Another Catalina Coming

[Wingnuts]

Another Catalina is bound for Botany Bay, but by boat. Then barged? to WWII Catalina Base at Rathmines for reassembly and static display, hopefully in time for Rathmines Festival on 9th November.

Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Trust PRESS RELEASE, June 1 2013

A long-held dream to have an historic Catalina Flying Boat permanently displayed on the site of the World War II air base at Rathmines is a step closer to fruition following the purchase of a disused aircraft by the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Trust. The Trust sourced the rare Catalina PBY-5A aircraft in Puerto Rico after a seven-year search. The purchase was confirmed this week and the aircraft is expected to arrive later this year, after being dismantled and shipped to Australia. The Catalina will become one of the key attractions of a hangar-style museum planned for the heritage-listed lakeside memorial park at Rathmines.
It is intended to be the museum’s centrepiece static exhibit, complementing the operational Catalina VH-CAT. VH-CAT, a PBY-6A Catalina brought to Australia from Portugal in 2008, is owned by a private consortium, Catalina Flying Memorial Ltd, and is currently being restored to flying condition in Sydney. Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Trust Registrar Penny Furner said the purchase of the Catalina PBY-5A was a real coup. “This is very exciting – Catalinas are very hard to come by and this is one of the models that flew out of Rathmines during the war,” she said. “It will make a marvellous static display for our proposed museum and will boost our efforts to secure government support for the project. We want to build a fitting home for VH-CAT and the PBY-5A so anyone interested in wartime history or aviation can come and see these wonderful old aircraft first-hand.” The PBY-5A Catalina was paid for with money raised by the Trust through donations and community events such as the annual Rathmines Catalina Festival. The former RAAF site at Rathmines has a colourful history. It was the largest seaplane base in the southern hemisphere during World War II and was of vital strategic importance to the Allied war effort. Two representative’s are currently in Puerto Rico arranging the preparation of the Flying Boat for transport to Australia.
For more information, contact Penny Furner on 0438 194 611 or at [email protected]

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/N72382_zps49a50a0c.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/N72382_zps49a50a0c.jpg.html)

For other thread re previous Catalinas' ferry to Australia, go here:

http://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/351581-merged-catalina-ferry-oz.html

[aditya104]

I remember watching the arrival of the other one in 2008 at YSBK. VH-CAT was the registration. That was the first time I saw one of these. It was a great sight, a real treat. They are just unique. Anybody will notice them flying due to their slow speed and the kind of sound its engines make.

Here are some photo links from the old thread:
By Diesel Fitter
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/3083822993_a787d89b16.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/3084661922_353a89d143.jpg

And another photo taken at Bankstown
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2009-01-11_009.jpg

[onehunglong]

The first container - engines, props, control surfaces etc - is packed and is expected to be shipped this week.

And the following from 20th June news letter:

The engines have been removed, and the centre wing section is also ready for removal after the outer wings have been removed. In the process of removing many outer wing attach bolts inside & outside wing, a very laborious process but it is going well. Young students on job are not particularly suited for inside wing work & as we don't fit, we are chasing a qualified fellow of a suitable size to do the inside wing work. It will cost, but not too much. Hoping for answer tomorrow.
Carlos from UPS is still really great, the way the project is working out is quite good, hopefully won't be any crane hire, just the cost of filling the UPS machine diesel tanks.

[Wingnuts]

The glory days, possibly the late 1990s

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/YV-485Cinglorydays_zps5a8a4a39.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/YV-485Cinglorydays_zps5a8a4a39.jpg.html)
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/a0dc3484-db78-4ff2-bde8-b9cda4577641_zps3a3ad009.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/a0dc3484-db78-4ff2-bde8-b9cda4577641_zps3a3ad009.jpg.html)

HISTORY
1940s , BuAer 48412, US Navy
Sept. 4, 1956, Registered as N10024 to Trade Ayer, Linden, NJ.
May 7, 1957-1959, Registered as N96R to Cole Brock Inc, PA
1959, Registered as YV-P-EPX to Remert Werner Inc, St. Louis.
Oct. 1959-1975, Registered to Orinoco Mining Co, Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela
July 1961, Registered as YV-P-EPZ. Subsequently, registration YV-56CP
was reserved but not taken up.
1975-1992, Registered as YV-O-CFO-4 to Corporacion Ferrominera de
Orinoco, Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela
27 Jan 1976, Damaged when it struck a sand bank. Repaired and returned to service.
March 1983 , Registered as YV- 485CP to Camnaronera del Sur CA
1989, Registered as YV- 485C to Italo Compagna
2000 Last Flight, San Juan, Puerto Rico
20 Sept 2004, Registered as N7238Z to Caribbean Airport Facilities Inc,
Carolina, PR
Jan 2005, For sale on eBay for US50,000 (heavy corrosion)
25 Feb 2013, Auctioned on eBay for US20,000 to Rathmines Catalina Park Trust, Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia

Rathmines Base, late 40s?
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/RathminesCatalinaBaseWWII_zpsbe0871ee.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/RathminesCatalinaBaseWWII_zpsbe0871ee.jpg.html)

After base closure, the last Catalina to depart was towed to Sydney. (Purchased by P. G. Taylor, aviator extraordinaire).
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/38a6a953-9775-4d03-aa18-8487851dbab7_zps105c2f12.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/38a6a953-9775-4d03-aa18-8487851dbab7_zps105c2f12.jpg.html)

[Wingnuts]

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/715db1e9-f333-4d6b-8106-353c8500fe2c_zps03306466.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/715db1e9-f333-4d6b-8106-353c8500fe2c_zps03306466.jpg.html)

[Capt Fathom]

I think you need one of these!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/07/Bird_Innovator_at_Albuquerque_1995.jpg/640px-Bird_Innovator_at_Albuquerque_1995.jpg

[Caboclo]

Wot in tarnation is that?!! Almost as weird as the Trislander.

[By George]

"Anorak ON".
That is a mod by a Dr Bird by adding two Lycoming GSO-480 piston engines. Known as a 'Bird Innovator'. Only one ever modified and later returned to stock standard. I think the wing and tail were modified too. Gave more range and speed but overall not a successful venture.
"Anorak OFF".
That picture might be Oakland in California. There is a Short Solent that belonged to Howard Hughes still there in the local Museum.

[Skystar320]

Isnt there one supposed to be operating / flying the swan river here in Perth if they get CASA approval?

[ozaggie]

I think it looks hot. (Where do you get them face thingy's from) thats what I eas really looking for!

[T28D]

Isnt there one supposed to be operating / flying the swan river here in Perth if they get CASA approval?

No it is a Grumman Albatross that is on the plan

[YPJT]

From what I have heard the Albatross is heading to Broome and a smaller aircraft is being proposed to the regulator for the swan river.

[Up-into-the-air]

N Number: 7238Z Last Action Date2012-04-17 Airworthiness Date Expiration Date2015-04-30 Manufacturer_NameCONSOLIDATED VULTEE Model NamePBY-5A Registrant NameCARIBBEAN AIRPORT FACILITES INC Street150 CARR SECTER CENTRAL STE 3 Registrant CityCAROLINA Registrant StatePR Registrant Zip Code00979 CountryPUERTO RICO RegionSouthern Registrant TypeCorporation Fract Owner Certificate Issue Date2004-09-20 StatusN-Number Assigned and Registered Serial Number1774 Aircraft TypeFixed wing multi engine Mode S Code52331071 Year Mfr Aircraft CategoryAmphibian Builder CertificationType Certificated Number Engines2 Number Seats4 Aircraft WeightCLASS 3 Aircraft Cruising Speed127 Airworthiness ClassificationUnknown Approved Operation Codes Engine Manufacturer Engine Model Name Engine TypeReciprocating Engine Horsepower/Thrust Fuel Consumed ------- History 1 ------- Last Action Date2007-09-18 Registrant NameCARIBBEAN AIRPORT FACILITES INC Street150 CARR SECTER CENTRAL STE 3 Registrant CityCAROLINA Registrant StatePR Registrant Zip Code00979 CountryPUERTO RICO RegionSouthern Registrant TypeCorporation Fract Owner Certificate Issue Date2004-09-20 StatusFirst Notice for Re- Registration/Renewal ------- History 2 ------- Last Action Date2004-09-20 Registrant NameCARIBBEAN AIRPORT FACILITES INC Street150 CARR SECTER CENTRAL STE 3 Registrant CityCAROLINA Registrant StatePR Registrant Zip Code00979 CountryPUERTO RICO RegionSouthern Registrant TypeCorporation Fract Owner Certificate Issue Date2004-09-20 StatusN-Number Assigned and Registered ------- History 3 ------- Last Action Date2004-05-27 Registrant NameREGISTRATION PENDING Street150 CARR SECTER CENTRAL STE 3 Registrant CityCAROLINA Registrant StatePR Registrant Zip Code00979 CountryPUERTO RICO RegionSouthern Registrant TypeIndividual Fract Owner Certificate Issue Date StatusRegistration pending ------- History 4 ------- Last Action Date2003-12-10 Registrant NameSERVES IMPORT INC Street8315 SW 41ST TER Registrant CityMIAMI Registrant StateFL Registrant Zip Code33155-4246 CountryUNITED STATES RegionSouthern Registrant TypeCorporation Fract Owner Certificate Issue Date1997-11-03 StatusA second attempt has been made at mailing a Triennial Aircraft Registration form with no response ------- History 5 ------- Last Action Date2003-11-18 Registrant NameSERVES IMPORT INC Street8315 SW 41ST TER Registrant CityMIAMI Registrant StateFL Registrant Zip Code33155-4246 CountryUNITED STATES RegionSouthern Registrant TypeCorporation Fract Owner Certificate Issue Date1997-11-03 StatusThe Triennial Aircraft Registration form was mailed and has not been returned by the Post Office ------- History 6 ------- Last Action Date2000-11-14 Registrant NameSERVES IMPORT INC Street8315 SW 41ST TER Registrant CityMIAMI Registrant StateFL Registrant Zip Code33155-4246 CountryUNITED STATES RegionSouthern Registrant TypeCorporation Fract Owner Certificate Issue Date1997-11-03 StatusThe Triennial Aircraft Registration form was mailed and has not been returned by the Post Office ***** No Deregistered Data Found ***** ***** No Reserved Data Found *****

Also on: PBY-5A | Assistance to the Aviation Industry (http://vocasupport.com/?page_id=1888)

[Volumex]

Thank goodness you edited that - otherwise it would have been darn hard to read.

[Capt Fathom]

What was that jibberish all about? It hurts my eyes just looking at it!

[RenegadeMan]

Don't ask me what has possessed me to do this (and I really don't have time but it's been useful for procrastinating on other tasks needing to be done). But here is the data you've posted 'Up-into-the-air' all sorted into something readable. :8

N Number: 7238Z
Last Action Date: 2012-04-17
Airworthiness Date:
Expiration Date: 2015-04-30
Manufacturer Name: CONSOLIDATED VULTEE
Model Name: PBY-5A
Registrant Name: CARIBBEAN AIRPORT FACILITES INC
Street: 150 CARR SECTER CENTRAL STE 3
Registrant City: CAROLINA
Registrant State: PR
Registrant Zip Code: 00979
Country: PUERTO RICO
Region: Southern
Registrant Type: Corporation Fract Owner
Certificate Issue Date: 2004-09-20
Status: N-Number Assigned and Registered
Serial Number: 1774
Aircraft Type: Fixed wing multi engine
Mode S Code: 52331071
Year Mfr:
Aircraft Category: Amphibian
Builder:
Certification: Type Certificated
Number Engines: 2
Number Seats: 4
Aircraft Weight: CLASS 3
Aircraft Cruising Speed: 127
Airworthiness Classification: Unknown
Approved Operation Codes:
Engine Manufacturer:
Engine Model Name:
Engine Type: Reciprocating
Engine Horsepower/Thrust:
Fuel Consumed
------- History 1 -------
Last Action Date: 2007-09-18
Registrant Name: CARIBBEAN AIRPORT FACILITES INC
Street: 150 CARR SECTER CENTRAL STE 3
Registrant City: CAROLINA
Registrant State: PR
Registrant Zip Code: 00979
Country: PUERTO RICO
Region: Southern
Registrant Type: Corporation Fract Owner
Certificate Issue Date: 2004-09-20
Status: First Notice for Re-Registration/Renewal
------- History 2 -------
Last Action Date: 2004-09-20
Registrant Name: CARIBBEAN AIRPORT FACILITES INC
Street: 150 CARR SECTER CENTRAL STE 3
Registrant City: CAROLINA
Registrant State: PR
Registrant Zip Code: 00979
Country: PUERTO RICO
Region: Southern
Registrant Type: Corporation Fract Owner
Certificate Issue Date: 2004-09-20
Status: N-Number Assigned and Registered
------- History 3 -------
Last Action Date: 2004-05-27
Registrant Name: REGISTRATION PENDING
Street: 150 CARR SECTER CENTRAL STE 3
Registrant City: CAROLINA
Registrant State: PR
Registrant Zip Code: 00979
Country: PUERTO RICO
Region: Southern
Registrant Type: Individual Fract Owner
Certificate Issue Date:
Status: Registration pending
------- History 4 -------
Last Action Date: 2003-12-10
Registrant Name: SERVES IMPORT INC
Street: 8315 SW 41ST TER
Registrant City: MIAMI
Registrant State: FL
Registrant Zip Code: 33155-4246
Country: UNITED STATES
Region: Southern
Registrant Type: Corporation Fract Owner
Certificate Issue Date: 1997-11-03
Status: A second attempt has been made at mailing a Triennial Aircraft Registration form with no response
------- History 5 -------
Last Action Date: 2003-11-18
Registrant Name: SERVES IMPORT INC
Street: 8315 SW 41ST TER
Registrant City: MIAMI
Registrant State: FL
Registrant Zip Code: 33155-4246
Country: UNITED STATES
Region: Southern
Registrant Type: Corporation Fract Owner
Certificate Issue Date: 1997-11-03
Status: The Triennial Aircraft Registration form was mailed and has not been returned by the Post Office
------- History 6 -------
Last Action Date: 2000-11-14
Registrant Name: SERVES IMPORT INC
Street: 8315 SW 41ST TER
Registrant City: MIAMI
Registrant State: FL
Registrant Zip Code: 33155-4246
Country: UNITED STATES
Region: Southern
Registrant Type: Corporation Fract Owner
Certificate Issue Date: 1997-11-03
Status: The Triennial Aircraft Registration form was mailed and has not been returned by the Post Office
***** No Deregistered Data Found *****
***** No Reserved Data Found *****

[Wingnuts]

Shipping of Cat has stalled due to a shortfall in funds. Any donations to get her to Australia would be greatly appreciated.

Banking details are:
account # 282206073 BSB # 012842 A/C name: The Rathmines Memorial Park Trust Gift Fund.

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/WingCenterSectreadytoship_zps516156fe.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/WingCenterSectreadytoship_zps516156fe.jpg.html)

Meanwhile, for a classic Catalina video, go here:
SPECTACULAR WATER PLANE (CATALINA) NEARLY CUTS FISHERMENS HEADS OFF - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=_53_pRsz0Es)

[LowNSlow]

$50 sent from the UK to get the ball rolling. Good luck with the collection:ok:

[LowNSlow]

How's the collection going?

[Dick Smith]

Fascinating. Has someone gone ahead with the purchase and the announcement without even the money to get it to Australia? What were they thinking?

Surely a Newcastle business can come up with the loot required

Sounds like VH CAT where the volunteer pilots credit card had to be used for fuel to ferry it to Australa- and now it appears to be sitting in the open and corroding at Bankstown - due to not enough money being available to support two operating Cats in Australia . At least New Zealand was astute and decided how many Cats they cold afford and cut their cloth accordingly .

[Fris B. Fairing]

Fascinating. Has someone gone ahead with the purchase and the announcement without even the money to get it to Australia? What were they thinking?

Dick, probably not your ideal business model but that's how a lot of historic aircraft get saved for static display by well-meaning groups and individuals.

Here's another one:

QUEENSLAND AIR MUSEUM - DOUGLAS DC-6 VH-BPG (http://www.qam.com.au/aircraft/dc-6/default.htm)

Rgds

[Wingnuts]

Tail assy and engines have arrived at Lake Macquarie.

The 14 cylinder engs have front mounted magnetos, which suggests they are Pratt & Whitney 1830-74s, very rare, perhaps the fore runner to the R2000.



http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/0f89747b-083b-4dfd-9fac-ad370dfbb954_zps96bcc6ab.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/0f89747b-083b-4dfd-9fac-ad370dfbb954_zps96bcc6ab.jpg.html)

Fuselage and wings soon to follow.

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/809c4cf5-7ce4-450b-a91c-c4a5a23d7119_zps3129a226.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/809c4cf5-7ce4-450b-a91c-c4a5a23d7119_zps3129a226.jpg.html)

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/28e97474-2a20-4832-90e2-e9328a6a24e0_zpscf16dad6.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/28e97474-2a20-4832-90e2-e9328a6a24e0_zpscf16dad6.jpg.html)

[RenegadeMan]

Sounds like VH CAT where the volunteer pilots credit card had to be used for fuel to ferry it to Australa- and now it appears to be sitting in the open and corroding at Bankstown - due to not enough money being available to support two operating Cats in Australia . At least New Zealand was astute and decided how many Cats they cold afford and cut their cloth accordingly

Dick, with Neville Kennard's passing the number of astute and sensible people involved with VH-CAT is now zero. Anyone who was even remotely living in the real world and had the most basic level of common sense has long since abandoned the project as the notions and beliefs the main personnel who are supposedly running it hold about how it's going to be based at Rathmines, take 14 or so passengers flying on 'adventure flights' and taxi in and out of the salt water of Lake Macquarie many times each weekend yet still be a sustainable and viable proposition are just so silly and far fetched it's all a bit ludicrous. There are numerous problems with finances within the organisation too and little clarity on what's happened with the money that's been raised so far and what's actually needed (funds and work) to get the aircraft airworthy.

There are however a few very diligent and earnest volunteers working on the aircraft every weekend at Bankstown, but a quick conversation with them at any time indicates that the 'management' (and one could only use that term in the loosest of loose ways) don't seem to have any real plan for how the overall objective of restoring VH-CAT to flight and facilitating any sort of sustainable operation can be achieved. All-in-all a pretty sad situation.

[Wingnuts]

From Puerto Rico on barge to Jacksonville, Florida, about 2000kms to the north.

Then, road to Savannah, Georgia, a further 500kms north.

Expects to depart Savannah for Sydney on Feb 2.

Presently in Jacksonville.
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/JacksonvilleFlorida_zps9db83bb9.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/JacksonvilleFlorida_zps9db83bb9.jpg.html)

No doubt she's picked up a bit of salt along the way, but hopefully, the occasional rain shower will wash her down.

June 2014. Finally at Lake Macquarie and restoration begins.
http://i58.tinypic.com/rku2r5.jpg
http://i59.tinypic.com/2nvrmo2.jpg

[equilibrium2212]

Yes Dick, "they" went ahead as what "they" were thinking of was securing an increasingly rare PBY while the opportunity existed to aid in preserving the historical signficance of the WW11 Rathmines RAAF Base and honouring the memory of the personnel who served there.

Being the child of a of 11 Catalina Squadron crew member, I commend the dedication of what is now the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association Incorporated.

As such, I intend to do whatever I can to assist in the Association's goal of establishing an aviation museum, with emphasis on the PBY, Sunderland and other seaplances, with "Our Girl" as the static centrepiece.

And yes, it would be great if businesses, and not just those in the Newcastle/Hunter area, came on board with some finanical support for this unique project!

[TBM-Legend]

Well done to all thus far.:ok:

Don't forget the Martin Mariners, Dornier 24, Sikorsky Kingfishers and the Walrus operations from Rathmines:)

[Aussie Bob]

A great tale of Catalinas (http://www.vintagewings.ca/VintageNews/Stories/tabid/116/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/424/language/en-CA/Sweet-Dreams-and-Nightmares.aspx)

[Fantome]

FROM THIS . . . . .


http://www.vintagewings.ca/Portals/0/Vintage_Stories/News%20Stories%20H/Wet%20Dreams%20and%20Nightmares/LandseaireTitle2.jpg

. . . . to this. A sad and poignant tale indeed. (Thank you Aussie Bob for finding
and posting this saga.)

http://www.vintagewings.ca/Portals/0/Vintage_Stories/News%20Stories%20H/Wet%20Dreams%20and%20Nightmares/Lanseaire54.jpg



hasten to add - these are not the same Cats. You need to read the whole story by one Dave O'Malley.
(he denies any connection with the famous ships' cook, O'Malley, who didn't dilly dally . . .but whitewashed half the galley.)



The Catalinas in both instances were postwar conversions to a luxury flying yacht known as the Landseaire. One demonstrated the dreamlike glamour and recreational possibility of the flying yacht, while the other was a forlorn remnant, telling a story of one of those dreams wrecking on the shores of a hostile country.