'What could possibly go wrong?' - Stranraer from land

[JDK]

This is the largest flying boat take off from a 'dolly' I'm aware of, the last complete Supermarine Stranraer:



In 1962, it 'Flew from Abbotsford Airport runway No. 18 to the Fraser River at Sea Island - took off with the hull resting on a specially constructed detachable 4-wheel 'dolly' from which it lifted off when flying speed was reached. The dolly rolled to a stop at the end of the runway.'
(RAF Museum PDF Record Card.)

As it was not equipped with brakes, as can be seen above, it was retarded before the attempt by a rope attached to a (presumably full) Shell fuel bowser. This '40-minute test flight, flown by Slim Knights' was probably one of the most 'testing' take-offs in the type's career, notwithstanding the many open sea rescues by Stranraers in the war.


(Photo credits Canadian Aviation Museum)

And it survives today, in the RAF Museum:



I was reminded about it by a remark on the Key Historic forum, but thought it worth sharing here as well. For a bit more gen, see the post on my blog: http://vintageaeroplanewriter.blogspot. ... -home.html . Comment welcome on the blog and of course here!

[Holedigger]

Cool! Rare bird indeed, just something about the lines of those old seaplanes I just love.

[Mudge]

I had the adventure of taking off and landing (twice) in a seaplane. A Grumman "something" between Annette Island and Ketchikan, AK. There was just something about flying over all that cold water and the little islets with the logs piled around their shores that gave me white knuckles.
Don't get me wrong...I'd love to FLY a seaplane.

Mudge the wuss

[Chris Brame]

Years and years ago I read that this Stranraer is painted in its original squadron markings except for the individual aircraft letter, which they hadn't discovered at the time. Has this ever been ascertained? Also, are the engines it carries Lockheed Hudson QECs? The cowls looked that way to me.

[hercules130]

"As it was not equipped with brakes"

Well they saved time on the TOLD and take off brief! Those cats needed a trailer for their, well you know.

[JDK]

Years and years ago I read that this Stranraer is painted in its original squadron markings except for the individual aircraft letter, which they hadn't discovered at the time. Has this ever been ascertained?

Have a look at the blog link I provided. Good questions though!

Certainly when I was talking to Andy Simpson about the aircraft around 2000, that was the case. My photo of it 'today' is July 2007 and still sans- code letter.

More importantly, the instruments and panel were stolen from it in 1970 while standing, unairworthy at Vancouver (B.C.) airport. They are still missing.

Anyone?

Also, are the engines it carries Lockheed Hudson QECs? The cowls looked that way to me.

I've never noticed that before, and it faces an ex-Aussie Hudson!

According to the RAF Museum's aircraft data (PDF also in my link):

Mar [19]50 Pegasus X engines replaced by Wright-Cyclone GR-1820-G.202GA engines - Pegasus spares were becoming hard to obtain. Also given Hamilton standard hydromatic propellers replacing the original wooden units, becoming a ‘Super Stranraer’.
...
Given new R1820-97 engines June 1962.'

Regards,

[Sully]

Another twist.

http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m143 ... eoffRB.flv

Sully

[hercules130]

Sully,

That was super neat thanks for posting.

Gary

[Airplanejunkie]

Another twist.

http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m143 ... eoffRB.flv

Sully

I'm not sure how happy I'd be if I was driving the truck.........