WW2 relic aircraft parts - Need help IDing them !

[Steve T]

Hi All

I have been recovering relics again from a USAAF airbase and have two items that I need help on.

The first I believe is from inside the carburetor of either a Allison or Merlin engine, just need help on IDing which one. (Only P38s and P51s were based at the old airfield where these items were recovered).



Nice number on the piece. Is it a part number or aircraft serial number ?



The other items was these the tubes, both made of aircraft alloy with a steel/iron clamp at one end. As you can see, they are 2 foot long. At first I thought they may have been 50cal barrel sleeves (blast tubes) but I can't match them to any from either a P51 or P38. Then I thought they could be from the engine compartment, (they were found tight next to the above mesh item), but again, cannot track them down to a Allison or Packard Merlin. Anybody know what they are off ? No markings visible on either, but there is the remains of yellow paint on both.



Close up of the 'clamped' end



Close up of other end



Also evidence of something being mounted here as there are 4 screw/bolt holes on both examples.



And they appear very well made. Not an amateurs attempt at making a tube at all, as you can see by the machining marks where the original sheet has been rolled and the ends crimped over.



Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Steve T

[Avro683]

The carb screen doesn't look like a merlin type to me?

[Dan4th]

It looks to me like something off the
TOP of one of the tail booms of a P-38
for the air intake(s) of the turbo(s)....

No size reference, though, so hard to
say.....

I would send a pic of that grillework to
one of the websites of P-38 operators!

They are good at answering Qs like this!

Danf.

[MOD]

You could try here. These guys have recovered a P-38.

http://aeroarchaeology.com/index.html


ibw

[Jigsaw]

I can't help I'm afraid but nice to see input from others as always.

Also, it is of course fitting that Ian should comment on a thread about WW2 relics

[MOD]

My grandad told me all about it.

ibw

[Jigsaw]

[Steve T]

Ok, tubes and mesh positively IDd

The mesh is from an Allison engine carb (P38 lightning) and the tubes are indeed 50cal barrel tubes (Blast tubes), from a P38 Lightning. Pictures showing tubes and mesh below......

In the second picture you can clearly see where the tube attaches to the MG and the clamp and groove seen in the examples I have

Turned out to be two of the best finds I've made for a while !!!!

[Jigsaw]

Great stuff mate and glad you found your answers

[MOD]

Thanks for the update Steve T I am glad you solved your ID problem.

ibw

[Dan4th]

Tell us about what you do, Steve.....

It sounds like a really good hobby!

And UK is certainly fertile ground for
finding relics like this, too!

I hope you'll keep us up to date with
your finds.......

Danf.