1965 thunderbird

Thanks Dave!!
Really looking forward to your package!!
I would like to take some of it with me to the OFF meeting, I have been putting together a binder with some info of this boat to share with everybody.
thanks again!

seeroy

Jim - It was an absolute pleasure and honor to meet you at CRA/OFF 2014. I only wish we had more time to talk. Head up and keep moving forward....OH, and keep the blue side up.

My Very Best Regards - Steve Sirois

copper kettle

[attach=config]533444[/attach][attach=config]533445[/attach]

Here's two photos of your boat back in the day, Jim.

-John at Riggs Marine Service

h2oboater

Just a little off topic but this Magnum was for sale from back in the day that was also turbine powered. I was able to talk to Steve Sirois @ OFF about this boat as his brother Bill worked on this & gave some insight on this one. I wonder where this one is today & what setup did it have ????

1965 thunderbird

Steve
I really enjoyed seeing everybody again, learned a lot more about the people who pioneered off shore racing. I actually drove from Colorado to go there, it was 4200 miles round trip. I would do it again if I had to but I think I will fly next time!!
I got to visit with Walt Walters, what a life he has had. He designed over 600 boats including the thunderbird.
Got to know Sammy James better, he has quite the stories.
Met Sonny Miller, he is still having fun inventing and designing things.
Met Jeff Hall, he has been collecting a lot of historic facts, I bet he writes a book or does some kind of documentary on off shore racing. I think he has a photographic memory.
Met Burt Harris, what an awesome person we think a lot alike, if I lived down there all we would be doing is finding vintage boats and restoring them maybe do a little flying too!!
Saw Charlie Wolfe, Rich lohres and his switzer wings, Odell lewis what a character and friend, I am still learning everyone's names, a lot of quality people there!!!
I would love to bring the Thunderbird to one of the reunions but the way gas prices are 4000 miles would cost a lot.
I am still collecting parts, I will try get a list together maybe someone here will know where to some of these things. I am having a hard time finding some of this stuff.
I am getting there slow but sure!!

1965 thunderbird

I got the front nose pieces for the turbines the other day. They will get me the right gear ratios for the turbines, these are set up for the 6000 rpm output shaft. I have the right brake set up so I will be able to stop the turbine and change from forward neutral and reverse.
Now all I need is the power sections of a pt6-6 or an st6-6, these are real early versions. could use a -20 also.
Any body know were to get some let me know.
Thanks!

CIG3

Try Tim Arfons. He and his father are pioneers in turbine engine pulling tractors and such. He may be able to help.

Akron Turbine Group
2396 Pickle Rd.
Akron, OH 44312
Tel: 330-644-51

28 V

Maybe Kalitta/DK...a friend of mine bought a unit (not a PT6) from them and was pleased with support.

http://kalittamaintenance.com/dkturbines/

Today DK Turbines provides worldwide support for Learjet, Falcon, King Air, & Citation aircraft and TFE-731, TPE-331, CJ610/CF700 and PT6 engines. All parts are available for immediate worldwide shipment.

Enjoying your thread/project...
Lane

copper kettle

[attach=config]538524[/attach][attach=config]538525[/attach] Hey Jim have not heard anything from you in a while. Are you working on the old girl? I thought you would enjoy this old photo of her from the front. From the two photos I posted on here can anybody name off all the people in the boat? Maybe Brownie and Charlie can chime in.

1965 thunderbird

Just trying to save up money to get some Pratt and Whitney turbines.
Found a person that would build me up the exact engines with the correct data plates and everything.
I need to sell my Walter turbines, they are 700 hp and weigh 400 lbs. I have 6 complete engines.
Would be excellent power for a boat and they are very reliable.
Hate to get rid of them, but I don't have an unlimited budget to spend on this boat.
Thanks for the pictures they look great!