Martin Mars get new life

[boeingbuff]

The Martin Mars water bombers of Sproat Lake have received the needed money to restart operations, as well as a contract from the British Columbia Forestry Ministry. Due to very low snowpacks in the mountains this year, the summer is expected to be one of the worse in memory for forest fires. The tanker base (FIFT) is now trying to rehire workers released in late Jan.

[EGGW]

Excellent news indeed, saw a great documentary a few years back, they are truly gorgeous aircraft :)

[EGAC]

Hear hear!

I never saw them either of them fly but in a couple of visits I managed to get out on the water for a better look/pic. and last time was allowed on board one that was beached for maintenance.

A revenue-producing operation is the best way of preserving these mighty beasts as there are VERY few museums that would have buildings of the size required to give one of them an indoor berth upon retirement.

Long may they fly. :)

[Shore Guy]

Any good links out there on these aircraft?

[broadreach]

Try this:

http://vectorsite.tripod.com/avmars.html

[PaperTiger]

FIFT's own site is http://www.martinmars.com but it doesn't seem to have been updated re: the latest developments.

[javelin]

Wonderful news indeed, I visited last summer and was lucky to have a tour of one Mars on the lake while the other one was warming its engines up step taxiing - won't forget that in a hurry !

[Cyclic Hotline]

The Martin Mars is the only aircraft I have ever FLOWN AROUND in a helicopter, (whilst at anchor)!

You can actually see this collosal machines as you pass overhead at 30,000 feet, sitting sedately on the lake. (Sproat Lake, by Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, B.C.)



[This message has been edited by Cyclic Hotline (edited 30 March 2001).]