Warbird Information Exchange

Could use them as "Clippers" in the carribean.

Shay
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Semper Fortis

I dunno greg v, the people in Port Alberni area have done a pretty good job so far keeping them flying for 40+ years.

The majority of the Philippine Mars and the Hawaii Mars life was in BC as a waterbomber and the aircraft has earned a place in aviation history in the province so I hope that one will remain behind. TimberWest showed allot class saying that they want one to stay in Port Alberni area as a heritage attraction, it would serve as an fitting tribute to the aircraft and the people behind it that saved many lives and property.

But I agree one should also go down to the US for preservation but to the Naval Aviation Museum? Didn't the Navy want to sell them for scrap after they were finished with them? Since the Mars also helped put out fires in Washington, Oregon and California I think a fitting location would be parked beside the Spruce Goose. Another possible location is the Glenn Martin museum which it looks like they're planning for !



Better yet, park the second Mars near runway 26L at Vancouver International Airport. There's a nice park there that backs onto Burkeville where Dan McIvor lived for many years. That would be a fine tribute to the father of the Matin Mars waterbomber.

Guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

Brian...

Whoever winds up with them is going to have to have some pretty deep pockets, as they more than likely won't be able to earn their keep fighting forest fires in Florida.

I wholeheartedly agree about the color schemes. One in the current firebomber colors and one in the original Navy blue.

Walt

Brian

please don't get me wrong, I think that it is fantastic that these aircraft have been kept working and in great shape for all these years, and I would love for one to remain in B.C., especially Port Alberni as they really are part of the local scenery. It is a matter of fact though that once an aircraft stops being active it will start to deteriorate, especially if it is kept out of doors.

I would just hate to see one of these great aircraft slowly rot away dockside, until eventually due to increasing repair forecasts and environmental concerns it gets scrapped or dragged out and sunk to form an artificial reef.

This is not to question Port Alberni's ability to do it, it just means that whomever takes on the responsibilty of preserving one must be dedicated to the cause. Its not like you'd be able to just give it a good coat of rust paint and tie it up to the quay; this sucker will need intensive maintenance to keep it in good stead, and I can't picture the environmentalists being happy about WaxOyl dripping out of every orifice of the aircraft once a year...

I couldn't be happier if one of the hangars at the south terminal of YVR were to be turned into a museum, with one of the Mars as centrepiece; maybe Bob Jens could keep his Spit and Mosquito there when he's not using them. This would give me even more to see when I bike down there from east van...

As far as the US Navy goes, they can pucker up and kiss it. I think sitting next to (or under...) the HK-1 would be a great place for one.

cheers

Greg V.