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monkey · 09-26-2012, 09:25 AM

I just Love older aircraft, this one just happens to be a boat... Thought I'd share. They were Amazing ! Along with their crews.

PT Boat 658 - The only functional, restored, PT boat left in the world! Operating out of Portland, Oregon.

1ciderdog · 09-26-2012, 09:54 AM

That's a good one. Thanks
Bob

monkey · 09-26-2012, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog

That's a good one. Thanks
Bob

You bet ! I was an A&P (airframe/powerplant) mech for several years on twin engine turbo props, but was always fascinated with radial engines. I never got to be near a big V engine, but at Spartan school of aeronautics in Tulsa, they had several old radial engines , a couple we could run on test stands. Then later, us mechanics would stop what we were doing in Memphis to watch what I remember as a Flying Tiger freighter come and go. A 4 engine radial aircraft,,, It would shake the ground,,, over all the jets... The PT, A boat with aircraft engines,,, what I wouldn't do just to walk on it,, much less take a ride.... Maybe someday,, what a great RV destination,,, in my mind...

BFlinn181 · 09-26-2012, 10:07 AM

As a kid in the '60s, I recall President Kennedy and his story of WWII on PT 109 created a lot of interest in PT boats. I lived aboard a boat in the Chesapeake and we cruised to the Jersey shore each summer. There were PT boats restored to use as tourist boats in South New Jersey. One was even painted pink. The sound of those engines is something I recall to this day and hear when restored aircraft fly overhead.

The video is quiet neat, would have liked to hear the engines though. Many of the ones in the '60s only ran on one or two engines due to fuel costs. Also, a little research shows that PT 658 isn't the only one left, PT 309 & PT 728 are restored and available for charter in NY. Here's a link to others. PT Boats, Inc.- PT Boat Trivia

monkey · 09-26-2012, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

As a kid in the '60s, I recall President Kennedy and his story of WWII on PT 109 created a lot of interest in PT boats. I lived aboard a boat in the Chesapeake and we cruised to the Jersey shore each summer. There were PT boats restored to use as tourist boats in South New Jersey. One was even painted pink. The sound of those engines is something I recall to this day and hear when restored aircraft fly overhead.

The video is quiet neat, would have liked to hear the engines though. Many of the ones in the '60s only ran on one or two engines due to fuel costs. Also, a little research shows that PT 658 isn't the only one left, PT 309 & PT 728 are restored and available for charter in NY. Here's a link to others. PT Boats, Inc.- PT Boat Trivia

Thanks Very much for the link ! I had just happened to find it a while back and thought those who restore old vanishing vehicles/boats/aircraft are very special indeed. War, although very bad,,, does sometimes bring out the best in people and engineering... Thanks again BFlinn.

BigSkyBob · 09-26-2012, 10:23 AM

Didn't John Wayne purchase and restore a PT boat?

1ciderdog · 09-26-2012, 10:34 AM

By my memory John Wayne's was not restored to original but converted to a pleasure craft.

monkey · 09-26-2012, 10:44 AM

Many were modified from what I can find... PT658 is restored to "original " running condition. Or they are "static " ... non-running museum pieces. Just thought it was interesting. Thanks for the extra info... Monkey

Steve N Sal · 09-26-2012, 10:57 AM

Thanks for sharing the link.

BFlinn181 · 09-26-2012, 11:06 AM

John Wayne's boat, the 'Wild Goose' was a wooden minesweeper. Link here:

John Wayne's boat gets historic designation | historic, boat, - News - The Orange County Register

JohnBoyToo · 09-26-2012, 11:23 AM

WOW !
Thanks for the link....

and how can we EVER repay the greatest generation !?!?!

BFlinn181 · 09-26-2012, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnBoyToo

WOW !
Thanks for the link....

and how can we EVER repay the greatest generation !?!?!

I think the best thing to honor those who sacrificed and served is to make sure we prevent it from ever needing to be done again. War is good business but a poor way to manage the world.