Flying Boats
Thread Starter
Flying Boats
Where can I find examples of flying boats either in museums or elsewhere. I know about Southampton, Duxford and Hendon with their Sunderlands and Sandringham. Does anyone know where any others are on show or even slowly rotting away or - better still - flying.
The Museum of Transport & Technolgy (MOTAT) in Auckland NZ has the last TEAL Solent IV and a P&W engined ex RNZAF Sunderland on display. Both acft are complete and are displayed effectively as they were when withdrawn from service. Check their website.
Blackburn
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then there's Kermit Weeks' Sunderland in Florida, you can walk right in and through it...
Fantasy of Flight's Short Sunderland
Fantasy of Flight's Short Sunderland
Gnome de PPRuNe
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In the USA there's also a Solent in a museum at Oakland and a Sikorsky VS-44 at the New England Air Museum at Bradley International Airport.
The Musee de l'Air at Le Bourget has Sunderland/Sandringham as well I believe.
The Musee de l'Air at Le Bourget has Sunderland/Sandringham as well I believe.
I know of a couple of Catalinas in New South Wales, The Powerhouse Museum Sydney has a static one while HARS at Wolongong have one that is being restored to an airworthy condition and to be a as close as possible to the 'Black Cats' of WW2.
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There are two Martin Mars 'boats still in service in Canada.
YouTube - Martin Mars Waterbomber Performs for Crowd
YouTube - Martin Mars Waterbomber Performs for Crowd
Fairly recently there was a Catalina to be seen flying over Auckland. No more details in my head, I'm afraid
Seacue, dunno how true it is but rumour has it that one of the Mars will be going to Kermit Weeks' museum in Florida.
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How about the wooden bird
And of course, Howard's "Spruce Goose" now in the wonderful Evergreen Museum in McMinnville, Oregon - You can wander thru much of the interior and wonder at the exterior as well.
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There's a lovely shiny Martin Mariner at the Pima museum near Tuscon AZ plus some other great amphibians/sea planes/flying boats - not to mention all the other great stuff that has found a final home in th sun.
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I think there is a piece of the Saunders Roe Princess melted down in the door handles of my Mini.
The Solent at MOTAT is well worth a visit, still got the miniature bottles of Scotch and the best china set on the white table cloths!
The Solent at MOTAT is well worth a visit, still got the miniature bottles of Scotch and the best china set on the white table cloths!
Thread Starter
Wow, thanks for all the replies, so far.
I'm mostly interested in Sunderlands/Sandringhams but also flying boats in general. You've certainly all given me food for thought - especially the thought of Mr Hughes' Hercules.
Does anybody know if the Le Bourget Sandringham is on display now or still mothballed?
I'm mostly interested in Sunderlands/Sandringhams but also flying boats in general. You've certainly all given me food for thought - especially the thought of Mr Hughes' Hercules.
Does anybody know if the Le Bourget Sandringham is on display now or still mothballed?
Last edited by J.A.F.O.; 13th Oct 2008 at 10:08.
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J.A.F.O.
You will also find a Catalina at the Aviodrome in Holland. Follow this link Aviodrome click on "sight seeing flights" and you might find something that tickles your fancy.......just need 14 other mates to join in !!
You will also find a Catalina at the Aviodrome in Holland. Follow this link Aviodrome click on "sight seeing flights" and you might find something that tickles your fancy.......just need 14 other mates to join in !!
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Short Sealand
Understand that one example is (was) on display in India
Warbirds of India - [Naval Aviation Museum, Dabolim, Goa]
Also a second is under restoration in the UK (N Ireland)
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
PZU - Out of Africa (retired)
Warbirds of India - [Naval Aviation Museum, Dabolim, Goa]
Also a second is under restoration in the UK (N Ireland)
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
PZU - Out of Africa (retired)