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Topic: .30 CAL. & .50 CAL. GUN MOUNTS |
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Wayne Traxel
MASTER
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Posted on: Sep 30, 2018 - 10:08pm
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Hi Ted,
Yup, In addition to the three 77'er gunboat conversions the Argonne also converted three Ron 23 Higgins PT's 283,284 and 285 into gunboats in January & February of 1944. Following 283's loss in March, PT-282 was made into a gunboat.
Ron 16, PT's 221 and 223 also had a 40mm Bofor's mounts fore and aft. Have heard that Argonne was responsible for this conversion as well. But have also heard that this job was done in the states after these two boats returned from Aleutians.
When doing displays for the Wisconsin PT boaters yearly Bull Session in the early 90's one veteran mentioned that a gentleman named Al Piotter (sp) had a series pictures of one of these gunboat conversions. This was some years before my association with Wisconsin PT Boaters.
Wayne Traxel |
Total Posts: 248 | Joined:
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TED WALTHER |
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Oct 1, 2018 - 6:52am
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Wayne;
Yes I have seen photos of all. However, I have read that PT 221 forward 40MM was off the centerline, set to port a few feet. PT 223 looks to be on centerline.
PT 221 RON 16 1944.
PT 223 RON 16 1944.
PT 285 RON 23 1944. The forward 40MM is centerline and placed in front of the 2nd forecastle hatch.
Take care,
TED
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Wayne Traxel
MASTER
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Posted on: Oct 1, 2018 - 8:10am
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Hi Ted,
PT-223's 40mm is off set to Starboard from the centerline as well. Crew Quarters Hatch is open in on the port side of the gun mount in the photo.
On the Ron 23 Gunboats the 40's were on the centerline and in order to get access to the crew quarters the 40 mount had to be trained full port or starboard to gain access.
The arrangement Starboard side bow mounted 40 on 221 and 223 must have been a challenge for the the Ammunition Passer when firing to port side. But then they did have Ammunition racks fitted on the rear railings of the mount.
Wayne Traxel |
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TED WALTHER |
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Oct 1, 2018 - 4:47pm
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Wayne;
HA HA!! The gunners mates figured it out. I was thinking more about how 221 and 223 would probably steer to starboard, because of the 4400 lbs weight distribution.(4367 lbs for gun plus some 16 rounds or 4 clips).
Take care,
TED
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Grady
MASTER
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Posted on: Oct 2, 2018 - 8:14am
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