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The B-24 Liberator Memorial Australia's B-24M A76-172, the world's only surviving former RAAF Liberator, and the only B-24 in preservation south of the equator. The Museum has progressed well with the restoration, and will be holding an open house on May 5th at their hangar in Werribee, near Melbourne, Australia. (photo by Phil Buckley)
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Tucked away in a WWII vintage hangar in Werribee, near Melbourne, Australia is one of the vintage military aviation world’s most significant restoration projects, the sole-surviving former Royal Australian Air Force Consolidated Liberator. As we have reported, the volunteers at the B-24 Liberator Memorial Australia have been quietly toiling away for the past three decades to resurrect B-24M A72-176 (formerly USAAF 44-41956). As is so often the case with these efforts, they are working on a shoestring budget, but have managed an incredible feat to achieve what they have. The airframe is actually a composite, incorporating the fuselage of A72-176, which George Toye purchased as scrap from RAAF Sale in 1948 and the wings of B-24D 42-41091, recovered from a hulk in Papua, New Guinea during the early 1990s. The team is coming close to completing the restoration, and is also working on other airframes as well to keep their hard-earned restoration skills moving forwards.
On May 5th, between 10am and 2pm, the B-24 Liberator Memorial will be hosting an open house at their hangar, which is bound to be an excellent opportunity to get a close view of the Liberator, and to talk to those working on her restoration. For those around the world who would like to contribute to this significant restoration project, please click HERE. They really do need your help to get this important aircraft finished!
An overview of the Liberator’s forward fuselage with the mostly complete Emerson A-15 electric nose turret in place. (photo by Phil Buckley)
Another headon view of the B-24. (photo by Phil Buckley)
A closeup view of the cockpit and mid-upper gun turret. (photo by Phil Buckley)
A great view of the Liberator’s cockpit canopy. (photo by Phil Buckley)
The B-24 inside the hangar at Werribee. It’s clear to see that much progress has been made, although there is a significant amount remaining. (photo by Phil Buckley)
One of the B-24’s massive undercarriage legs undergoing rebuild. (photo by Phil Buckley)
The starboard main gear. (photo by Phil Buckley)
One of the engine QECs undergoing rebuild. (photo by Phil Buckley)
A view inside the Liberator’s cavernous interior. (photo by Phil Buckley)
Another fascinating view inside the Liberator’s fuselage. (photo by Phil Buckley)
Some of the many authenitc details which have been added to the fuselage interior. (photo by Phil Buckley)
Another view of the oxygen bottles on the fuselage interior. (photo by Phil Buckley)
A view inside the bomb bay illustrating the complex hydraulic lines which had to be restored for the aircraft. (photo by Phil Buckley)
A view inside the wing interior. The wing came from the crash site of a USAAF B-24D in Papua New Guinea. It is clear to see what material is original, and what has had to be replaced/patched. (photo by Phil Buckley)
The RAAF roundel on the B-24’s fuselage. (photo by Phil Buckley)
One of the aircraft manufacturer’s component data plates. (photo by Phil Buckley)
A view inside the still incomplete cockpit. (photo by Phil Buckley)
A closeup of the throttle quadrant in the cockpit. (photo by Phil Buckley)
A view inside the forward fuselage looking forwards to the bomb aimer’s position from the front wheel well. (photo by Phil Buckley)
Many, many thanks to our regular contributor Phil Buckley for informing us of the Open House event on May 5th, and of course for providing the photographs to illustrate the article.
Richard Mallory Allnutt's aviation passion ignited at the 1974 Farnborough Airshow. Raised in 1970s Britain, he was immersed in WWII aviation lore. Moving to Washington DC, he frequented the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, meeting aviation legends.
After grad school, Richard worked for Lockheed-Martin but stayed devoted to aviation, volunteering at museums and honing his photography skills. In 2013, he became the founding editor of Warbirds News, now Vintage Aviation News. With around 800 articles written, he focuses on supporting grassroots aviation groups.
Richard values the connections made in the aviation community and is proud to help grow Vintage Aviation News.
