Seeking Information About Stranraer Flying Boats

[V2-OMG!]

I am seeking any information, stories, anecdotes, or experiences you can share with regards to the Stranraer flying boat which was manufactured in the UK by Supermarine industries, circa 1937, and later by Canadian Vickers in Montreal.

Please PM if you are shy.

Thank-you!
V2

http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL1942/12014112/21556821/373620333.jpg

[renfrew]

I have a 1956 ABC World Airways Guide.Under the entry for Pacific Western Airlines there is a Stranraer listed as operating from Prince Rupert.
The guide alleges that it was bulit in 1946 and could take 20 passengers.

[treadigraph]

There is one survivor - CF-BXO at the RAF Museum (http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/collections/aircraft/supermarine-stranraer.cfm) at Hendon.

There is a full aircraft history at the bottom of the page and it's one of those operated by Pacific Western! Still airworthy till August '66...

[PaperTiger]

Get a copy of The Accidental Airline by Jim Spilsbury. It's the history of Queen Charlotte Airlines, the biggest (only ?) commercial operator of the Strannie, aka Whistling S***house.

[V2-OMG!]

Thanks all, for your leads.
V2

[Ridge Runner]

I think I'm right in saying that the last three were in Canada and were re-engined with yank lumps. The last one was operating there commercially until relatively recently. There is a report on them in Air PIctorial or some such mag - I'll try to dig it out. RR

[S'land]

The Stranraers operated by Pacific Western Airlines/Queen Charlotte Airlines were indeed re-engined with Wright GR-1820-G202GA engines. I believe that the Stranraer became a much more enjoyable aircraft to fly.

The other civilian operator was Aero Transport in Florida who bought eight aircraft.

[PaperTiger]

The last one was operating there commercially until relatively recently.If you think 1968 was relatively recent, I'm guessing you're as old as I am. :p

Seems like only yesterday...

[Noyade]

There's an interesting photo of CF-BXO taking off from a trolley in Molson and Taylor's 'Canadian Aircraft since 1909' (pp 440. Putnam). Believed to be the first occasion that a large flying-boat had become airborne in this manner. Looks to be teetering to starboard!

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2530/ss5995318.jpg (http://img21.imageshack.us/i/ss5995318.jpg/)