Simviation Forums

With a full load of 1940's era fun seekers aboard, Island HopperAirways flight 149 departs from New York:


Turning onto our course, Next stop: Grand Bahama.


A little over three hours later, decending towards the island:


On final approach to a landing in the bay, coming in over the oil stoarage depot:



Thanks for stopping by

Those were the days, the large flying boats were the Queens of the sky, if the designers had of had the brains they would have made them Amphibians instead of just flying boats.

I love those big clippers... Cool shots!!

[quote]Those were the days, the large flying boats were the Queens of the sky, if the designers had of had the brains they would have made them Amphibians instead of just flying boats.

They used what was called "Beaching Gear" which many times was carried on the aircraft depending on where it was going.

Some nice shots Cub but I'm trying to figure out the reason for the odd sized images. Also, they would look a lot better if you do something about the jaggies.

I found out many years ago politics and aeroplanes do not mix.

If the military or airlines wants a new design, then keep politics out of it, totally...

I tend to agree about the politics Doug but I'm not sure the airlines or military are any better. They keep changing their minds about what they want. The sad story of the Vickers VC10 is by no means unusual. http://www.vc10.net/History/historyBOAC.html

You are right there Doug, that is why I believe it should be up to the pilots to have a say, not the Generals, Admirals,

Strange Doug, not much on the internet about Beaching Gear.

Very odd. I found a few photos of the Short Empire flying boats on beaching gear here ---> http://www.users.waitrose.com/~mbcass/gallery.htm

I missed that Link Doug...well done...

Perhaps some of our younger members will now know what Beaching Gear is...

Here's a question: How did the Clippers stay upright without the aid of outrigger floats at the wingtips like I've seen on other flying boats? Those stubby wing like sponsons at the bottom don't look as if they'd be able to conteract the weight of the wings if the aircraft tilted.