out over the ocean when they ran out of fuel and had to set their aircraft down. Seems he forgot to put the fuel cap back on and the fuel was being sucked out of the open fill spout. Was his last day flying for the NAVY although he was never shot down in that big bird. No quit so with the Huey. I seem to remember several times they were sitting in a rice patty or worse. He left planet earth many years ago as many others have. iss them all!
OK, what IS this flying machine?
ReplyDeleteHint: Consolidated Catalina
DeleteNow go study.
The cat has been known for a boisterous bow wave.
ReplyDeleteIt's a Consolidated PBY Catalina. Perhaps one that's been restored. Did read that consideration was being given to production of an undated version.
ReplyDeleteIts based in England I think and is, like others still flying, not really original - no bow turret and the blisters are blown without the framing of the originals that enabled them to be open. Qantas flew these for years from Australia to Ceylon (I think) during WW2, crossing enemy territory at night. None were lost but the trip was well over 20 hours and load was minimal, often just one passenger with minimal luggage as they were pushing the range to the limit.
DeleteMy helicopter platoon sergeant in Vietnam had been in the NAVY before joining the Army. Asked him why the change. He told me he was a PBY crew chief and they were out over the ocean when they ran out of fuel and had to set their aircraft down. Seems he forgot to put the fuel cap back on and the fuel was being sucked out of the open fill spout. Was his last day flying for the NAVY although he was never shot down in that big bird. No quit so with the Huey. I seem to remember several times they were sitting in a rice patty or worse. He left planet earth many years ago as many others have. iss them all!
ReplyDeleteI probably know next to nothing about them but I'd bet it's slowing down.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the elevators on the tail are pushing the nose down.
ReplyDeleteSlim Pickens looks younger here.
ReplyDelete