Mid-Atlantic Museum P-61B Black Widow – 16.11.15

During a visit to MAAM on 23 November, there was a B-29 turret on the floor next to the P-61 project.

Sounds like good progress.

So it was the same turret as a B-29, (presumably with an extra fairing added) – that should widen the scope for finding one.

During a visit to MAAM on 23 November, there was a B-29 turret on the floor next to the P-61 project.

So it was the same turret as a B-29, (presumably with an extra fairing added) – that should widen the scope for finding one.

Again, ask the Chinese nicely…… 😀

Ken

Plus the two that Setter reported…..

http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?31334-Black-widow-went-to-Europe

What is that thread all about? Does it reference an earlier thread?

Plus the two that Setter reported…..

http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?31334-Black-widow-went-to-Europe

Last sighted by TIGHAR. So they DEFINITELY exist.

:highly_amused: :highly_amused: :stupid:

Yes on the former. Here’s a bit from Northrup’s Night Hunter by author Jeff Kolln:

All P-61s were equipped to receive a turret and gunner’s seat, and electric mount ring, all amplifiers, inverters, and wiring were installed …there was still great demand for the turrets on the B-29 bomber. The idea was to ship the turrets to field depots for installation when available in sufficient quantity.

So it was the same turret as a B-29, (presumably with an extra fairing added) – that should widen the scope for finding one.

Were the early P61Bs built with the turret ring in situ but no turret fitted because of production delays (with the resulting turret aperture skinned over) – or was the structure completely different? It seems clear that the necessary support structure for the turret has been incorporated into the rebuilt crew pod

Yes on the former. Here’s a bit from Northrup’s Night Hunter by author Jeff Kolln:

All P-61s were equipped to receive a turret and gunner’s seat, and electric mount ring, all amplifiers, inverters, and wiring were installed …there was still great demand for the turrets on the B-29 bomber. The idea was to ship the turrets to field depots for installation when available in sufficient quantity.

Is he still at the dock I wonder?

• NMUSAF
• Beijing
• NASM Uzvar-Hady
• MAAM

Plus the two that Setter reported…..

http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?31334-Black-widow-went-to-Europe

Here’s a clearer pic of said P-61 as found on Mt Cyclops, looking forward from the radar observer’s station in the back to just being able to make out the top of the gunner’s canopy (or what’s left of it) in the front. No turret. No cavity. Just intact, alumin(i)um skin.

Were the early P61Bs built with the turret ring in situ but no turret fitted because of production delays (with the resulting turret aperture skinned over) – or was the structure completely different? It seems clear that the necessary support structure for the turret has been incorporated into the rebuilt crew pod

I am no P61 expert, and as such happy to be corrected, but reading their website it would suggest a dorsal turret is accurate for this airframe –

“The next variant, the P-61B, made further improvements to the A model, including a provision for drop tanks, as seen below. The first two hundred of the 450 built did not have a top turret.”

So as the 232nd built it falls in the “with” turret batch.

All that aside though, a very impressive restoration.

Jon

I know you’re only trying to help, Jon. But–simply put–someone at MAAM doesn’t have the facts straight.

Here’s a clearer pic of said P-61 as found on Mt Cyclops, looking forward from the radar observer’s station in the back to just being able to make out the top of the gunner’s canopy (or what’s left of it) in the front. No turret. No cavity. Just intact, alumin(i)um skin.

http://themanshed.cc/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/p61_60.jpg

Yes, I can guess why Mr. Strine wishes to install a top turret. I’m hopeful the restoration doesn’t stagnate for lack of one.

I am no P61 expert, and as such happy to be corrected, but reading their website it would suggest a dorsal turret is accurate for this airframe –

“The next variant, the P-61B, made further improvements to the A model, including a provision for drop tanks, as seen below. The first two hundred of the 450 built did not have a top turret.”

So as the 232nd built it falls in the “with” turret batch.

All that aside though, a very impressive restoration.

Jon

Or paintings TT Mosquito in combat colours…or putting a Daimler Benz engine in a Buchon…

^^ A bit like painting shark mouths on Pacific combat veteran P-40s…

I wonder why Mr. Strine wishes to convert her into something less authentic? Has he ever stated why?

Just a guess, because it is identified with the type. Almost a trademark.

…They are still on the lookout for an upper turret. Regards Taff Evans.

As a P-61B-1-NO, 42-39445 never had a dorsal turret insalled.

http://www.maam.org/p61/images/MAAM-001_low.jpg

I wonder why Mr. Strine wishes to convert her into something less authentic? Has he ever stated why?

And they are going to fly this one.yikes .

Why ‘yikes’?

Flying is what aircraft are for.

Moggy

About a year or so ago they held a Kickstarter fund raiser (I bought a T-shirt) to pay for billets, to get machined in to spars.
Their web site shows significant progress, with ribs complete and more.

This has been one of the longest and most ambitious projects ever. She’s going to be a real beauty!
I’ve been following this project since it was still in the jungle and will be thrilled to see it fly.

Andy

What an amazing and complex project. I wonder how far they have got with the wings?

Um..it’s a P-61!!?? Three in existence and that’s it.

the An-225 this is one type that I’d dearly love to see flying!

You should have been in Worksop last week……………….