Couple photo's Calif Trip, Aviation Buff's

[GeorgeS]

On I-5 headed for Lake Taho, Two weeks ago, crossing bridge over Lake Shasta,

saw this Aircraft, and was lucky enough to get some photo's.

 

Anybody recognise this Old Aircraft ?? ( WWII Vintage, only 3 of them left )

[AKRefugee]

That is a Martin Mars. There are now only two of them left flying.

That is either the Hawaii Mars or the Philippine Mars.

The are operated by Coulson Group and are based in British Colombia.

These aircraft were built between 1945 and 1947. They were originally designed as bombers

but the navy felt they would be better as transport aircraft. When they were converted to water bombers they were reengined. They can carry 7200 Gal (US) of water.

 

Got to see this takeoff one time. Wow those 3350's let you know when they have the throttles pushed up. Nothing better than the sound of a good old round engine.

 

Here is the wiki on it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JRM_Mars

[Rocket]

That is a Martin Mars. There are now only two of them left flying.

That is either the Hawaii Mars or the Philippine Mars.

The are operated by Coulson Group and are based in British Colombia.

These aircraft were built between 1945 and 1947. They were originally designed as bombers

but the navy felt they would be better as transport aircraft. When they were converted to water bombers they were reengined. They can carry 7200 Gal (US) of water.

 

Got to see this takeoff one time. Wow those 3350's let you know when they have the throttles pushed up. Nothing better than the sound of a good old round engine.

 

Here is the wiki on it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JRM_Mars

 

That is the Hawaii Mars, as it has the red painted tail. I have seen one (can't remember tail colour) loading in the Esquimalt harbour, for a fire in the greater Victoria area.

[GeorgeS]

Just testing to see if anybody out there was up on this aircraft !!

 

I consider myself very lucky to have been at the right place at the right time to Actually see the Aircraft, and get some photo's.

 

From 1962 to middle of 1963, I was Navy Aircrewman, on the Navy P-5M

2 - Engine, SeaPlanes. About 2/3 the size of the Mars. None of these aircraft Survive, except one at the Pensacola Fla. Navy Aircraft Museum. ( Sad to say )

 

Ahhh the sound of a Pratt Witney, R-3350 Engine, !!!!!

 

So, this aircraft, is about 63 years old, Still in Service doing a Usefull function.

 

Amazing,

[magnum-pei]

Excellent pics.

They reminded me of a show I use to watch back in the 80's. Tales of the golden monkey.

[Yama Mama]

I know nothing about aviation, but I do appreciate the photo. I would of liked to have seen it myself.

Mama:hurts: