In late October last year, crowds lined the waterfront at the ex-RAAF seaplane base at Rathmines, on the shores of Lake Maquarie near Newcastle, in eager anticipation of the arrival of the star attraction at the annual Rathmines Catalina Festival; the majestic black PBY-6A Catalina (registration VH-PBZ) from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) at Albion Park, Illawarra near Woolongong (see our report on that event HERE).
The Cat (also known as “Felix, after a wartime cartoon feline character which is also displayed on the aircraft’s nose) appeared in the distance but continued to the north-west and didn’t return. As became clear afterwards, the crew had experienced some problems with the No2 engine so, in the interests of safety, they elected to make a precautionary landing at Rutherford airport near Maitland. This marked the beginning of an extended stay at Rutherford for Felix as the team from HARS began the long and difficult task of changing the suspect engine on a large and historic warbird, a long way from home base.
Whilst it’s due to an unfortunate situation, having Felix at Rutherford has been a great chance for Newcastle and Hunter Valley locals to see the rare machine and, wherever possible, the crews have generously allowed visitors to get up close and have a good look at the old girl, including a rare glimpse of the cramped interior.
A look forward into the cockpit and nose turret area.
A better look at the “office”.
The crew area immediately behind the cockpit.
Looking rearward from the crew area seen above. Of particular interest is the flight engineer’s unusual position, located in the “mast” area, just below the wing, at the top of the photo.
The gunner’s compartment under the large, distinctive “blister” windows.
Looking forward from the gunner’s compartment, through a crew rest area, to the forward compartments and cockpit.
The flight engineer’s panel in the “mast” area below the wing. Not for the claustaphobic1
Whilst the Catalina has been a welcome visitor at Rutherford, it was not the best conditions for the storage of such a large and historic airframe, which is normally well looked after inside a large hangar at Albion Park (especially during an Australian Summer). So, after a magnificent effort by everyone at HARS, the engine was successfully replaced and, following test runs and system checks, Felix was ready to return home to Illawarra.
The crew prepares Felix for its flight home.
The new #2 engine.
Doing the water drains on a Catalina is a little more convoluted than on your average lightie. This is from the flight engineer’s position seen previously.
The job’s not finished until the paperwork is done.
Warming up the engines prior to departure.
Lined up for take-off.
The time finally came last weekend (Saturday 10th of February to be precise) for Felix and her crew to bid farewell to their temporary home in the Hunter Valley and make their way down the coast to Albion Park. As the crew got the large machine airborne after midday, I was lucky enough to be able to acompany them on the first stage of the trip to around the southern end of Lake Macquarie and get these photos. After passing by Sydney Harbour, Felix and her crew finally arrived home to Albion Park just after 2pm, to the delight of all involved.
A pass over Luskintyre before heading home.
Congratulations to everyone involved in what has been a huge effort to get the Catalina back into the air. A lot of time and effort has been put in by a lot of people, often in difficult conditions, to ensure that this rare and historic aircraft could make it home safely once again.
My sincere thanks to the team from HARS and Paul Bennet for the very rare opportunity to capture Felix in her element.
Motty.
Please click HERE to see the full gallery of images.
Wonderful photos and a great restoration effort
My Dad was a driver in a Catalina squadron at Rathmines etc and flew from Borneo to Perth in the blister once when on leave.He always spoke fondly of them.They are a remarkable and elegant aeroplanes.Long may they fly
Congratulations to the restoration team and the photographer.You made my day
Geoff Bell
Thank you very much for your kind words Geoff and we’re glad that the article and photos helped revive some fond memories of these great aircraft.
Cheers,
Motty.
Awesome! Love the photos!
Thank you very much Daniel.
Cheers,
Motty.
I have but one problem with all of these, I’m green with envy.
Marvelous shots of a rare bird. Well done.
Thank you very much John. Glad you enjoyed them.
As an ex-Catalina W/T flying in 43 squadron I am greatly impressed and envious of those who are ” caring for” Felix now. We are celebrating the Catalina during 2019 and bringing out a book of memorials to those 322 men who did not return. Keep an eye out for further announcements.
Of course we join at Rathmines for Anzac Day as usual. If you happen to have any personal information about the boys that were lost we would be glad to hear from you. My address is attached.
Wonderful photographs!
My father served as a navigator on Catalinas during WWII, so I think I can be excused for taking some time off the tedium of work to enjoy every one of them!
Thank you very much Robert. I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Cheers,
Motty.
A very interesting story of the work involved in getting this aircraft into working order again. My late father-in-law was Inspector of Air Safety in what was the Territory of Papua & New Guinea in the 1960’s, early 1970’s, based in Moresby. I was working there too. We often went for walks around Jackson’s ( with our dogs) and looked at a crashed and abandoned Catalina left to rust away at the end of the strip. Such a pity, George would say. I wonder if the remains are still there ? As an ex RAF Squadron Leader he had flown many different types of aircraft including most frequently the Vampire, but only as a passenger in a Catalina, an aircraft he spoke very highly of. He would have loved to see ‘Felix’. Thank you for your photo’s and words.
Thank you very much Trevor for your kind words and interesting information about your and your Father’s experiences. I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
Cheers,
Motty.