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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: PT143 with searchlight
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?cid=101&fid=102&tid=5189



At some point, PT143 was fitted with a Sperry 60" searchlight. I searched the discussions and nothing came up, but I vaguely remember there was some a long time ago. Anyone have anything on this?

pfXIg.jpg




Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: Oct 25, 2022 - 7:29pm
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm



It looks like it was temporary, since the wheels are still on the generator, and the electrical cable not in conduit. Strange that it has torpedo's still on board, and the 37mm! Like to know what the thinking behind that experiment? Cheers, Dennis



Posted By: Stearman | Posted on: Oct 25, 2022 - 7:47pm
Total Posts: 150 | Joined: Nov 1, 2017 - 9:38pm



Wow:

pflhy.jpg




Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Oct 26, 2022 - 5:10am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am



Here's a thread on it, nol information on its purpose though: [url]http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?cid=101&fid=102&tid=4890[/url]



Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Oct 26, 2022 - 5:16am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am



Thanks, Jeff. Maybe Ted has more?




Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: Oct 26, 2022 - 6:49am
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm



You're welcome Al.



Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Oct 26, 2022 - 1:42pm
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am



Too weird! Just when you thought you'd seen everything....



Posted By: LkWashington | Posted on: Oct 26, 2022 - 1:48pm
Total Posts: 22 | Joined: Aug 3, 2022 - 11:56am



Al;
Nope I have not found anything yet to explain the purpose of this modification. I have yet to look at the RON 8 war diary, maybe something is in there. I would like to think this was done before or after Bill Skadeā€™s time on 143, because, since he left a nice collection of photos and info on his time on 143, he would have mentioned it. He was on 143 1944-1945.
Take care,
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Oct 28, 2022 - 10:39am
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



I agree with Ted, this must have been before Bill Skade reported aboard for duty. I have none of Skades' photos of the 143 that show this light. However, I do seem to remember something about mounting a searchlight on one of the Boats in RON22 for use in the Med? It may have been mentioned in the Squadron Diary? I will look and see if I can find something in there.

Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR

Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: Oct 28, 2022 - 1:15pm
Total Posts: 1469 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm



There's a little blurb about it in At Close Quarters.

[url]https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/CloseQuarters/PT-4.html[/url]

Apparently Lt. Farley had it installed to experiment with spotting barges.

I grabbed a screenshot of it, but I can't find the image button.



Posted By: Joe Reese | Posted on: Oct 28, 2022 - 8:49pm
Total Posts: 85 | Joined: Aug 2, 2022 - 11:02am



No luck.

From that link, above, it's the middle paragraph of pg. 244



Posted By: Joe Reese | Posted on: Oct 28, 2022 - 9:00pm
Total Posts: 85 | Joined: Aug 2, 2022 - 11:02am



Don't show Revell a photo of this boat. They'll make a model of it! [:-bigeyes2-:]


David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Oct 28, 2022 - 9:25pm
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



pf0EI.jpg

Figured it out.



Posted By: Joe Reese | Posted on: Oct 28, 2022 - 9:43pm
Total Posts: 85 | Joined: Aug 2, 2022 - 11:02am




Don't show Revell a photo of this boat. They'll make a model of it! [:-bigeyes2-:]


David Waples


We'll slip them a photoshop of a Vosper MTB with a forward field kitchen and a stern-mounted backhoe, and then just stand back and behold their handiwork.



Posted By: Joe Reese | Posted on: Oct 28, 2022 - 9:47pm
Total Posts: 85 | Joined: Aug 2, 2022 - 11:02am



LMAO, funny guys!

Excellent find Joe, thank you that explains the reason perfectly! [:-cheers-:]



Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Oct 29, 2022 - 4:57am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am