Stainless Steel Flying Boat, what name?
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Stainless Steel Flying Boat, what name?
Many years ago I went to an airshow in Solvang, CA, with a friend in a Fox Moth. Threre was a Stainless Steel flying boat with the engine mounted high over the wing and cabin. It was literally a flying boat and the inside was just like a fancy yacht, all polished wood and brass, with a single, throw over control wheel. Even had a ship's ladder hanging over the side which would have to be hauled aboard before takeoff.
I had seen one like it before in Florida when I was a child, before WWII. I used to watch it take off from the bay and dreamed that I might fly it someday. My father was instructing in PBY-3s at that time and he once flew the A/C with its owner. It was tied to the NAS dock and they pushed off as if they were setting sail, used oars to get out a bit, started the engine and off they flew. Later, came into the beach and nosed into the sand. Others took rides and later all concerned had a great beach party on into the night - to which I was NOT invited.
Years later, here I was at Solvang, next the flying boat of my dreams. I very closely inspected it, from stem to stern, wheels, brakes, controls, everything. An older fellow in shabby clothes was with the group that was also admiring it. Soon, he asked me why I was inspecting it so carefully. I told him about my childhood dream. He said, "well, this is it and you've done the pre-flight, let's go for a cruise."
He took off and I took over for a cruise over Santa Barbara, out over the ocean, and down along the beaches. Very touchy to fly
with the overhead engine. Climb and descent was no problem, but difficult to keep level. What a thrill to see the bathers wave and point! Finally the dream ended and he took over to land his baby. After that the Fox Moth was just another biplane.
Now, many years later, I've forgotten what was the name of the flying boat and still wonder if it might still be flying somewhere. Couldn't find anything like it on the Internet. Can anyone advise me?
I had seen one like it before in Florida when I was a child, before WWII. I used to watch it take off from the bay and dreamed that I might fly it someday. My father was instructing in PBY-3s at that time and he once flew the A/C with its owner. It was tied to the NAS dock and they pushed off as if they were setting sail, used oars to get out a bit, started the engine and off they flew. Later, came into the beach and nosed into the sand. Others took rides and later all concerned had a great beach party on into the night - to which I was NOT invited.
Years later, here I was at Solvang, next the flying boat of my dreams. I very closely inspected it, from stem to stern, wheels, brakes, controls, everything. An older fellow in shabby clothes was with the group that was also admiring it. Soon, he asked me why I was inspecting it so carefully. I told him about my childhood dream. He said, "well, this is it and you've done the pre-flight, let's go for a cruise."
He took off and I took over for a cruise over Santa Barbara, out over the ocean, and down along the beaches. Very touchy to fly
with the overhead engine. Climb and descent was no problem, but difficult to keep level. What a thrill to see the bathers wave and point! Finally the dream ended and he took over to land his baby. After that the Fox Moth was just another biplane.
Now, many years later, I've forgotten what was the name of the flying boat and still wonder if it might still be flying somewhere. Couldn't find anything like it on the Internet. Can anyone advise me?
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If I didnt know better id have said it was a Shagbat (alias Supermarine Walrus/Seagull) but sadly the world is a poorer place for their passing.
There was a rumour years ago about one in Oz though it never seemed to be confirmed.
Cant think of another in that configuration though.
I wish...
Imagine, in formation with the Swordfish at Yeovilton...(There isnt a smilie for a moist eye)
There was a rumour years ago about one in Oz though it never seemed to be confirmed.
Cant think of another in that configuration though.
I wish...
Imagine, in formation with the Swordfish at Yeovilton...(There isnt a smilie for a moist eye)
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Capt Waffoo:
Wish that it were. What a wonderful thought as well. This one was Stainless Steel and my first memory was how blinding it was in the sunlight. I think is was called a Fleetwing or something like that, but not related to the Fleet Airplane company. I posted this question on several aviation websites with plenty of response but no correct answers. Might make a good question for who wants to be a Millionair. The only Stainless Steel flying boat?
Regards and good landings, Charlie O
Wish that it were. What a wonderful thought as well. This one was Stainless Steel and my first memory was how blinding it was in the sunlight. I think is was called a Fleetwing or something like that, but not related to the Fleet Airplane company. I posted this question on several aviation websites with plenty of response but no correct answers. Might make a good question for who wants to be a Millionair. The only Stainless Steel flying boat?
Regards and good landings, Charlie O
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1936 FLEETWINGS F-4 SEA BIRD! I found it on Aerofiles.com under Fleetwings, a company dedicated to building stainless steel airplanes, later owned by Henry J. Kaiser. The photo can be linked, but I don't know how to make the blue links yet. Try typing in Aerofiles.com/fleetwings4.jpg. Thanks all for the effort. Now I can get some sleep.
