Sun, Nov 08, 2020
Engine Change, In The Field, Proceeds Well
We're pleased to note that a story we did a few days appears to be heading towards a proper resolution.
Miss Pick Up is the name of one of the world's only airworthy PBY Catalina flying boats and is currently operated by Plane Sailing based in Duxford, Cambridge. They call themselves, "...a small team of dedicated volunteers who do it for the love of preserving this wonderful WWII flying boat."
Miss Pick Up ran into engine problems whilst operating on Loch Ness on Saturday, October 17th. RNLI Loch Ness helped them secure the aircraft following engine troubles and assisted in towing the aircraft to safety. After hopes for a simple fix were dashed, the massive warbird was pulled out of the water by crane and onto dry land -- through the assistance of funds raised online... Their funding target was just short of 30,000 pounds, and they have exceeded that number handily... and the work continues apace thanks to all those that chipped in.
A recent update was filed as the failed starboard engine came off, this past week.
'Once again the guys from Stoddart Crane Hire did a great job supporting our Chief Engineer Garry Short who ensured that the engine was carefully removed and put undercover. Ancillary equipment will now be taken from that engine and installed on our zero-time engine which has been brought up by road from Duxford. In due course, that engine will then be put onto the Catalina. Meanwhile, our GoFundMe target has been met for which we are truly grateful although costs still continue to rise.'
On Thursday, the PBY rescue crew added that, "Today was a good day taking off and transferring accessories from one engine to the other. Nearly everything in this attached photo (and this is just the back end of the damaged engine!) had to be removed, checked and fitted to the new engine and the team has made big inroads to this end. It’ll take another few days to complete this task and then we’ll plan to install the replacement engine; weather permitting. Fingers crossed!"
Quite a bit of work remains to get the Miss Pick Up back in the air... but we'll keep you apprised.
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