PTFs TODAY

What's going on with PTF-3?

Follow the progress as they work to get this boat prepared for restoration.  (Note: The oldest emails are at the bottom of the page.)

NEWS LETTER 30 APRIL 2004

PROGRESS

THE PROCESS OF RESURFACING THE BRIDGE HAS STARTED, THE REMOVAL THE SHEETS OF FIBERGLASS LEFT SMALL DIVOTS FROM PIECES OF PLYWOOD THAT WERE PULLED UP WITH THE OLD FIBERGLASS. DURAGLASS RESIN IS BEING USED AS THE SURFACE LEVELING MATERIAL, THIS IS SANDED DOWN TO THE LEVEL OF THE ORIGINAL WOOD SURFACE, LEAVING A SEALED, STRONG SURFACE TO LAY DOWN NEW FIBERGLASS. NEW WOOD FRAMING IS BEING INSTALLED ALONG THE TOP OF THE BRIDGE AT THE LOOK OUT POSITIONS AND A NEW DASH FOR THE BRIDGE. A NEW LAYER OF MARINE GRADE PLYWOOD WILL BE ADDED TO THE DECK OF THE BRIDGE TO RE-ENFORCE THE ORIGINAL PLYWOOD DECK. THE RADAR REPEATER ON THE BRIDGE WILL BE ELIMINATED, IT DID NOT EXIST ON THE BRIDGE PRIOR TO THE 1968/1969 REFIT AT SUBIC BAY. THE UNIT IS TOTALLY RUINED AND WAY BEYOND ANY HOPE OF REPAIR, THE CHART ROOM REPEATER IS ANOTHER STORY. IT IS IN GOOD SHAPE WITH ALL OF ITS HARDWARE INTACT, HOW IT WILL BE RESTORED WILL BE DISCUSSED AT A LATER TIME, THE PREDOMINATE IDEA IS TO INSTALL A MODERN UNIT IN THE ORIGINAL HOUSING AND MAKE IT A FUNCTIONAL UNIT. WORK ON

THE NOSE OF THE BOAT HAS STARTED, THE BULL NOSE RING AND MOUNTING PLATE HAVE BEEN REMOVED, REVEALING THE WOOD LAMINATED BULL NOSE STRUCTURE. THIS AREA HAS BEEN REPAIRED BEFORE BUT, NOT PROPERLY, THIS WILL REQUIRE THAT A NEW WOOD BULL NOSE WILL BE MADE, ALONG WITH THE SUB STRUCTURE OF THE BULL NOSE RING PLATE. THE REMOVAL OF ALL BRACKETS, VENTS AND CLEATS HAS ALSO STARTED, SO THAT THE FIBERGLASS CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE DECK.

IN RESEARCHING THE THREE DELTICS, WE HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THEY CAME OUT OF NORWEGIAN SERVICE IN 1991, THEN TO ENGLAND, THEN FLORIDA. ON INSPECTION WE HAVE FOUND THAT THEY ARE IN EXCELLENT SHAPE, WITH MAYBE 30 HOURS OF RUN TIME. WE WILL BE CHECKING THE MANUFACTURING DATE TO DETERMINE THE AGE OF THE ENGINES, THEY APPEAR TO HAVE HAD LITTLE OR NO USE, WE WILL LET EVERYONE KNOW AS SOON AS THIS INFO IS AVAILABLE.

LOOKING AHEAD

WE HAVE HAD MANY GREAT SUGGESTIONS IN OUR HUNT FOR THE DECK ORDINANCE, PLEASE KEEP LOOKING I HAVE STARTED TO FOLLOW UP SOME OF THE LEADS, THE REQUIREMENT IS THE SAME, A SINGLE 40mm GUN WITH MOUNTING RING, .50cal / 81mm MORTAR COMBO, AND TWO 20mm GUNS ARE REQUIRED. THREE TRIPLE LEG 20mm MOUNTS ARE NEEDED.

THE DESIRE IS TO RE-ASSEMBLE THE BOAT IN A NEAR FINISHED APPEARANCE, THIS WILL HELP PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE FINISHED PRODUCT.

WE HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN THE WEB SITE, MOST OF THE MATERIAL HAS BEEN PACKAGED AND WE ARE WORKING ON THE URL AND MERCHANDISING.

MONEY TREE

WITH OUR 501C3 STATUS DATING BACK TO OUR INCORPORATION, WE NOW QUALIFY FOR OUR LOCAL COUNTY GRANT PROGRAM. WORKSHOPS FOR THIS YEARS SUBMITTAL ARE BEING SCHEDULED AND WE SILL BE ATTENDING. WE ARE ALSO LOOKING TO SEE WHICH GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR OUR PROJECT.

I HAVE RECEIVED SOME OF THE LETTERS OF SUPPORT, INCLUDING ONE FROM A NAVY CAPTAIN IN THE ARABIAN SEA. THEY ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED AND THEY ARE EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED TO HELP CONVINCE THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION BUREAU THAT WE ARE DESERVING OF STATE FUNDS. REMEMBER TO SEND A LETTER OF SUPPORT, WE ARE PREPARING THE APPLICATION FOR THIS YEARS ROUND OF FUNDING REQUEST AND WE NEED YOUR HELP. WE NEED LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR THIS PROJECT TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE FLORIDA BUREAU OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION. THE LETTERS THEN NEED TO BE MAILED TO OUR ADDRESS SO THAT THEY CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE APPLICATION PACKAGE. PLEASE DO NOT SEND THE LETTERS DIRECTLY TO THE BUREAU AS THE LETTERS MAY NOT JOIN UP WITH THE APPLICATION PACKAGE. THE APPLICATION IS DUE ON 1 JUNE, 2004.

GERRY ( BOATS ) MILLHOLEN IS THE HEAD OF THE FUND RAISING EFFORT AND CAN BE REACHED AT PHONE 407/ 402-0190 AND AT E MAIL: fl1husker@695online.com  OR I CAN BE REACHED AT 800/ 694-7161 AND AT E MAIL: redbarn2@earthlink.net .

DONATION CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO BSA TROOP 544 - PTF 3 FUND AND MAILED TO:

BOY SCOUT TROOP 544
PTF 3 RESTORATION PROJECT
P.O. BOX 740789
ORANGE CITY, FL 32774-0789

SCROUNGE DEPT-

IF ANYONE HAS A LINE ON A GRANT PROGRAM, WE FALL UNDER MUSEUMS, YOUTH PROGRAM AND YOUTH EDUCATION. I NEED PHONE NUMBERS AND CONTACTS AS WELL AS WERE TO LOOK FOR THE REQUIREMENTS.

FOR ANY PARTY WISHING TO DONATE, BOY SCOUT TROOP 544 IS A FLORIDA NON-PROFIT 501 C3 ORGANIZATION, DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. TOOLS – TALK TO HARDWARE STORES, WE NEED BELT SANDERS, COMPOUND POWER MITERS, HEAVY ROUTERS, 4 ½ INCH RIGHT ANGLE GRINDERS, ½ INCH DRILLS AND BITS, A SOURCE FOR FIBERGLASS AND RESIN, AND CLEAR PENETRATING EPOXY SYSTEM (CPES).

ADDITIONAL HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND CURRENT PHOTOS OF RECENT EFFORTS CAN BE FOUND AT www.ptfnasty.com .

FEEDBACK - PLEASE SEND SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS TO BOB MCCRAY AT redbarn2@earthlink.net 

SINCERELY, ROBERT MCCRAY, PROJECT MANAGER

BSA TROOP 544, INC
ROBERT MCCRAY
1825 W. FRENCH AVE.
ORANGE CITY, FL 32763
TEL: 800/ 694-7161; FAX: 386/775-1130
redbarn2@earthlink.net 

NEWS LETTER 31 MARCH 2004

PROGRESS -  HE PROGRESS HAS BEEN SLOW AND STEADY, ALL OF THE FIBERGLASS HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE BRIDGE, REVEALING THE DARK PATINA OF THE MOHOGANY PLYWOOD. THE BRIDGE STRUCTURE AND PLYWOOD IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF DRILL  OLES THAT WERE USED TO MOUNT HARDWARE, 200 PLUS HOLES HAVE BEEN COUNTED. THE DROP EDGE FRONT OF THE CHART ROOM HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REBUILT WITH NEW FRAMING AND SHOULD BE RE-SKINNED SOON WITH NEW MARINE PLYWOOD. DURING THE DIS- ASSEMBLY OF THE BRIDGE, WE FOUND A PIECE OF 2x4 WITH THE NAMES OF  WHAT APPEAR TO BE PHILLIPINE REPAIRMEN AND SRF SUBIC BAY AND 17 CROSSES.

THE WRITING FOUND ON THE 2x4 IS AS FOLLOWS:

TEORILLO RAPEAL JANRARY*
JOE SALINAS 1969
JOE SOLANOS SRF +++++++++
CRISPIN CORPLE SUBIC BAY ++++++++
ZAMBALES

THE 2x4 WILL BE PRESERVED AND MOUNTED IN A SHADOW BOX WITH THE BOTTLE OF SAN MIGUEL BEER, THAT WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE ROOM BILGE. BOTH OF THESE ITEMS WILL BE DISPLAYED IN THE BOAT ON COMPETION OF THE PROJECT.

WE HAVE REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNERS OF 3 NAPIER DELTIC ENGINES, THEY ARE SCHEDULED TO BE SHIPPED TO DELAND ON APRIL 9th. THE DELTICS WERE REBUILT IN 1999 AND WERE NEVER INSTALLED. BILL MOREO, CHECKED OUT THE ENGINES SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND WE FOUND THEM TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE. WE INTEND TO INSTALL A NEW INTER-COOLER SYSTEM, BLOWERS AND UP DATE THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FROM MECHANICAL TO ELECTRONIC, WHICH SHOULD ELEMINATE A FEW PROBLEMS. THE SOLID LINK TO THE VEE DRIVES WILL BE REPLACED WITH A UNIVERAL JOINT DRIVE SHAFT TO REDUCE THE VIBRATION THAT WAS INDUCED INTO THE DRIVELINE. THE ENGINES WILL HAVE SPEED GOVERNORS SET TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF THE ENGINES.

THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND AIR START CYLINDERS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ENGINE ROOM AND ARE SETTING ON THE MAIN DECK. THEY WILL BE  LIFTED OFF WHEN THE DELTICS ARE DELIVERED.

LOOKING AHEAD - THE BRIDGE AND THE MAIN DECK WILL RECEIVE A FRESH COAT OF FIBERGLASS AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY. THE ENGINE ROOM HATCH WILL BE STRIPPED TO BARE METAL, THEN A NEW LAYER OF ZINC CHROMATE AND O.D. GREEN PAINT WILL BE APPLIED.

THE HUNT FOR THE DECK ORDANCE HAS STARTED, A SINGLE 40mm GUN  WITH MOUNTING RING, .50cal / 81mm MORTAR COMBO, AND TWO 20mm GUNS ARE REQUIRED. THREE TRIPLE LEG 20mm MOUNTS ARE NEEDED.

THE DESIRE IS TO RE-ASSEMBLE THE BOAT IN A NEAR FINISHED APPEARANCE, THIS WILL HELP PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE FINISHED PRODUCT.

WE HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN THE WEB SITE, MOST OF THE MATERIAL HAS BEEN PACKAGED AND WE ARE WORKING ON THE URL AND MERCHANDISING.

MONEY TREE - WITH OUR 501C3 STATUS DATING BACK TO OUR INCORPORATION, WE NOW
QUALIFY FOR OUR LOCAL COUNTY GRANT PROGRAM. WORKSHOPS FOR THIS YEARS SUBMITTAL ARE BEING SCHEDULED AND WE SILL BE ATTENDING. WE ARE ALSO LOOKING TO SEE WHICH GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR OUR PROJECT.

I MENTIONED IN THE PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS THAT WE WILL BE RE-APPLYING FOR A STATE GRANT FOR THE BOAT, WE NEED LETTERS OF SUPPORT. SEPTEMBER 2003, PTF 3 MOVED FROM POSITION NUMBER 95 TO POSITION 59 ON THE LIST FOR FUNDING BY THE FLORIDA BUREAU OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION. WE ARE PREPARING THE APPLICATION FOR THIS YEARS ROUND OF FUNDING REQUEST AND WE NEED YOUR HELP. WE NEED LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR THIS PROJECT TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE FLORIDA BUREAU OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION. THE LETTERS THEN NEED TO BE MAILED TO OUR ADDRESS SO THAT THEY CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE APPLICATION PACKAGE. PLEASE DO NOT SEND THE LETTERS DIRECTLY TO THE BUREAU AS THE LETTERS MAY NOT JOIN UP WITH THE APPLICATION PACKAGE. THE APPLICATION IS DUE IN MAY 2004. I HAVE RECEIVED A FEW LETTERS BUT WE NEED MORE, WE NEED THE LETTERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

  GERRY ( BOATS ) MILLHOLEN IS THE HEAD OF THE FUND RAISING EFFORT AND CAN BE REACHED AT PHONE 407/ 402-0190 AND AT E MAIL: fl1husker@695online.com OR I CAN BE REACHED AT 800/ 694-7161 AND AT E MAIL: redbarn2@earthlink.net .

DONATION CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO: 
     BSA TROOP 544 - PTF 3 FUND

AND MAILED TO :
     BOY SCOUT TROOP 544
     PTF 3 RESTORATION PROJECT
     P.O. BOX 740789
     ORANGE CITY, FL 32774-0789

SCROUNGE DEPT- IF ANYONE HAS A LINE ON A GRANT PROGRAM, WE FALL UNDER MUSEUMS, YOUTH PROGRAM AND YOUTH EDUCATION. I NEED PHONE NUMBERS AND CONTACTS AS WELL AS WERE TO LOOK FOR THE REQUIREMENTS.

FOR ANY PARTY WISHING TO DONATE, BOY SCOUT TROOP 544 IS A FLORIDA NON-PROFIT 501 C3 ORGANIZATION, DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

TOOLS – TALK TO HARDWARE STORES, WE NEED BELT SANDERS, COMPOUND POWER
MITERS, HEAVY ROUTERS, 4 ½ INCH RIGHT ANGLE GRINDERS, ½ INCH DRILLS AND
BITS, A SOURCE FOR FIBERGLASS AND RESIN, AND CLEAR PENETRATING EPOXY
(CPES).

ADDITIONAL HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND CURRENT PHOTOS OF RECENT EFFORTS
CAN BE FOUND AT www.ptfnasty.com .

FEEDBACK - PLEASE SEND SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS TO BOB MCCRAY AT redbarn2@earthlink.net

SINCERELY,
ROBERT MCCRAY
PROJECT MANAGER

BSA TROOP 544, INC; ROBERT MCCRAY; 1825 W. FRENCH AVE.; ORANGE CITY, FL 32763; TEL: 800/ 694-7161; FAX: 386/775-1130; redbarn2@earthlink.net

NEWSLETTER 29 FEBRUARY 2004

PROGRESS - NOW THAT MOST OF THE HARDWARE IS OUT OF THE BOAT, WE ARE ALMOST READY TO START THE FUN PART, SCRUBBING DOWN THE INSIDE OF THE BOAT AND CLEANING THE REST OF THE BILGE. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HAS BEEN DISASSEMBLED AND IS READY LIFT OUT, THE AIR START CYLINDERS WILL BE REMOVED AT THE SAME TIME. WE RECEIVED ANOTHER DONATION OF EQUIPMENT FROM THE M/V SEACALL AT BRADFORD MARINE IN FT. LAUDERDALE. THIS CONSISTED OF AIR HANDLERS, REFRIGERATION COMPRESSORS, DOPPLER RADAR AND ASSOCIATED HARDWARE, ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS AND PLUMBING MATERIAL. AS WITH THE EQUIPMENT PREVIOUSLY DONATED, MOST DATES AFTER 1991 AND IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THIS ROUNDS OUT MOST OF THE NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT, NOW WE HAVE TO LOOK FOR REPLACEMENTS FOR OUR AUXILIARY ENGINES, 4 CYLINDER PERKINS DIESELS WITH GENERATORS, 2 EACH.

THE MOTORCYCLE RUN FESTIVITIES WENT OFF LIKE CLOCK WORK, COMPLETE WITH A DIAMOND PATTERN FLY OVER BY THE CONFEDERATE AIR FORCE. ONLY ONE PROBLEM, WE DID NOT HAVE THE DESIRED TURNOUT BY RIDERS. EVEN WITH ¼ PAGE COLOR ADs IN TWO MAJOR BIKE MAGAZINES AND GOOD AD COVERAGE OF THE AREA. WE HAD A POOR SHOWING, MOSTLY ATTRIBUTED TO THE EARLY START TIME, SOME GROUPS SHOWED UP TO START 2-3 HOURS LATE AND WENT STRAIGHT TO OB’s 1750 INSTEAD OF THE BOAT. WE WILL TRY AGAIN AT BIKETOBER FEST IN OCTOBER, THESE THINGS DO HAPPEN, WE WILL HAVE MORE TIME TO TALK UP THE EVENT.

WE HAVE RECEIVED OUR CONFIRMATION IN WRITING FROM THE IRS THAT WE ARE A 501 C3 ORGANIZATION, WE ARE NOW ABLE TO PURSUE GRANTS AND MATERIAL THAT WE WERE UNABLE TO ACCESS PREVIOUSLY.

LOOKING AHEAD - SINCE MOST OF THE WORK HAS BEEN OUT OF SIGHT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND THE OLD GIRL IS A LITTLE SCRUFFY. WE ARE GOING TO GIVE THE BOAT A COAT OF LATEX PAINT, TO GIVE HER A FRESH APPEARANCE. THE OLIVE DRAB LATEX WILL BE EASY TO REMOVE AS WORK MOVES AROUND THE HULL.

MONEY TREE -  I MENTIONED IN THE LAST NEWSLETTER THAT WE WILL BE RE-APPLYING FOR A STATE GRANT FOR THE BOAT, WE NEED LETTERS OF SUPPORT. SEPTEMBER 2003, PTF 3 MOVED FROM POSITION NUMBER 95 TO POSITION 59 ON THE LIST FOR FUNDING BY THE FLORIDA BUREAU OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION. WE ARE PREPARING THE APPLICATION FOR THIS YEARS ROUND OF FUNDING REQUEST AND WE NEED YOUR HELP. WE NEED LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR THIS PROJECT TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE FLORIDA BUREAU OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION. THE LETTERS THEN NEED TO BE MAILED TO OUR ADDRESS SO THAT THEY CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE APPLICATION PACKAGE. PLEASE DO NOT SEND THE LETTERS DIRECTLY TO THE BUREAU AS THE LETTERS MAY NOT JOIN UP WITH THE APPLICATION PACKAGE. THE APPLICATION IS DUE IN MAY 2004. WE NEED THE LETTERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

  GERRY ( BOATS ) MILLHOLEN IS THE HEAD OF THE FUND RAISING EFFORT AND CAN BE REACHED AT PHONE 407/ 402-0190 AND AT E MAIL: fl1husker@695online.com OR I CAN BE REACHED AT 800/ 694-7161 AND AT E MAIL: redbarn2@earthlink.net .

DONATION CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO:  BSA TROOP 544 - PTF 3 FUND

AND MAILED TO :
 
BOY SCOUT TROOP 544
PTF 3 RESTORATION PROJECT
P.O. BOX 740789
ORANGE CITY, FL 32774-0789

SCROUNGE DEPT- FOR ANY PARTY WISHING TO DONATE, BOY SCOUT TROOP 544 IS A FLORIDA NON-PROFIT 501 C3 ORGANIZATION, DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. TOOLS - ANYONE WHO WANTS TO LOAN OR GIVE, WE WILL BE ASKING TOOL COMPANIES AND HARDWARE STORES TO DONATE AND DISCOUNT ITEMS THAT WE WILL NEED. ADDITIONAL HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND CURRENT PHOTOS OF RECENT EFFORTS CAN BE FOUND AT www.ptfnasty.com.

FEEDBACK - PLEASE SEND SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS TO BOB MCCRAY AT redbarn2@earthlink.net

SINCERELY, ROBERT MCCRAY PROJECT MANAGER

BSA TROOP 544, INC; ROBERT MCCRAY; 1825 W. FRENCH AVE.; ORANGE CITY, FL 32763; TEL: 800/ 694-7161; FAX: 386/775-1130; redbarn2@earthlink.net

    ATTACHED IS A FLYER FOR THE MOTORCYCLE RUN FOR DAYTONA BIKE WEEK 2004. THIS IS A FUND RAISER FOR THE BOAT, HAND A COPY TO ANYONE THAT YOU MAY KNOW WHO MIGHT BE HEADING FOR DAYTONA.   THE RUN IS BEING CARRIED IN TWO LOCAL AREA BIKE MAGAZINES AND FLYERS ARE BEING PLACED AT THE LOCAL AREA HOTELS.

WE HAVE AN ARMY DEUCE AND A HALF, A TACTICAL CARGO TRUCK THAT WILL BE IN THE LEAD FOLLOWED BY THE RIDERS.  A RALLY WILL BE HELD AT THE BOAT, THEN THE RIDERS WILL MOVE ON TO OB's 1750 IN DELAND, THE UNOFFICIAL WATERING HOLE FOR PTF 3. THANKS TO ALL ROBERT MCCRAY redbarn2@earthlink.net

NEWS LETTER 30 DECEMBER 2003

PROGRESS - WORK ON THE BOAT IS MOVINGNEWS LETTER 31 MARCH 2004 PROGRESS THE PROGRESS HAS BEEN SLOW AND STEADY, ALL OF THE FIBERGLASS HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE BRIDGE, REVEALING THE DARK PATINA OF THE MOHOGANY PLYWOOD. THE BRIDGE STRUCTURE AND PLYWOOD IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF DRILL HOLES THAT WERE USED TO MOUNT HARDWARE, 200 PLUS HOLES HAVE BEEN COUNTED. THE DROP EDGE FRONT OF THE CHART ROOM HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REBUILT WITH NEW FRAMING AND SHOULD BE RE-SKINNED SOON WITH NEW MARINE PLYWOOD. DURING THE DIS- ASSEMBLY OF THE BRIDGE, WE FOUND A PIECE OF 2x4 WITH THE NAMES OF WHAT APPEAR TO BE PHILLIPINE REPAIRMEN AND SRF SUBIC BAY AND 17 CROSSES. THE WRITING FOUND ON THE 2x4 IS AS FOLLOWS: TEORILLO RAPEAL JANRARY* JOE SALINAS 1969 JOE SOLANOS SRF +++++++++ CRISPIN CORPLE SUBIC BAY ++++++++ ZAMBALES THE 2x4 WILL BE PRESERVED AND MOUNTED IN A SHADOW BOX WITH THE BOTTLE OF SAN MIGUEL BEER, THAT WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE ROOM BILGE. BOTH OF THESE ITEMS WILL BE DISPLAYED IN THE BOAT ON COMPETION OF THE PROJECT. WE HAVE REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNERS OF 3 NAPIER DELTIC ENGINES, THEY ARE SCHEDULED TO BE SHIPPED TO DELAND ON APRIL 9th. THE DELTICS WERE REBUILT IN 1999 AND WERE NEVER INSTALLED. BILL MOREO, CHECKED OUT THE ENGINES SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND WE FOUND THEM TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE. WE INTEND TO INSTALL A NEW INTER-COOLER SYSTEM, BLOWERS AND UP DATE THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FROM MECHANICAL TO ELECTRONIC, WHICH SHOULD ELEMINATE A FEW PROBLEMS. THE SOLID LINK TO THE VEE DRIVES WILL BE REPLACED WITH A UNIVERAL JOINT DRIVE SHAFT TO REDUCE THE VIBRATION THAT WAS INDUCED INTO THE DRIVELINE. THE ENGINES WILL HAVE SPEED GOVERNORS SET TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF THE ENGINES. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND AIR START CYLINDERS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ENGINE ROOM AND ARE SETTING ON THE MAIN DECK. THEY WILL BE LIFTED OFF WHEN THE DELTICS ARE DELIVERED. LOOKING AHEAD THE BRIDGE AND THE MAIN DECK WILL RECEIVE A FRESH COAT OF FIBERGLASS AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY. THE ENGINE ROOM HATCH WILL BE STRIPPED TO BARE METAL, THEN A NEW LAYER OF ZINC CHROMATE AND O.D. GREEN PAINT WILL BE APPLIED. THE HUNT FOR THE DECK ORDANCE HAS STARTED, A SINGLE 40mm GUN WITH MOUNTING RING, .50cal / 81mm MORTAR COMBO, AND TWO 20mm GUNS ARE REQUIRED. THREE TRIPLE LEG 20mm MOUNTS ARE NEEDED. THE DESIRE IS TO RE-ASSEMBLE THE BOAT IN A NEAR FINISHED APPEARANCE, THIS WILL HELP PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE FINISHED PRODUCT. WE HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN THE WEB SITE, MOST OF THE MATERIAL HAS BEEN PACKAGED AND WE ARE WORKING ON THE URL AND MERCHANDISING. MONEY TREE WITH OUR 501C3 STATUS DATING BACK TO OUR INCORPORATION, WE NOW QUALIFY FOR OUR LOCAL COUNTY GRANT PROGRAM. WORKSHOPS FOR THIS YEARS SUBMITTAL ARE BEING SCHEDULED AND WE SILL BE ATTENDING. WE ARE ALSO LOOKING TO SEE WHICH GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR OUR PROJECT. I MENTIONED IN THE PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS THAT WE WILL BE RE-APPLYING FOR A STATE GRANT FOR THE BOAT, WE NEED LETTERS OF SUPPORT. SEPTEMBER 2003, PTF 3 MOVED FROM POSITION NUMBER 95 TO POSITION 59 ON THE LIST FOR FUNDING BY THE FLORIDA BUREAU OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION. WE ARE PREPARING THE APPLICATION FOR THIS YEARS ROUND OF FUNDING REQUEST AND WE NEED YOUR HELP. WE NEED LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR THIS PROJECT TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE FLORIDA BUREAU OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION. THE LETTERS THEN NEED TO BE MAILED TO OUR ADDRESS SO THAT THEY CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE APPLICATION PACKAGE. PLEASE DO NOT SEND THE LETTERS DIRECTLY TO THE BUREAU AS THE LETTERS MAY NOT JOIN UP WITH THE APPLICATION PACKAGE. THE APPLICATION IS DUE IN MAY 2004. I HAVE RECEIVED A FEW LETTERS BUT WE NEED MORE, WE NEED THE LETTERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ADDRESS LETTER TO: SEND LETTER TO: DIRECTOR BOY SCOUT TROOP 544 DIVISION OF HISTORIC RESOURCES PTF 3 RESTORATION PROJECT C/0 BUREAU OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION P.O. BOX 740789 GRANTS AND EDUCATION SECTION ORANGE CITY, FL 32774-0789 500 SOUTH BRONOUGH STREET TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0250 ATTN: WALTER MARDER GERRY ( BOATS ) MILLHOLEN IS THE HEAD OF THE FUND RAISING EFFORT AND CAN BE REACHED AT PHONE 407/ 402-0190 AND AT E MAIL: fl1husker@695online.com OR I CAN BE REACHED AT 800/ 694-7161 AND AT E MAIL: redbarn2@earthlink.net . DONATION CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO BSA TROOP 544 - PTF 3 FUND AND MAILED TO BOY SCOUT TROOP 544 PTF 3 RESTORATION PROJECT P.O. BOX 740789 ORANGE CITY, FL 32774-0789 SCROUNGE DEPT- IF ANYONE HAS A LINE ON A GRANT PROGRAM, WE FALL UNDER MUSEUMS, YOUTH PROGRAM AND YOUTH EDUCATION. I NEED PHONE NUMBERS AND CONTACTS AS WELL AS WERE TO LOOK FOR THE REQUIREMENTS. FOR ANY PARTY WISHING TO DONATE, BOY SCOUT TROOP 544 IS A FLORIDA NON-PROFIT 501 C3 ORGANIZATION, DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE. TOOLS – TALK TO HARDWARE STORES, WE NEED BELT SANDERS, COMPOUND POWER MITERS, HEAVY ROUTERS, 4 ½ INCH RIGHT ANGLE GRINDERS, ½ INCH DRILLS AND BITS, A SOURCE FOR FIBERGLASS AND RESIN, AND CLEAR PENETRATING EPOXY (CPES). ADDITIONAL HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND CURRENT PHOTOS OF RECENT EFFORTS CAN BE FOUND AT www.ptfnasty.com. FEEDBACK - PLEASE SEND SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS TO BOB MCCRAY AT redbarn2@earthlink.net SINCERELY, ROBERT MCCRAY PROJECT MANAGER BSA TROOP 544, INC; ROBERT MCCRAY; 1825 W. FRENCH AVE.; ORANGE CITY, FL 32763; TEL: 800/ 694-7161; FAX: 386/775-1130; redbarn2@earthlink.net AHEAD SLOW AND STEADY MUCH OF DECEMBER HAS BEEN SPENT WORKING ON THE BRIDGE, ENGINE ROOM AND DISMANTLING THE OFFICERS QUARTERS FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE FRESH WATER TANKS. DUE TO THE ERODED CONDITION OF THE HEAT EXCHANGERS IN THE ENGINE ROOM BILGE, THEY WILL NOT BE SALVAGED, SO IT WAS SAW-ALL TIME AND THEY WERE CUT UP AND JETTISONED OVER THE SIDE. THE BILGE MUCK TURNED OUT TO BE MOSTLY SAND AND SILT. THE
AUXILIARY ENGINES AND VEE DRIVES HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THE CENTER OF THE ENGINE ROOM AND ARE READY TO BE LIFTED OUT. THE WOOD INNER PLANKING BELOW THE WATER LINE LOOK GOOD AND SOLID, ESPECIALLY IN THE ENGINE ROOM.

PRIMARY FOCUS HAS BEEN ON THE BRIDGE, WE ARE WORKING TO RESTORE THIS FIRST, IT IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. AS SOON AS THE REPAIR WORK IS COMPLETED, WE WILL RECOVER THE BRIDGE IN FIBERGLASS AND PAINT. THE BRIDGE WILL BE REMOUNTED ON THE BOAT TO RESTORE THE APPEARANCE AND TO SHOW PROGRESS IS BEING MADE.

MARK TONDEL SENT US A COPY OF A COLOR 8MM FILM ON VHS TAPE FEATURING PTF 3 AS MARK AND THE REST OF THE COMMISSIONING CREW TOOK THE BOAT TO DANANG. DR. HARRY PRICE WHO OWNS DIAMOND PRODUCTIONS IS INCORPORATING THIS VIDEO INTO A PRODUCTION VIDEO OF THE PTF 3 RESTORATION. WE WILL MAKE IT AVAILABLE AS SOON AS IT IS COMPLETED.

WE HAVE FOUND THAT SEVERAL ALTERATIONS WERE MADE TO THE BRIDGE, THE HELM ORIGINALLY HAD A BRASS ‘SHIPS’ WITH KNUCKLE BUSTER GRIPS. AND THE RADAR REPEATER AT THE HELM WAS ADDED AT A LATER DATE. TWO WINDOWS WERE LOCATED FORWARD OF THE CHART ROOM, ARE NO LONGER PRESENT. THE BLUE PRINTS THAT WE RECEIVED WITH THE 1968 REVISIONS REFLECT THESE CHANGES.

BRYAN ELLERMAN STOPPED BY, HE SERVED ON PTF 3 1968-69 AS AN
ET/RADAR. HE RECOGNIZED HIS OLD RADAR SET AND EXPLAINED THE OPERATION OF THE DECCA SYSTEM. HE SAID IT WAS THE FIRST TIME HE HAD SEEN THE BOAT IN 35 YEARS, AND THAT IT BROUGHT BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES, HE SAID HE’LL BE BACK IN JUNE.

WE ARE STILL WORKING ON THE CONTENT AND SET UP FOR THE WEBSITE AND WE HOPE TO HAVE THAT DONE IN JANUARY. WE HAVE ADDED TO THE MERCHANDISE WITH AN M-90 FLIGHT JACKET WHICH IS ENHANCED WITH EMBROIDERY WORK THAT IS SUPPLIED BY CREW MEMBER, AL SCHWITZER. THIS AS WELL AS THE OTHER ITEMS WILL BE ON THE WEBSITE FOR SALE.

LOOKING AHEAD - WE ARE IN THE PROGRESS OF PLANNING FUNDRAISERS AND PROMOTIONS FOR CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS. WE ARE PLANNING A VETERANS MOTORCYCLE RUN TO THE BOAT DURING DAYTONA BIKE WEEK WITH VENDORS ON SITE. WE ARE SEEKING FUNDING FROM AREA CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS AND MUNICIPALITIES, ANYONE WITH IDEAS OR CONTACTS PLEASE CONTACT US WITH YOUR SUGGESTIONS.

A REMINDER, THAT THE SEA SCOUT CREW IS OPEN TO BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 14 – 20 YEARS. WE WILL BE WORKING WITH OR SETTING UP OUR OWN NAVY SEA CADET PROGRAM IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I CAN BE CONTACTED AT THE ADDRESS LISTED BELOW.

MONEY TREE - GERRY ( BOATS ) MILLHOLEN IS THE HEAD OF THE FUND RAISING EFFORT AND CAN BE REACHED AT PHONE 407/ 402-0190 AND AT E MAIL: fl1husker@695online.com

DONATION CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO BSA TROOP 544 - PTF 3 FUND
AND MAILED TO:

BOY SCOUT TROOP 544, INC
PTF 3 RESTORATION PROJECT
P.O. BOX 740789
ORANGE CITY, FL 32774-0789

SCROUNGE DEPT- FOR ANY PARTY WISHING TO DONATE, BOY SCOUT TROOP 544 IS A FLORIDA NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

TOOLS - ANYONE WHO WANTS TO LOAN OR GIVE, WE WILL BE ASKING TOOL COMPANIES AND HARDWARE STORES TO DONATE AND DISCOUNT ITEMS THAT WE WILL NEED.

ADDITIONAL HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND CURRENT PHOTOS OF RECENT EFFORTS CAN BE FOUND AT www.ptfnasty.com.

FEEDBACK - PLEASE SEND SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS TO BOB MCCRAY AT
redbarn2@earthlink.net

SINCERELY, ROBERT MCCRAY - PROJECT MANAGER

BSA TROOP 544, INC; ROBERT MCCRAY; 1825 W. FRENCH AVE.; ORANGE CITY, FL 32763; TEL: 800/ 694-7161; FAX: 386/775-1130; redbarn2@earthlink.net

12-29-03   Hi Dan, It's been sometime since I emailed you. I do however, check the website regularly. I wanted to let you know that I visited Deland Florida and went to see PTF3. I was warmly greeted by Robert McCray and his crew. I have attached some pictures I took, one with me standing at the bow. The guys are working hard and making some real progress. They were cleaning the engine room bilge the day (Saturday, 27 December) I was there, certainly not a job for the faint at heart, what a mess. Robert briefed me on their restoration plans and even asked me a bunch of questions to see if I had any helpful info. But I must confess, the old memory was some what vague. I did remember the old DECCA radar and repeater which I once worked on. Had a great time touring the boat and standing in areas where I stood 35 years ago, some great and not so great memories. I told Robert I would send you the pictures I took and let you know they're working hard. Hope to visit the PTF3 again this coming June. 

Sincerely, Bryan Ellerman

NEWS LETTER 30 SEPTEMBER 2003

PROGRESS

WE HAVE BEEN MOVING RIGHT ALONG THIS MONTH, FIRST MORE DISASSEMBLY HAS BEEN COMPLETED. SIX FUEL TANKS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM
THE BOAT AND THE REMAINING FOUR TANKS SHOULD BE OUT THIS COMING
WEEKEND. FUEL VENTS AND FITTING, AIR VENTS, LADDERS, READY RACKS
HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND PLACED IN STORAGE TO BE RE-CONDITIONED. THE 
AUXILIARY ENGINE ON THE STARBOARD SIDE HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE
CENTER OF THE ENGINE ROOM AND IS READY TO REMOVE.

THE CITY OF SANFORD, FLORIDA, THE BOAT’S FUTURE HOME PORT HAS
BEGUN CUSTOMIZING THE MEMORIAL JETTY THAT BORDERS THE CITY MARINA
BY INSTALLING CLEATS SPACED CORRECTLY FOR THE BOAT AND PILINGS
ARE BEING INSTALLED FOR PROPER DOCKAGE FOR THE BOAT. THE MEMORIAL
JETTY WILL BE HONORING ALL BRANCHES OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES AND
A SPECIAL PEDESTAL MOUNTED PLAQUE WILL BE INSTALLED WHEN THE BOAT
IS DOCKED IN SANFORD.

THE CITY OF DELAND HAS FENCED THE PROPERTY THAT HOUSES THE 
NAS MUSEUM AND PTF 3, AND AS SOON AS THE GATES ARE INSTALLED WE CAN
BEGIN SETTING UP THE WORK AREAS. THE CITY IS ALSO BUILDING THE CONCRETE
PAD FOR THE WW2 AVENGER THAT IS SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE ON 13 OCT 2003.

WE HAVE RECEIVED A DONATION OF TWO COMPLETE SETS OF RADAR
SYSTEMS, GYRO COMPASSES ( BASE, CONTROLLER, AND REPEATER, GPS SYSTEMS
WITH PLOTTER AND TELEPHONE COMMO SYSTEM, THIS WAS PROVIDED BY THE
OWNERS AND CREW OF THE MV SEA CALL BASED AT BRADFORD MARINE IN
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL. WE HAVE ALSO RECEIVED A DONATION OF A 1981 DODGE
RAM CARGO VAN THAT WILL BE USED AS A TOOL AND EQUIPMENT TRUCK.

BOB MCCRAY WAS IN TALLAHASSEE ON 16 SEPT 2003 FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE PTF 3 BOAT PROJECT TO THE FLORIDA HISTORIC PRESERVATION BUREAU. THE BOAT HAS BEEN CLEARED TO RECEIVE UP TO $ 300,000.00 IN FUNDING FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA, WE ARE IN COMPETITION WITH OTHER HISTORICAL PROJECTS IN THE STATE. WE WERE SUCCESSFUL IN IMPROVING OUR STANDING WITH THE BUREAU
AS WE HAVE MOVED FROM THE 95th POSITION ON THE LIST TO 59th. UNFORTUNATELY
THE PLANNED FUNDING IS STOPPING AT THE 56th POSITION ON THE LIST. THE 
LEGISLATURE MADE THE UNPRECEDENTED MOVE LAST YEAR TO ROLL OVER THE
PROJECTS THAT WERE NOT FUNDED LAST YEAR, THIS GREATLY REDUCED THE AMOUNT OF FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THIS YEARS PROJECTS.

LOOKING AHEAD

WE ARE IN THE PROGRESS OF PLANNING FUNDRAISERS AND PROMOTIONS
FOR CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS. WE ARE PLANNING A VETERANS
MOTORCYCLE RUN TO THE BOAT DURING DAYTONA BIKE WEEK WITH VENDORS 
ON SITE. WE ARE SEEKING FUNDING FROM AREA CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS AND
MUNICIPALITIES, ANYONE WITH IDEAS OR CONTACTS PLEASE CONTACT US
WITH YOUR SUGGESTIONS. THE FIRST TEE SHIRTS AND HATS, AND EMBROIDERED
APPAREL WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON AS THE FIRST SAMPLES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED
AND SHOULD BE AVAILABLE THIS NEXT MONTH.

MONEY TREE

GERRY ( BOATS ) MILLHOLEN IS THE HEAD OF THE FUND RAISING EFFORT AND CAN BE REACHED AT PHONE 407/ 402-0190 AND AT E MAIL: fl1husker@695online.com

DONATION CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO PTF 3 FUND – BSA TROOP 544
AND MAILED TO 
PTF 3 RESTORATION PROJECT
BOY SCOUT TROOP 544
P.O. BOX 740789
ORANGE CITY, FL 32774-0789

SCROUNGE DEPT-

FOR ANY PARTY WISHING TO DONATE, BOY SCOUT TROOP 544 IS A 501 C3 ORGANIZATION, DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

TOOLS - ANYONE WHO WANTS TO LOAN OR GIVE, WE WILL BE ASKING TOOL COMPANIES AND HARDWARE STORES TO DONATE AND DISCOUNT ITEMS THAT WE WILL NEED.

SCAFFOLDS – NEEDED TO GO AROUND THE BOAT, FOR A SAFE WORK PLATFORM.

ADDITIONAL HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND CURRENT PHOTOS OF RECENT EFFORTS 
CAN BE FOUND AT www.ptfnasty.com.

FEEDBACK - PLEASE SEND SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS TO BOB MCCRAY AT
Redbarn2@earthlink.net 

SINCERELY,
ROBERT MCCRAY
PROJECT MANAGER


BSA TROOP 544; ROBERT MCCRAY; 1825 W. FRENCH AVE.; ORANGE CITY, FL 32763; TEL: 800/ 694-7161; FAX: 386/775-1130; redbarn2@earthlink.net 

NEWS LETTER 29 OCTOBER 2003

PROGRESS

THE BOAT HAS ACQUIRED A NEW LOOK, IT IS NOW SURROUNDED BY
SCAFFOLDING AND WORK PLATFORMS, THAT ALLOW EASY ACCESS TO THE
HULL. BOB JUNKINS PLANS TO DISASEMBLE THE NOSE OF THE BOAT BACK
TO THE SECOND WATER TIGHT BULKHEAD, THIS WORK WILL ADDRESS THE
AREA DAMAGED IN THE JAN 2002 COLLISION AND SOME SOFT WOOD.

FENCING AND GATE WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED BY THE CITY OF DELAND,
A SPECIAL THANKS IS IN ORDER FOR KEITH RIGER, THE DELAND AIRPORT MANAGER
FOR MAKING THE FENCE POSSIBLE. CHIEF FIFIELD HAS BEEN BUSY WITH THE ELECTRICAL DROP TO THE BOAT AS WELL AS A TRACTOR TRAILER BOX FOR STORAGE. THE RESTORATION CREW HAVE REMOVED ALL FUEL AND LUBRICATION
TANKS FROM THE BOAT AND DISASSEMBLY HAS STARTED IN THE ENGINE
ROOM. MOST OF THE ENGINE ROOM HARDWARE IS IN GOOD SHAPE AND RESTORABLE, THE AUXILIARY ENGINES ARE SHOT AND ARE SCRAPE, SOME OF THE MOUNTING BRACKETS WILL BE SALVAGED. THE FRESH WATER TANKS MOUNTED
IN THE FORWARD SECTION OF THE BOAT ARE NEXT ON THE LIST TO REMOVED.

WE NOW HAVE A COMPLETE SET STRUCTURAL PRINTS FOR THE EARLY
NASTY CLASS BOATS WHICH HAVE COME TO US COURTESY OF JONNY GREFF AND
THE ROYAL NORWEGIAN NAVY. THE SET IS FOR KNM P380 TJELD/NASTY WHICH
IS IDENTICAL TO PTF 3 AT THE TIME OF HER BUILD. THE P380 BOAT IS SHOWN WITH
TORPEDO TUBES AND THE DECCA 202 RADAR ANTENNA, THE CHIEF’S MESS IS
SHOWN WHICH WAS THE SAME FOR PTF 3 PRIOR TO THE ADDITION OF THE LONG RANGE FUEL TANKS. THE PRINTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR $ 45.00, THIS COVERS
THE PRINTING AND SHIPPING COST, WITH A LITTLE EXTRA GOING TO THE BOAT.

WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BUILDING THE WEBSITE AND ALL OF THE
HATS, SHIRTS, PRINTS AND PROMOTIONS WILL BE FEATURED ON THE SITE AND
THIS SHOULD BE UP AND WORKING BY DECEMBER.

ED CARSON AND HIS CREW AT THE NAVAL AIR STATION MUSEUM NOW HAVE A 
WW2 TBM AVENGER TORPEDO BOMBER SITTING ON THE RECENTLY COMPLETED
CONCRETE PAD BEHIND THE MUSEUM. THE PLANE IS IN SEVERAL PIECES ,
BUT THE IN GOOD SHAPE, THE PLANE SET ON THE BOTTOM OF LAKE MICHIGAN
FOR OVER 50 YEARS. THE PAINT IS FADED BUT ALL MARKINGS ARE VISIBLE
AND THERE IS NO SIGN OF MARINE GROWTH ON THE PLANE, 5 POUNDS OF
PRESSURE REMAINS IN ONE OF THE OXYGEN BOTTLES. 

PTF HISTORIAN CHIP MARSHALL STOPPED BY LAST WEEKEND AND SURVEYED
THE OPERATION AND SEEMED TO BE IMPRESSED WITH OUR PROGRESS. HE
SPENT MOST OF THE DAY TAKING MEASUREMENTS OF THE BOAT. THIS WAS THE
FIRST TIME THAT HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO SPEND A LENGTHY PERIOD OF TIME RECORDING INFORMATION ON THE PTF NASTY BOATS. HE WILL BE REPRESENTING US IN HIS EFFORTS TO RESEARCH THE HISTORY OF THE PTF BOATS.

LOOKING AHEAD

WE ARE IN THE PROGRESS OF PLANNING FUNDRAISERS AND PROMOTIONS
FOR CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS. WE ARE PLANNING A VETERANS
MOTORCYCLE RUN TO THE BOAT DURING DAYTONA BIKE WEEK WITH VENDORS 
ON SITE. WE ARE SEEKING FUNDING FROM AREA CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS AND
MUNICIPALITIES, ANYONE WITH IDEAS OR CONTACTS PLEASE CONTACT US
WITH YOUR SUGGESTIONS. THE FIRST TEE SHIRTS AND HATS, AND EMBROIDERED
APPAREL HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND WE WILL BE MAKING THEM AVAILABLE
SOMETIME IN NOVEMBER.


MONEY TREE

GERRY ( BOATS ) MILLHOLEN IS THE HEAD OF THE FUND RAISING EFFORT AND CAN BE REACHED AT PHONE 407/ 402-0190 AND AT E MAIL: fl1husker@695online.com


DONATION CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO BSA TROOP 544 - PTF 3 FUND
AND MAILED TO 
BOY SCOUT TROOP 544
PTF 3 RESTORATION PROJECT
P.O. BOX 740789
ORANGE CITY, FL 32774-0789

SCROUNGE DEPT-

FOR ANY PARTY WISHING TO DONATE, BOY SCOUT TROOP 544 IS A 501 C3 ORGANIZATION, DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

TOOLS - ANYONE WHO WANTS TO LOAN OR GIVE, WE WILL BE ASKING TOOL COMPANIES AND HARDWARE STORES TO DONATE AND DISCOUNT ITEMS THAT WE WILL NEED. 

SCAFFOLDS – NEEDED TO GO AROUND THE BOAT, FOR A SAFE WORK PLATFORM.

ADDITIONAL HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND CURRENT PHOTOS OF RECENT EFFORTS 
CAN BE FOUND AT www.ptfnasty.com.

FEEDBACK - PLEASE SEND SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS TO BOB MCCRAY AT
redbarn2@earthlink.net 

SINCERELY,
ROBERT MCCRAY
PROJECT MANAGER


BSA TROOP 544; ROBERT MCCRAY; 1825 W. FRENCH AVE.; ORANGE CITY, FL 32763; TEL: 800/ 694-7161; FAX: 386/775-1130; redbarn2@earthlink.net 

September 28, 2003 - PTF # 3 Periodic Update

Since we have gotten PTF # 3 home to Deland we have had Saturday work parties with several of the leaders and volunteers. Right now we are in and probably will be for quite awhile, the destruction mode, cleaning out the inside of the boat as just about everything in there is deteriorated beyond repair or further use, including all the wiring and electrical boxes.

The auxiliary engines are loose and ready to be removed when we have a crane available, most of the fuel tanks are removed and stored on the main deck until we get a fork lift to set them off, hopefully in the next few days. They are removing the tanks with a modified version of a cherry picker used to remove engines from cars, but it is a 13’ drop to the ground. Once on the ground the tanks are going to have to be cleaned out real good as they have quite a bit of dirt and foreign material in them. At some time or another the stern of the boat has been under water including the auxiliary engines so once they are out we are going to have to see if it is worth the effort to try and rebuild them or scrap them and buy new ones. A lot of the minor stuff has also been removed from the inside.

I was able to obtain a 45’ storage trailer (donated for the duration by the Deland Truck Sales) that has been backed in behind the boat, but so far have been have been unable to find a second one, but still working on it. I have made arrangements with a local electric company to install a temporary power pole, but they haven’t done it yet. I made arrangements for some scaffolding to be delivered over a month ago, ( donated) but that hasn’t showed up yet. I hate to bug people for a freebee but I guess I’m going to have to. Right now we are using long extension cords from the museum and because the fence hadn’t been put up yet we were reluctant to put up any permanent structures around the outside of the boat, so there hasn’t been a whole lot done to the outside yet. BUT, 3 months to the day of the boats arrival they finally got the 6’ fence up this week ( supposed to have been done within the first 3 weeks ) BUT, no gates yet, the fence company ran out of hinges and doesn’t know for sure when they will get some. ( The fence was donated by the City of Deland )

Mother Nature has done her best to detour our efforts several Saturdays. Granted they are working mostly on the inside of the boat, but there are 4 very large openings in the main deck that do very little to protect the people working down below , beside all the tool boxes, trucks open, etc for the rain to get in and Florida is the lighting capital of the United States and it does live up to it’s name. Yesterday we had about eight live lightning rods on the main deck at one time helping to lift the tanks out, but the storm only lasted about 30 minutes and there wasn’t much rain to it, just lightning.

Mr. McCray is still doing battle with the powers to be in Tallahassee to turn loose of the money they promised us 2 years