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Post by davidd on May 2, 2020 14:48:29 GMT 12
As bomb trollies have already been mentioned on this thread, it is worth knowing that the RNZAF (or some keen civilian, or company) developed a uniquely local design of vehicle which was actually put into (presume very small scale) production in New Zealand. In July 1943 No. 1 (Islands) Group at Espiritu Santo (New Hebrides/Vanuatu) noted that the following types of "bomb trollies" were held by No. 9 Squadron only (Hudsons) at Pallikulo (Bomber I field): RAF Type "C", 2,000 pound capacity, quantity 6; NZ Tubular Type, 1,000 pound capacity, 7; Tricycle, American type, 2,000 pound capacity, 2. Incidentally I think that even unpowered bomb trollies were entitled to receive "MT" numbers, which was similar to policy regarding marine craft, which received "W" numbers regardless of status for all water craft. This even included unmanned flarepath dinghies, which were only about 4 or 5 feet long, with a large battery and a lamp on a pole, which were towed out and anchored as required to provide night-flying facilities at such stations as Hobsonville and Laucala Bay. However our most operational Catalina base, Halavo Bay in the Solomons, was not suited to night flying due to safety concerns about the proximity of coral heads in the alighting area. Some board members may also have seen photographs of RNZAF airmen toting 250 pound British GP bombs on wooden manual bomb carriers, offering them up to the likes of Vincents and Vildebeests, Gordons and Baffins, maybe even Oxfords. This type of loading was only possible with aircraft with clearance under the wings sufficient to give working room for the sweating airmen to complete the job. With Hudsons (I think) and definitely Venturas, Catalinas and Sunderlands, geared winches (installed in aircraft, often using hand-held geared manual winches which could plug into the aircraft's system, so still hard work for somebody). Avengers probably had a similar set-up. Perhaps somebody can locate the American "Tricycle type" trolley in a Military/Naval stores catalogue? David D
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Post by 30sqnatc on May 2, 2020 14:48:51 GMT 12
Yeah thats the one
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Post by thomasnz48 on May 3, 2020 13:52:39 GMT 12
Does anyone have pictures of RNZAF cranes used on the home bases?
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Post by 30sqnatc on May 3, 2020 14:07:05 GMT 12
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Post by 30sqnatc on May 3, 2020 14:34:51 GMT 12
By American "Tricycle type" trolley do you mean the M-1 Bomblift 3 wheeled cart that was moved and steered with a T-handle with a hydraulic platform that raises and lowers by operating foot levers. It was used to maneuver 100lb-2000lb bombs under aircraft? The 'NZ Tubular Type, 1,000 pound capacity', could this be one in front of the P-40s tail? nz3064 by tankienz, on Flickr
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Post by 30sqnatc on May 3, 2020 21:40:36 GMT 12
How about this Jeep at Emirau providing YMCA refreshments. Photo from the RNZAF Museum photo collection number PR4911. I think it is just a wooden box clipped onto the rear of the Jeep body and sitting on the two bumpers. What do you think? PR4911.t5ea5dc70.m600.xubGwdw-9 by tankienz, on Flickr
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Post by saratoga on May 3, 2020 22:44:21 GMT 12
Looks to be. The board on top looks to slide down as a tailgate, with slots for the taps. Maybe they only had the one cup?. Would be an opportunist time for a Japanese strafing run.. fuel tanker, bomb trolleys and distracted pers...
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Post by davidd on May 4, 2020 10:15:06 GMT 12
30sqnatc, Sorry, but I just cannot see that puny cart moving a one thousand pound bomb! And then the wheels would collapse. This shot was taken at Kukum Strip (Fighter II), Guadalcanal in about July 1943, and the NZ Kittyhawks were not used for bombing until early 1944, although possibly some trials underway towards end of 1943. That little cart looks like the sort of thing you might move a Tiger Moth (tailskid) around on, although that would probably require some sort of recess to retain the skid, which does not seem to be the case here. Actually there COULD be some sort of trolley under the Kittyhawk's tailwheel, but not convinced as to exactly what is going on there, looks like a toolbox there too, and I cannot conceive why they would need to lift the tail anyway, unless they have to take off the tailwheel. There is definitely something else there too, looks like a low cart with a wheel on the side. As to your suggestion re the American tricycle type, you may well be onto it, but can you provide an illustration of it? I have illustrations of some of the US Navy bomb handling trollies and skids - your M-3 Bomblift 3-wheel cart sounds like USAAF equipment. David D
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Post by 30sqnatc on May 5, 2020 19:02:22 GMT 12
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Post by davidd on May 5, 2020 19:18:51 GMT 12
I would say that this is almost certainly what they had at Espiritu Santo. As presumed, USAAF (any designation starting with an M, then a hyphen almost always turns out that way). Many thanks. David D
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Post by pjw4118 on May 9, 2020 16:24:58 GMT 12
I agree , they have pages of photos of ground vehicles and in places very few aeroplanes.
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Post by pjw4118 on May 10, 2020 13:02:59 GMT 12
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Post by 30sqnatc on Aug 14, 2021 14:48:43 GMT 12
This was recently posted on the MAPLE LEAF UP web site. 'Although not yet confirmed, it is believed that Torokina Parts & Equipment imported and sold the surplus N.Z. Army C8AX trucks, the trucks had served in the Solomon islands. Quite a number of the unusual ex-NZ army C8AX trucks have been found in Australia, mostly in rural N.S.W.' Restorers have also found trucks with MT numbers. Torokina by tankienz, on Flickr Torokina2 by tankienz, on Flickr
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