Lest we forget

Hangar news

On 15 December we had our annual pre-Christmas lunch at the restoration hangar. This was an opportunity to thank our volunteers, enjoy a meal together, socialize with people we might not have seen in recent months, contemplate our achievements of the past 12 months and think about what we want to achieve in the coming year (and in this case the coming decade) and what we want to achieve in the hangar and museum. There was also the added bonus of the raffle, again organized by the marvellous Lil, with great prizes for those lucky enough to have their name drawn out of the box. The event went on until late afternoon … a sign of folks enjoying themselves and finding lots of things to discuss.

We currently have 32 hangar volunteers in regular attendance on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Sundays have a need for additional support staff to assist in hangar maintenance, tour guides and presenters. If you can assist, or know someone who may be interested for even 1 day a month, we would love to talk with you.

Museum precinct news

New technology again! This picture was taken by a drone operated by Glenn Maloney, one of our hangar volunteers.

It is planned that hangar 1 will be relocated to the top left-hand corner of the green patch behind hangar 2. This will allow A72-176 to be relocated, towed out and turned to face the Old Geelong Road so that planned system function checks can be carried out. An additional area of land has been allocated to the project and can be seen on the left-hand side of hangar 2 stretching back to the rear fence line of the green patch.

Geelong truck and steam show

On 11 and 12 January we made our annual pilgrimage to the Geelong Show Grounds led by Tony Muller and his trusty team of engine people and support staff. The P&W 1830 engine with its noise and smoke proved a popular attraction during its four starts over the two days. Additional attractions were demonstrations of the Norden bomb sight, the upper gun turret, the aircraft model sale and various books and artifacts.

Liberator, 2020 work plan

Repair work is continuing on the starboard forward fuselage distorted area, this consists of carefully de-riveting the affected panels in an endeavour to release some of the local stress induced in the internal structure.

Investigation and planning will continue on the task of removing the outer wings to allow the aircraft to exit the hangar during the move to hangar 1.

Another task in this area is to fit the nose wheel assembly and ensure the free rotation of this and the main wheels.

Oxford 2020 work plan

The painting of the wings and tailplane are due to be completed by the end of March. The centre section is progressing slowly but steadily as the drawing CD system unravels and the requirement for prints is clarified. Collection of the elevators, after covering, from Bacchus Marsh will occur this month.

We are continuing to look for one or two retired carpenters to assist us with advice and training.

Museum activities.

On 12 December a pre-arranged visit by Melbourne Water air quality hygienists occurred to test the air quality of our hangar (2) for airborne asbestos and other possible contaminants. The hangar has been declared clean. This is part of the initial preparation and testing that will occur during hangar 1’s planned move and restoration in its new location. In addition, an inspection of the hangar structure has occurred during the third week of February, this involved a scissor lift and free access throughout the hangar. Consequently, the hangar was closed to our volunteers and visitors during that week.

Just for information

One of our members, on visiting the hangar, commented that we included the results and attendance at events. He was concerned that our newsletter did not advertise that event and he missed the opportunity of attending. This is because our newsletter is a bi-monthly publication. For instance, if a car club books an event one week after distribution of the newsletter for that event to occur four weeks hence, the timing of the newsletter precludes notification of that event. If the time span allows, the event is included (see pre-ANZAC Day lunch).

Forthcoming events

On Monday, 23 March, commencing at 11.00am, a service will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne to raise our B-24 Liberator approved flag and to commemorate all those who served with Liberators.

This will become an annual event.

For Gabrielle

A teacher called to see a young girl’s mother about her school work. “I want to speak with your mother, dear,” said the teacher. “She ain’t here,” replied the girl. “Isn’t, not ain’t,” the teacher corrected her. “Where’s your grammar?” “She ain’t here either,” said the girl.

A French connection

We have received a request from a French gentleman, Monsieur Claude Bernard, enquiring if we have a photo of Liberator A72-133 for a project he is doing for an internet site in Japan. I have searched our archives and personal publications without success. If you have such a photo, we would appreciate a copy to pass on to our French friend.

A request was also received from CAF B29/B-24 Squadron, owner of B-24 “Diamond Lil” in the United States, to review our holdings for two serviceable or restorable undercarriage pivot fittings eventually to replace the ones fitted to their aircraft.

Not forgotten

Alan Archer and crew of Liberator A72-137 of 25 Squadron RAAF at Cunderdin WA, January 1945. 

L-R. “Junior” Dawson, Paul Thomas, Paul Mallard, “Snow” Picton, Ron Collins, Alan Archer, “Inkspot” Black, Norm Davis, Neville Lewis DFM, Dick Dennis, Keith Davy.

Just a blast from the past

There are still a few copies of Marcus Hill’s book “Sir, who won the war” available from the shop at a cost of $20.00.

This is a story about Gippsland in Victoria and how local individuals were affected by the changes WWII brought to their community.

Research and Development

3D created carburetor intake duct.

For a considerable amount of time we have been running our engines without a carburetor intake duct. We have searched for this item over a number of years without success. It is required to make starting easier with more throttle control available.

The original one consisted of a number of intricate aluminium pressings requiring jig assembly to allow accurate positioning for welding and spot welding to occur. After discussion with our sheet metal operator, it was agreed that this method was beyond our resources.

As we had successfully created a bomb release quadrant by employing methodology available via 3D printer to manufacture a metal working replica of that item, it was decided to use our knowledge and experience and attempt to create the carburetor duct.

The above creation is now ready to be trial fitted to one of our engines, adjustments made, if required then be used as a template for light metal castings.

It is considered possible that this may develop into a commercial activity after successful completion of the exercise.

President’s message

I hope 2020 has begun well for all our readers. We have had little ‘down time’ since 2019 at the B-24 Liberator restoration hangar and museum and are already well into the ‘swing of things’.

It is most gratifying to be planning the first of what will be an annual event at the Shrine of Remembrance on 23 March. Being able to hold a commemorative service there in honour of all who served with Liberators fulfills part of the mission of our founders, so this will be a very special occasion. Already we have a splendid - and very large - flag to be flown on the day from one of the flagpoles at the Shrine

We are also pleased to see that work is progressing toward the relocation and restoration of Hangar 1. Sub-contractors of Melbourne Water have been in contact with us about various aspects of this complex project. After many years of uncertainty about the fate of this large WWII hangar, it is wonderful that things are happening that will result in Hangar 1 becoming part of our museum precinct.

We hope that many of you will be able to join us for our annual pre-ANZAC Day luncheon at the hangar on Saturday 18 April 2020 at 11.30 am. With best wishes.

Lyn Gorman, President