Florida..part 8. Fantasy of flight. 2

[Hagar]

Don't rely on me old chap. I'm far from infallible & the old memory ain't what she was you know. These chaps know far more than me on most things.

PS. I worked on that Sunderland before Mr Weeks purchased it. I wasn't to know he intended flying it across the Atlantic. Honest.

[Hai Perso Coyone?]

[Dumb Sing Song Voice] Stearman Stearman [/Dumb Sing Song Voice]

[Jimbo]

DID you work on that exact model !
Cool!

Nice and big aircraft...

Downstairs there is a cabin, but upper deck there is a cabin and suites, is this first class?

I thought it was!

Anythin else really interesting about this model, i like it!

Jimbo

[Hagar]

DID you work on that exact model !
Cool!

The very one.

When I say worked 'on it' we refurbished the engine hoses. They're big hoses as you might expect & being a 4-engined aircraft there were a lot of them. This was the biggest job I'd ever undertaken. Our hose shop was set up for the usual GA aircraft & the odd warbird, nothing that size. Didn't really fancy doing it at all but I got talked into it. Parts weren't available so we had to salvage the reuseable ends & refit them to new lengths of hose. Our assembly machine wasn't suitable for anything that size so I put them in the back of my car & we took them all the way to Reddich to assemble them. Testing them was another marathon job.

My one regret was in not being able to take up the offer by the chief engineer of a guided tour of the finished aircraft at Calshot. Next thing I know it's half-way across the Atlantic.
I saw the complete aircraft for the first time on a visit to Fantasy of Flight when it first opened. Missed out on a tour then too.

[C]

The Sunderland was flown in there by Kermit Weeks himself but I don't think it's airworthy now.

Technically is probably is, just like the airworthy Lizzie exported in the late 90s and the Mossie he exported in the late 80's.

Shame no one had the cash to keep them flying over here. There doesn't seem to be the appeal of lesser known British types at airshows in the US. I've even heard of the AA Shack being effectively used to represent a Lancaster at US airshows to justify its existence as a flyable exhibit.

[Jimbo]

I think its an amazing aircraft, and nice work Doug  :)

[Rifleman]

PS. What about the Martin Mars water bombers in Canada?

I can vouch for the Martin Mars as being large.....
Did you guys want me to go and get some shots of it..........after all, it's just around the corner from me.....

[Hagar]

Did you guys want me to go and get some shots of it..........after all, it's just around the corner from me.....

Naturally. As if you need to ask.

[HawkerTempest5]

I can vouch for the Martin Mars as being large.....
Did you guys want me to go and get some shots of it..........after all, it's just around the corner from me.....

I honestly thought these had now been grounded (or should that be watered ) If they are still there get lots of shots please Ken. The Mars is a stunning big aircraft.