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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: Higgins dead lites
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Hello,


Does anyone know if the Higgins PT's had dead lights on the deck? In the photos I have seen posted on the net, I haven't seen any dead lights.

I couldn't find any info elsewhere.

Thanks, Bill R

Bill P Reese

Posted By: billpr | Posted on: Apr 20, 2017 - 4:39pm
Total Posts: 83 | Joined: Mar 19, 2017 - 4:34pm



Yes There is one over each engine and one on the front of the engine hatch, They are above the engines at the center of gravity so they can be lifted.



Posted By: RANDY SMITH | Posted on: Apr 20, 2017 - 5:02pm
Total Posts: 182 | Joined: Jul 16, 2012 - 7:16pm



Hello Bill,
The PT658 has 4 deadlights. They are about 6 inches across and round. Brass Frame around glass. They are all mounted on the centerline. There is One in the Officers Head,(located just below the radar prop) One on the Engine Room Removable Hatch, One in the Aft Crews Head,(located just forward of the 40mm ammo box on the deck) and one in the Lazarette.(located just forward of the smoke generator canister on the deck) They are called Dead Lights because it does not need "Live" electrical power to allow light through the deck. The things Randy is referring to I believe are air scoops. The air scoops located over each outboard engine to allow lifting cables to install or remove engines. Anyway I took a photo so you can see an example of a Higgins Dead light. This is the one on the forward end of the removable engine hatch.

Hope this helps.

Jerry

[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/PT658%202014/Radar%20Prop%20and%20Deadlight.jpg[/image]

Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR

Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: Apr 21, 2017 - 2:26pm
Total Posts: 1469 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm



Hello,

Many thanks for the help on the dead lights. This of great help to me.

This is why I chose this site for help with my projects. You folks are just great! Wish I checked in with you much sooner. The war stories and the PT BOATERS are a rare breed to me. I met several people back home in Alabama some years ago, who serviced on PT's or serviced them on tenders. I also met Adm. Bulkeley's dentist from WW2. He had a signed TWE book

I hope many people help to keep the memory of the PT's alive for many years to come.

The only person in my family in the Navy in WW2 was my uncle Bobby Neff. He serviced on the USS Hornet carrier

Well enough said for now, smooth sailing,.

Bill Reese

Bill P Reese

Posted By: billpr | Posted on: Apr 21, 2017 - 3:07pm
Total Posts: 83 | Joined: Mar 19, 2017 - 4:34pm



Aft dead light over center engine
 photo thumbnail_IMG_1501.jpg

Port dead light
 photo thumbnail_IMG_1500.jpg

Starboard dead light

 photo thumbnail_IMG_1498.jpg

The front of engine hatch

 photo thumbnail_IMG_1499.jpg



Posted By: RANDY SMITH | Posted on: Apr 24, 2017 - 7:11am
Total Posts: 182 | Joined: Jul 16, 2012 - 7:16pm



Hello,


Thanks Jerry and Randy. The photos really help with the project I'm working on. On the Higgins web site at the U. of New Orleans, the deck showed several 7 1/4 inch holes around the deck. These look like the deadlights and location in your photos.

Once again many thanks. Let America always remember the PT's


Bill

Bill P Reese

Posted By: billpr | Posted on: Apr 24, 2017 - 5:43pm
Total Posts: 83 | Joined: Mar 19, 2017 - 4:34pm