The PT Boat Forum
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ť Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboard.cgi?cid=101&fct=showf

ť Forum Name: PT Boats - General
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboard.cgi?fct=gotoforum&cid=101&fid=102

ť Topic: PT 694
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?cid=101&fid=102&tid=5191

I'm looking for photos of PT 694 when she was Howard Hugjhes' FLYING BOAT TENDER. I've drawn her as she would have looked in Soviet service, but would like to draw her as the tender. This is the only photo I have. It looks like there are a couple of large reels under tarps, but there are other structures aft. An overhead or side view would be very useful.

Thanks.

Al

Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: Nov 6, 2022 - 5:55am
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm

I have not had much luck. This image from reddit aviation looks like a Vosper. I can see what I think are the torpedo channels at the bow. I can't tell much of what is on the deck aft, though, or even if it's the 694. Do you know if Hughes only bought that one boat, or were there others it could be?

[image]https://external-preview.redd.it/IXyis_n9Ukt49txsyKK4ZSXzsTz96bwJN9pQvB0wcS4.jpg?auto=webp&s=b68aa9595d007d40ce5a2893ec34aba0e2193b7a[/image]

The first pic in this site may be of some use identifying deck items, and it looks like it is the Vosper.

https://www.vintag.es/2019/05/h-4-hercules.html

[image]https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-019TZeTY0sE/XNKJn1dv7pI/AAAAAAADgdY/ooDSqgfqb6MilJf6IHd-dm9639vLS3H3gCLcBGAs/s1600/h-4-hercules-1.jpg[/image]

And I believe it is again on the 9th pic

[image]https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEvbRxqaVgI/XNKJu6GkDmI/AAAAAAADgeU/m5V57DYOzA0HO7KMhbPrEZk1IaOwv0EuACLcBGAs/s1600/h-4-hercules-9.jpg[/image]

I found a few other variations of these pics, though none of them were as clear. Struck out so far with NARA, having trouble processing search parameters tonight, for some reason.

Posted By: Joe Reese | Posted on: Nov 6, 2022 - 5:26pm
Total Posts: 85 | Joined: Aug 2, 2022 - 11:02am

Thanks, Joe. These are very helpful.

Al Ross

Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: Nov 7, 2022 - 5:01am
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm

Found a nice, clear one on this reddit post:

[url]https://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/3atz90/68_years_ago_today_construction_was_completed_on/[/url]

Direct link:

[url]https://external-preview.redd.it/so406cjgeyBf9lt_93C-I2zLC3HXgvPa48eIUyZlj_Y.jpg?auto=webp&s=fe6dbce2c84f2c0571636465f6c6ce77e7d44849[/url]

Posted By: Joe Reese | Posted on: Nov 8, 2022 - 3:26pm
Total Posts: 85 | Joined: Aug 2, 2022 - 11:02am

Nice find Joe! You are an excellent researcher. I cropped it out to post here although the original has a much higher cool factor with that behemoth of an airplane included:

Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Nov 9, 2022 - 6:48am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am

Dr. Ross,

You are aware that PT 694 was eventually reconfigured to the "McHale's Navy" TV series' "PT 73," right?

I had Dick post a pretty good color photo capture of "PT 73" underway from the 1964 theatrical "McHale's Navy" film on the Forum some time ago.

Don't know if this helps you or not.

-- Drew

Posted By: Drew Cook | Posted on: Nov 9, 2022 - 9:37am
Total Posts: 1306 | Joined: Oct 19, 2006 - 10:44am

Thank you, Al and Jeff. I am really enjoying this, learning a lot.

Posted By: Joe Reese | Posted on: Nov 15, 2022 - 4:26pm
Total Posts: 85 | Joined: Aug 2, 2022 - 11:02am

A long time back, I had a photo of PT-694 after her PT-73 days, when the Mayor of Hawthorne, CA, owned her! Does anyone have that photo?

Posted By: Stearman | Posted on: Nov 16, 2022 - 8:24pm
Total Posts: 150 | Joined: Nov 1, 2017 - 9:38pm

Allegedly, this is PT-664, AKA Pt-73 while owned by Mayor Hal Crozer. Is it, I don't know? You would think his boat would be the talk of the marina, so lots of photos! Some where there has to be some photos, in a trunk or drawer! Cheers, Dennis

Posted By: Stearman | Posted on: Dec 14, 2022 - 10:09pm
Total Posts: 150 | Joined: Nov 1, 2017 - 9:38pm

[image]https://static.miraheze.org/pastportwiki/5/5b/PT_boat_stern_on.jpg[/image]

I found this today. More photos here: [url]https://pastport.org/wiki/The_Annapolis_Yacht_Yard[/url]

Posted By: IgorNSK | Posted on: Jan 8, 2023 - 3:27am
Total Posts: 53 | Joined: Jan 20, 2021 - 11:13am

JACKPOT!

Going to take a look around. Been looking for some interior pics of a Vosper. Thank you for posting this link!

Posted By: Joe Reese | Posted on: Jan 8, 2023 - 11:06am
Total Posts: 85 | Joined: Aug 2, 2022 - 11:02am