Images of Catalina on the move
As we reported on 23 August 2020 *), Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina - serial 16-212 -, owned by the “Nationaal Militair Museum” (NMM, National Military Museum) at Soesterberg (the Netherlands), moved to a new shelter. The amphibian was trucked to “Nationaal Transport Museum” (NTM) in Nieuw Vennep on 27 August 2020. Unfortunately Scramble Magazine was not present during the transportation of the Catalina, but thanks to the “Stichting Neptune Association” and their photographers we can show it anyhow. Thanks guys!
In the coming four years the restoration of this PBY will take place in the NTM as far more space is available there. On arrival in Nieuw Vennep, the Catalina fuselage had to be tilted somewhat to allow access to the museum building.
Volunteers of the “Stichting Neptune Association” will soon start the restoration of the Cat. The first step to take will be the removal of the covering of the control surfaces and the wing trailing edges. After thorough cleaning, inspection can take place followed by the necessary repairs. The wing trailing edges and control surfaces will then be reskinned, doped and painted. Next step will be the assembly of the noseturret, and making it rotatable again. The installation of a .50 gun in the noseturret is under consideration. The amphibians blisters will be repaired and at least one will be made operational to be opened. A second .50 gun will be installed in this blister.
Before placing the Catalina on display at the NTM, the external appearance of both engines will be a point of interest. Optional activities (but not decided yet) are the restoration of one of the floats to make it operationally retractable and the repairs of the blinds in the nose window.
*) News report 23 August 2020: Catalina on the move
Source and photos: Prudent Staal/“Stichting Neptune Association”, Henk Aschman, Peter Versteeg and Diederik Wurtz