[Milsurplus] Martin Mars PBM today

[jay.coward at avagotech.com]

All,
 There is a great 3 video series called "The Flying Boats".Really good stuff.
Jay

-----Original Message-----
From: milsurplus-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:milsurplus-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Todd, KA1KAQ
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 6:48 AM
To: Hue Miller
Cc: Milsurplus List
Subject: Re: [Milsurplus] Martin Mars PBM today

On 2/22/06, Hue Miller <kargo_cult at msn.com> wrote:
> I didn't know the US built only 5 of Martin Mars PBM during WW2.
>
> Only 2 are existing today, apparently, and they are used as water
>
> bombers, and based near Port Alberni, BC, Canada.  It's said that
>
> their weekly practice flights and water-dumping, during the off-
>
> season, are quite a sight.  More:

I saw a program about these planes in the last year or so, including
flight footage. IIRC, the current owners owned four of the five
planes, but lost one in a crash and one to a storm over the years.

Quite a sight, indeed. Even on the little screen, it's impressive.
Looks like a lumbering giant about to fall out of the sky for lack of
forward progress, and perhaps gives some hint of what it might be like
to see the Hughes H4 in flight.

Sure would be nice if someone like Kermit Weeks could get one of them
and keep it flying for the public to enjoy. I wonder how he's coming
on the Short Sunderland restoration? The larger Shetland never got
beyond two prototypes, but with a 150 ft wingspan, it was certainly in
the Mars' category for size.

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ
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