I am planning a diorama with a shot-up Corsair and a mechanic working on a replacement engine. Now before I decided to do this I already placed the kit engine in place and glued it on with the cowling. I thought about taking it off but I would probably look terrible. It's OK as I have a Verlinden Engine, but would it be possible for a unit to have spare engines ready to go if one of the engines on a bird was completely shot up?

Thanks
USMC0321

Sarge,

In real general terms, USMC/USN land-based squadron-level maintenance teams in the SWPA were probably going to have access to new engines either as on-hand stock or by Gooney Bird delivery as needed.

There's plenty of photos out there showing Marine and Navy ground crews doing field-level engine changes with everything from standard-issue frames and hoists to palm tree-trunk A-frames. Most new radials came in packing crates with internal cradles, with accessory packs mounted on the rear of the engines, but things like exhaust piping probably were not part of the crated engine pack.

If you have a friend who can locate it for you, Monogram's early-issue (1970's) P-61 Black Widow came with a great four-color leaflet by Shep Paine showing . . . . . . an in-the-field R-2800 engine change. Probably some good useful info in that if you can find one.

HTH

Hi there

I've seen plenty of period shots with replacement engines all ready in their packing cases- both allied and axis.

Units wouldn't wait until an engine was shot before ordering a replacement or they'd be out of action for days... it took long enough to re-plumb most engines even when the spare was ready!

Looking forward to some pics of the diorama... should be good!

All the best

Rowan

Thanks guys,
Thats just the info I am looking for.....

USMC0321