From: gerald hussey <h_ghussey@msn.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2008 09:08:04 -0700
Subject: Great Mars Seaplanes in Vancouver
There was a logging industry convention in Vancouver last week, and one of the
exhibits was water drops by one of the two surviving Mars! This was the
first time either Mars has ever landed in Vancouver harbour, save for picking up
water a couple of times to fight fires. The weather cooperated insofar as it
didn't rain, although it could have been brighter and bluer. Still, given that
the planes have an uncertain future -- the current owner wants them to earn
their keep through fire contracts and charters, but in the first year they
haven't come close to breaking even -- one can't complain about any chance to
see them in action.
Feel free to circulate these photos to others who enjoy big, Baltimore-built
flying boats.
(Webmaster's note -- the prototype Martin XPB2M-1 Mars had a dihedral twin tail, just like the smaller Martin Mariner.
Click here to read about the development and service of this giant seaplane. Of course, there have been a number of aircraft larger and/or heavier than the Mars, for example the Spruce Goose, but the Mars was the largest seaplane ever to go into production. ) Click Here for a chart showing some of the world's largest aircraft.
