Martin PBM 3/5 Mariner and SP-5B Marlin

[CANSO]

Yes the Royal Air Force did use the Martin PBM Mariner and the Consolidated PB2Y Coronado in the transport role.

RAF received 27 PBM-3's from types C, D and S (the latter fitted as a C-model). 6 awaiting delivery in Bermuda were returned to USA in December 1943. 8 more 3D were prepared, but never delivered. 1 a/c  JX101 crashed in Bermuda and was never delivered.


All in all these were 42 airplanes and 42 RAF serials (JX100 to JX141) have been assigned. 
3 of the 27 delivered a/cs became operational losses while in service with RAF. One PBM-3C (JX103) remained in the UK and was sold for scrap in 1947. Almost all returned 23 Mariners were converted to 3R (transports). The not delivered airplanes were assigned to rescue squadrons. None of the RAF PBM's were given to the RAAF - that' a mistake in one of the previous posts.
It is documented that 2 of the RAF Mariners JX110 (a 3C) and JX116 (a 3S) made several transport flights from Stranraer, seaplane base Wig Bay to Dorval (Quebec) during October 1944 for No.45 Group RAF.
All above information is from the IMHO best book about the PBM Mariner - "The Fighting Flying Boat" by Richard Hoffman.

[NARSES2]

Yes the Royal Air Force did use the Martin PBM Mariner and the Consolidated PB2Y Coronado in the transport role.

Re the Mariner ; Putnam's Aircraft of the RAF from 1918 simply says that "they were used between 20/10/43 to 7/12/43 by 524 sqd but not adopted for first line duties". Read into "first line duties" what you wish but they would normally say if used by any other units.

Re the Coronado ; Again Putnam's says" Ten delivered. Based briefly at Beaumaris and intended for Coastal Command. Eventually switched to Transport Command early in 1944 to operate with 231 Sqd. Flew freight services from Sep 44 between Montreal and Iceland and afterwards for passenger services between Newfoundland and Largs. Also operated between West Indies and Africa"

Chris

[PR19_Kit]

I bit the bullet and bought the Mach2 Martin PBM Mariner. It looks tiny compared to the Martin Marlin.

Hm, the Marlin is 100 ft long v the Mariner's 79 ft, but the Mariner is a foot wider in span at 118 ft.  The Marlin is taller at 32 ft v the Mariner's 27 ft. Not a lot in it really, except that the Marlin's massive radome and taller fin make it look larger.

[McColm]

Minicraft have brought out a retooled 1/72 Martin PBM 3/5 Mariner.
Whilst I work on building the Mach2 model. Sure the fit isn't great in places, especially the wings. The lower fuselage is a better fit. I've done away with the cockpit details and glued the canopy glazing straight on. I'll be raiding the spares box and using a moderate amount of filler/putty. I haven't decided on which version to go for yet.

[Captain Canada]

Great info Canso thanks for posting those pics as well !

[NARSES2]

Minicraft have brought out a retooled 1/72 Martin PBM 3/5 Mariner.
Whilst I work on building the Mach2 model. Sure the fit isn't great in places, especially the wings. The lower fuselage is a better fit. I've done away with the cockpit details and glued the canopy glazing straight on. I'll be raiding the spares box and using a moderate amount of filler/putty. I haven't decided on which version to go for yet.

Just a quickie, but if this is going to be a build thread can it go in the appropriate place ? Like to try and keep this area clear for discussions on types etc.

Happy to move the build parts to a new thread for you if that helps

Chris

[McColm]

I wonder if they used any Mariners during the Berlin Airlift?
  I know BOAC flew Short Sunderlands during WW2, so the same paint scheme could be applied to any Whiffer that intends to build the transport version.
Another possibility is a Gunship version early Vietnam War, equipped with miniguns similar to the AC-47 in gun layout.

[kitnut617]

None of the RAF PBM's were given to the RAAF - that' a mistake in one of the previous posts.

I think that was how I interpreted the info in the wiki article, it seemed to suggest that was what happened.

[PR19_Kit]

I wonder if they used any Mariners during the Berlin Airlift?

Not in the RW. The only flying boats used during the Airlift were RAF Sunderlands flying onto the Havelsee in West Berlin, just to the East of RAF Gatow. They carried salt as they were the only aircraft that were already proofed against salt corrosion.

[McColm]

Another idea could be based on the Mistel combinations with a fighter or mail plane on top of the fuselage.

[PR19_Kit]

Another idea could be based on the Mistel combinations with a fighter or mail plane on top of the fuselage.

It'd have been based on the Shorts Mayo Composite pairing, that pre-dated Mistels by some years.

[McColm]

Thanks Kit.
I've come up with the PBM-5S2T. It's a turboprop improved ASW with a rear MAD boom and under-wing searchlight for SAR missions. No guns fitted with the APS-20 radar above the fuselage.