Trawler picks up aircraft part

Just completed a quick part number search and 32f583 is a Support-Hydraulic Brake Hose, It is listed for a B-24A / Lb-30. With more time I can problebly link it to a B24D model but do not think it will be on any models after that as the part number is only three digits. As only the Main gear had brakes this could not be the nose strut.
32= B-24
F= fuselage drawing

Leg

It is one of the main undercarriage units and not the nose wheel, The two rusty parts on the axle are the brake drums (inner and outer), I stripped these apart on the IWM,s B-24 ‘Dugan’ and also the same drums are used on the B-17 main wheels
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AVANDIA LAWSUIT

Not sure if it helps, but this photo depicts an undercarriage leg from RAF Liberator BZ802, which crashed near Castletownbere in Co. Cork on 27 August 1943. I took the photo at the site in 1983 and believed it to be a main gear leg rather than the nosegear one. I have to say that to me it looks less complex and less “modern” than the one dragged up this year.

Purely on visual examination of the photo ( did not realise it was that long ago S/F) I am of the opinion that it is from the nose wheel section. My B&W photo of the remains of Liberator FL989 from 59 Sqn. which crashed in Donegal 19 June 1944 compares with the two photos which I took three weeks after recovery by the trawler crew. I can confirm that “32” was stamped on the part. Photos and data submitted by the Irish AAIU inspectors was confirmed as being from a Liberator by the USAFM at Dayton.

B-24

Without a doubt B-24
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ShyRoxanne

Just from looking at the pics provided here I’d say it is 90% certain that it is Liberator or something very closely allied to it.

Moggy

I’m with Short Finals – doesnt look liberator to me, much more ‘modern’ in fact reminded me of Sunderland Beaching apparatus…

TT

Not sure if it helps, but this photo depicts an undercarriage leg from RAF Liberator BZ802, which crashed near Castletownbere in Co. Cork on 27 August 1943. I took the photo at the site in 1983 and believed it to be a main gear leg rather than the nosegear one. I have to say that to me it looks less complex and less “modern” than the one dragged up this year.

Looks like a liberator one to me saw some similar to that at the museum at flixton the other day.

Thanks for that Short Finals,
The area mentioned in the Irish Times article as I understand it was the operating area of the trawler and the skipper may not have been able to know exactly when he snagged it. Elliott Smock Whitley Project mentions that 32 is the ref for Liberators
Tony K

Here are a couple of links to walkround views of the B-24/LB-30, including some undercarriage views.

http://cybermodeler.com/aircraft/b-24/b-24_walkaround.shtml

http://cybermodeler.com/aircraft/b-24/images/caf_lb-30-09.jpg

While I see the resemblance, the apparent condition of the leg recovered does make me think this could be from a more modern type. There is very little corrosion or growth on the component – would something that had been on the seabed for 60 years look so fresh?

Tony – the position of recovery as reported in the Irish Times did not make sense to me – it could not have been SW of the Old Head of KInsale and at the same time SE of Hook Head!

It will be interesting to see what this turns out to be.

Wow..! If this is in such great shape I wonder what kind of shape the rest of the aircraft is in?

Thanks to all for your input. There was a Liberator lost 26 Feb 1944 PB4YA-1 63929 “R” VB105 Dunkswell by possibly Offz. Fritz Gilbert 3/ZG1 Ju88C at approx 49.48N 10.34W ( Thanks to Chris Goss “Bloody Biscay” ) would this be outside the orbit for this wreckage? It is possible that it may have come closer to the Irish Coast.
Tony K

Yes, almost definitely from a Lib. A US Navy one from Dunkeswell, perhaps?

Hey guys

32 is the prefix for Libs.

A trawler fishing off the South Coast of Ireland (Waterford) caught a part of an undercarriage in it’s nets. The number on the part is 32F583 can anyone identify the manufacturer or aircraft?
Tony K

No, the strut is too small…as well as the wheel size…for a B-17…..maybe a nose strut from a Connie?

M

B17

Is that brake drums or twin wheel hubs ?

This photograph appeared in the Irish Times of the undercarriage leg, any ideas?
Tony K