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While doing a little research for a modeler building PT 196, I got to looking at the drawings for the device commonly referred to as an auxiliary fuel tank. On the drawing, it is simply callled an appendage. There is no mention of fuel. The appendage is constructed of wood and its internal structure does not lend itself to serving as a fuel tank. It might be capable of holding fuel bladders, but the two hatches seem too small to efficiently handle them.

So, my question is, has anyone seen an official document that actually describes this object as a fuel tank?

[IMaGe]http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/alross2/billc_0001.jpg[/IMaGe]

Al

Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: Jan 19, 2012 - 4:38pm
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm

I only found one vague reference to fuel tank on the drawings Al. Check the title on drawing ELCO_Roll_5535-1_72SCAN_00252.pdf. It states "Lines and Offsets for Appendage Interior (?) Fuel Tank".

Our group project book "An Administrative History of PT Boats" shows a picture of the P.P.S. / appendage on page 94 but I can find no mention of it in the text. It is in the section describing the Elcoplane.

Now for everybody's favorite, wild conjecture. Judging by the title, what looks like a completely paneled interior, and quick release arrangement, a guess to its use would be an auxiliary fuel tank for long distance missions. Another guess (as to why no tank details) would be that they wanted to test the arrangement first before carrying it further.

Any idea of what P.P.S. stands for?

Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Jan 20, 2012 - 5:59am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am

Thanks, Jeff. I should have looked further into the drawings...[:-question-:]. Don't know what PPS stands for.

Al

Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: Jan 20, 2012 - 6:50am
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm