Consolidated B-24 Liberator / PB4Y-2 Privateer

[Chris Kennedy]

This aircraft looks like a true frankenbird.  The fuselage and "Greenhouse" forward of the wing spar looks like it came from a B-24A Liberator.  The wing looks like a B-24/PB-4Y wing.  The after fuselage and tail look like that of the PB-4Y minus the waste tubs for the observers/gunners (you can see where they were removed under the white paint.  The engine nacelles look like they came from a C-47 or possibly a C-54.   The engine nacelles on the B-24s and the PB-4Ys were oval shape, flattened on the top and bottom.  This example has round nacelles with a ram scoop on the top.  The Liberators and Privateers air vents were on each side of the nacelle (check the nacelles in the photo of Witchcraft).  It may be the angle of the photo, but it looks shorter than the Privateers I've seen (photos and museum pieces).  Frankenbird or not.  This is a cool airplane and the shots of it are superb.

The -2 Privateer had round nacelles, but not the same as these. Also, this is a former Coast Guard plane and they apparently used this type of nose and flat waist windows (I think they're just painted over on this plane. This picture from Wikipedia is a sister ship to this one (66306 where this one is 66302).

[Chris Kennedy]

Good picture. Obviously, the CG didn't need the nose turret, so they replaced the nose. Same with the side bubbles.

From what I have read, the reason for the oval nacelles on the B-24 was to accommodate the superchargers. Since the Privateer didn't need to fly at high altitudes, it didn't have them. I think you are right that the fire bomber guys changed the engines to ones from a C-54 or similar though. Probably easier to get those.

[wingsnstuff]

Regardless of its makeup the plane is great looking and the photos really show it off.  Are you going to be in San Diego for the Centennial of Naval Aviation?  If so, I hope to see you there.

[Chris Kennedy]

Regardless of its makeup the plane is great looking and the photos really show it off.  Are you going to be in San Diego for the Centennial of Naval Aviation?  If so, I hope to see you there.

No, I won't be able to make it.

[wingsnstuff]

Chris,  I had a chance to speak to one of the flight crew of the PB-4Y while I was at the Centennial of Naval Aviation event in San Diego.  The PB-4Y was there on static display.  He revealed some interesting background regarding the composition of the PB-4Y airframe.   The nacelles and engines came from B-25s.  There were no B-24 or PB-4Y engines left/available within reasonable cost.  He said the B-25 engines were relative cheap by comparison to other alternatives so they were tested and certified for use on the PB-4Y.  The props are B-26 props, recertified for use on the B-25 engines.  The forward fuselage is the same as B-24A.  He said the PB-4Ys are larger than the B-24s.  Consolidated increased the fuselage by seven feet for the PB-4Y variant.  After getting the answer about the nacelles and engines I looked at a photo of Maid in the Shade and noticed that its nacelles look the same as those on the PB-4Y. 

[Chris Kennedy]

That's very interesting, Vance. Thanks for the update. I figured it must have been a decision based on cost. Those fire bomber guys tend to do whatever is cheapest, and it was used for that purpose for a long time. It did give them a considerable increase in power though. According to Jane's, the Privateer came with 1,200 hp engines and the B-25 had 1,700 hp ones. They may be de-rated though.

[Brian Lockett]

Consolidated B-24J Liberator N224J Witchcraft arriving at Deer Valley this afternoon:





I have more photos of Witchcraft on display on my web site at Air-and-Space.com

[Jim Endrud]

A couple of my shots from this afternoons arrival at Deer Valley.

[cpasley]

B-24J Liberator by Chris Pasley, on Flickr

B-24J Liberator by Chris Pasley, on Flickr

B-24J Liberator by Chris Pasley, on Flickr

[Brian Lockett]

Consolidated B-24J Liberator N224J Witchcraft made a revenue flight this morning:

Take-off from Runway 25 Left

On approach to land on Runway 25 Left



There are more photos of the Colings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour on my web site at Air-and-Space.com.

[Jeff D. Welker]

AUDRE

[cpasley]

I like this one, the colors are really wild

[Jeff D. Welker]

I like this one, the colors are really wild

Thanks Chris. Instead of going with a B&W conversion, I tried to use color to create a somewhat aged look like you see sometimes in old photos that were hand-painted.

[cpasley]

I was trying to think of what it resembled but thats it it looks as if it was painted, success

[Bubak]