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Topic: REPLICA 80 foot ELCO UNDER CONSTRUCTION |
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Jeff D
Moderator
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 Posted on: Jan 27, 2018 - 6:23am
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For the last few years a gentleman from Down Under, Paul McCamley, has been quietly building a replica of PT 109 at his home. Mostly by himself. When he first contacted me I was skeptical but he has since amazed me with his resolve and ability to get things done. Here is a message from Paul and some photos of his progress:
Paul McCamley, retired auto mechanic in Brisbane Australia, grew up with admiration for the greatest American President in my lifetime.....John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
Sadly, 22 November, 1963 saw this great era in the USA come to a tragic end.
I believe Australia owes it's freedom to the many, many Americans who sacrificed so much in WW2.
The construction of this vessel is a tribute not just to JFK, but to all those brave men and women of the American Military.
Please, always stand for the flag.
Pension checks don't stretch far, but the ELCO 109 project started late 2014, regardless.
Two Caterpillar 3412e V12 twin turbo 1500hp marine power plants with twin Disc 5202sc gearboxes purchased.
Budget considerations require all components to be sourced / fabricated before the hull can be started.
All components are now ready for hull CAD / CAM fabrication to begin.
Trying to build a replica vessel by one retired mechanic that initially required the resources and budget of the United States Navy and teams of hundreds of skilled craftsmen is a daunting challenge.
Jeff Davidson and David Waples have been the guiding inspiration in this project.
There are thousands of design and engineering challenges in this build.
I hope I am up to the challenge.
I do not want to die wondering.
Warmest regards,
Paul McCamley
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bubbletop409
MASTER
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Posted on: Jan 27, 2018 - 10:42am
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That is a very ambitious project and I wish the gentleman great success. One thought about his choice of building materials, the use of what appears to be stainless steel for large components will add much additional topside weight.
Larry
62 Bel-Air
260 Eagle EXP
79 Cole TR-2
2016 Corvette Z51 |
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Jeff D
Moderator
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Posted on: Jan 27, 2018 - 12:16pm
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It's aluminum except for the exhaust which is indeed stainless so it should be OK.
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rickas
New Member
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Posted on: Jan 27, 2018 - 1:27pm
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One man with a dream can move a mountain! Best wishes to Mr McCamley in this endeavor.
Rick Schaefer
Splinter PT 63 108
TM2c John E Mirus
Solomon Islands
Dec 43 - Jan 45 |
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Stearman
MASTER
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Posted on: Jan 27, 2018 - 8:34pm
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Wow, just wow! How many of us have had this dream, and now, here is a man living the dream. My hats off to him!
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TED WALTHER |
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Jan 29, 2018 - 6:11am
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Bravo Zulu !! and all aluminum too! WOW!
Good Luck and keep charging!
TED
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Frank Andruss
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Jan 31, 2018 - 6:50am
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Such an undertaking. It just proves that when you believe in something so strongly it can be done. From what I see so far, this looks really awesome. Aluminum components how great is that. All the best sir in this project of love.
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29navy
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Jan 31, 2018 - 8:55am
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Interesting looking propellers.
Charlie |
Total Posts: 611 | Joined:
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mcgovern61
New Member
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Posted on: Jan 31, 2018 - 12:56pm
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Those are high surface high speed props for sure!
Former crew member of the Big Blue Sightseer ex-PT 486 |
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Drew Cook
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Jan 31, 2018 - 4:25pm
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Looks great! Good luck, Mr. McCamley...
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