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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: Drop Tanks?
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Hi All,

Here's a photo of PT 463 that initially caught my attention because of the great photo of the inport head hanging on the stern (boat number strategically shifted to starboard to avoid any unintended offense).

But what caught my eye when filing the photo earlier this week, was what looks like a fighter size aviation drop tank in the starboard torp rack. If this is so, what an ingenious and effective way to add extra fuel (that can be easily dropped when needed). Was wondering if anyone had heard of other boats doing this. I've now found lots of refs to the 50 gal drums being used and rubber fuel bladders, but this method seems more effective and would seem to have application even today for long range insertion and extraction ops.

Any way, just wanted to share....

Andy

photo



Posted By: Andy Small | Posted on: Oct 11, 2014 - 9:59am
Total Posts: 259 | Joined: Nov 20, 2013 - 9:04pm



Great photo Andy! This would be a nice idea, for long "Admin" transits. PT 463 is a RON 31 boat, and the best source for this group is Tales of Tulagi by CDR Jack Searles. I don't remember reading about using drop tanks as an alternative to fuel bladders. RON 31 got out to the Phillipines in 1945 and was then sent to Okinawa. I do remember reading that one group made a small(VERY SMALL) runabout out of a drop tank, maybe this is it before conversion?
Take care,
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Oct 11, 2014 - 11:19am
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



I think it is a neat picture of the toilet on the stern.

Charlie

Posted By: 29navy | Posted on: Oct 11, 2014 - 1:39pm
Total Posts: 598 | Joined: Dec 28, 2006 - 3:02pm