[Hoverbug]

Originally Posted by Ted in DC

The missing (or not?) nose turret gun does seem a little strange. The gun appears clearly in the pictures on the Tricatus website, yet does not appear in the pics on the Flying Mule's site. Perhaps in RL the crew could have removed it, but the aircraft looks a little naked without, like a sailing ship without a bowsprit...

I believe the Tricatus pic is a prepro (perhaps the same one on the box cover) rather than production, which probably accounts for the confusion. The old Flying Mule pictures also had the prepro with the gun. As I have yet to see a picture of a 2nd ERS OA-10 with a nose gun, I think Corgi have done this was one quite well (though maybe removing the ASV radar antenna was a mistake).

[Ted in DC]

Originally Posted by Hoverbug

I believe the Tricatus pic is a prepro (perhaps the same one on the box cover) rather than production, which probably accounts for the confusion. The old Flying Mule pictures also had the prepro with the gun. As I have yet to see a picture of a 2nd ERS OA-10 with a nose gun, I think Corgi have done this was one quite well (though maybe removing the ASV radar antenna was a mistake).

OK, that makes sense. No gun Sounds more historically accurate, and I'll get over the fact that the turret looks like it's missing something.
Thanks!

[mustangdriver]

Hey guys this aircraft is restored in the NMUSAF, and I found out that it at one time had a gun early on, but it was removed. "Snafu Snatchers" also never carried the Radar antenna. She also had been field modified to carry a 30 cal. in the rear lower hatch.

[stalag8611]

Originally Posted by 1948

I picked up a corgi catalina, snafu snatcher, and unlike the photo it has no front gunner or underwing bombs but is still a beauty.

My cousin is married a guy who was a pilot in the 2nd Emergency Rescue Squadron. I sent him pre-releae photos from Corgi and, after getting my "Snafu Snatcher" yesterday, I gave him a call. We had a great chat about the squadron, engagements, etc and I asked him about the MG in the nose turret. His answer: There was none. Reason: When they were on a SAR they almost always had fighter cover., Hence, no need for the MG. They did carry a30 cal in the blister, however. The Corgi box cover is wrong, the model is correct. This from a guy who was there. We need to get oral histories from vets like Bill. He's 85 and in frail physical health.

[Ted in DC]

Originally Posted by stalag8611

My cousin is married a guy who was a pilot in the 2nd Emergency Rescue Squadron. I sent him pre-releae photos from Corgi and, after getting my "Snafu Snatcher" yesterday, I gave him a call. We had a great chat about the squadron, engagements, etc and I asked him about the MG in the nose turret. His answer: There was none. Reason: When they were on a SAR they almost always had fighter cover., Hence, no need for the MG. They did carry a30 cal in the blister, however. The Corgi box cover is wrong, the model is correct. This from a guy who was there. We need to get oral histories from vets like Bill. He's 85 and in frail physical health.

Thanks, stalag8611, for the additional eyewitness information! I'll be sure to print out your post and stick it in the box with the model.

[planenuts]

Sorry, I'm a little late getting back in the game......I was kidnapped by monkeys a few weeks ago and was just able to escape today.


Is it just me, or is the Corgi PBY one of their best molds or what? This is my first Corgi PBY. I love my Snafu Snatchers It makes me want to buy more!

[mustangdriver]

I think it is one of their best molds. Hey P-nuts thanks for the info, I am actually going to talk to some of the museum officialls about why the real aircraft is displayed with a gun.

[planenuts]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

I think it is one of their best molds. Hey P-nuts thanks for the info, I am actually going to talk to some of the museum officialls about why the real aircraft is displayed with a gun.

Thanks for the credit mustangdriver, but it wasn't me.........but I'll still take the credit

[mustangdriver]

Sorry about that Stalag, I will let you know what the museum says.

[STARMAN 352ND]

I got my Snafu Catalina and it was very nice.
It's all wrapped up for Christmas for a family member.
It's worth getting too.
JP