Philippines Martin Mars Flying Boat Update From Vancouver Island Shaun 21 Dec 2024

21 Dec 2024
This latest video from my good RUclips friend Shaun just came in. The massive flying boat way out on the waters of Pat Bay, Saanich Inlet, Vancouver Island, BC, is one of the last remaining Martin Mars aircraft. 7 were built in WW2.
The plane nicknamed the 'Philippines Martin Mars' is a Martin JRM Mars. It is a large, four-engined cargo transport flying boat designed and built by the Martin Company for the United States Navy during World War II. It was the largest Allied flying boat to enter production, only seven were built. The United States Navy contracted the development of the XPB2M-1 Mars in 1938 as a long-range ocean patrol flying boat, which later entered production as the JRM Mars long-range transport.
Four of the surviving Mars aircraft were later converted for civilian use to firefighting water bombers. Two of the aircraft remained based at Sproat Lake just outside of Port Alberni, British Columbia, with one, the "Hawaii Mars", remaining in operation until 2016.
On March 28, 2024, the British Columbia Aviation Museum announced it acquired the aeroplane from Coulson Aviation.
It flew on its last flight to Victoria on August 11, 2024. On the evening of Wednesday, August 21, 2024, just after 9:00 pm, the "Hawaii Mars" was on a 360-degree rotating trailer as it crept across the active taxiways of Victoria Airport towards the British Columbia Aviation Museum. It will become part of a permanent display there, taking the museum's "Crown Jewel" title.
On April 25, 2024, it was announced that "Philippine Mars" will be acquired by the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona to be put on permanent display there. It is due to be flown there later in the year. It entered the Sproat Lake water for powered testing November 04, 2024. It flew on a test flight December 03, 2024
Unfortunately the elderly, "Philippine Mars" has run into engine trouble and the planned flight to Tuscon Arizona has had to be abandoned for the time being.
For further information check out-
Chek News
'Philippine Mars didn’t leave Vancouver Island as planned Sunday'.
cheknews.ca/ph...
******** Many thanks Shaun!! ********

[@EURAMBLER]

cool sharing 😎

[@TomMcClean]

Probably one of the biggest seaplanes in the world EUR!

[@mikedrown2721]

I love seaplanes, especially the big ones. It would be nice if they made a return. Thanks Chris and Tom.

[@TomMcClean]

This is a really big aircraft Mike. I hope it gets there too!

[@Anddapizzaplease]

Thanks for this, havent seen anything on the plane since it diverted. I heard it was going to Pima in Arizona, but thats far inland in the dessert. Santa Monica you said? Ok interesting, will watch for more updates, thanks again.

[@TomMcClean]

I get videos via WhatsApp from My RUclips friend Shaun over on Vancouver island I'm sure he will update us Al. Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh Hills of Northern Ireland.

[@chriswardlow9441]

Thanks for sharing this Shaun apologies for not getting back to you on your email, this is quite a dilemma and i hope it all works out and the weather stays fair to aid any mechanical issues if needs must, will look forward to any updates.
Thanks to you too Tom.

[@TomMcClean]

Yes Chris. A lot of people are hoping the PMM finds a way through this.

[@shaunmckenna1923]

Hello Tom , I heard today they had all 4 engine running and running the plane on the water never taking off , then they had another engine let go lots of smoke and a small fire, as my friend Gil said they will almost have to take the place out of the water to do an engine change . Thanks for posting it Tom.

[@TomMcClean]

Yes Shaun to do any substantial work on the MM it will have to be done on land.

[@chriswardlow9441]

Hey great viewing figures Tom,great stuff from Shaun, great all round.