Sunday, February 24, 2013
Old Toy Seaplanes
My wife doesn't travel well when there is any motion or excessive motion. I remember when we couldn't go out on the lake in the country because the waves were about a foot (254 mm). And, about 25 years ago, when we went fishing on the Pacific off Vancouver, British Columbia, my wife got sick, especially when my brother was licking his fingers after eating something! I caught a what I thought was a "keeper" salmon, but we had to return the fish as it was too small! It was about 20 inches, but whatever type of salmon it was, it was "small".
I've been fortunate to be able to have flown in a seaplane to go fishing. Once my father took me, and the other time, I went by myself. I don't think my wife would ever go! The ride in a seaplane is bumpy and rocky, and rickety. The airplane parts bend and move as you fly,but you know you'll get where you're going. The pilot has to turn into the wind to set out, ,and I think it's the same when landing.
I've been in a smaller seaplane where there was only room for 2 passengers and a pilot, plus the gear. I've also been in a larger seaplane where the capacity was 5-6 people, the pilot, and the cargo.
Many seaplanes are modified wheeled runway airplanes that have been adapted for the water. I think they can be reconverted back to the wheeled version. Also some airplanes can be also adapted with skis for winter landings and takeoffs, on frozen lakes.
Most of Northern Canada was developed with the aid of the seaplane, and there are many famous company names such as the "Beaver" company. There are some islands in the Caribbean that still have seaplanes, and in 1 James Bond movie there was one, but the name of the movie is forgotten.
In the early days of flight, there were lots of seaplanes, since you didn't need runways to land, and there were plenty of lakes and seacoast. Eventually, countries were settled, the population expanded, the railways grew, and then the roads came. However, most of Northern Canada still replies on the seaplane, and if you want to catch larger-sized freshwater fish in remove areas, you'll need a seaplane!
The largest "seaplane" ever made was developed by the famous Howard Hughes. It was nicknamed the "Spruce Goose". It was designed to carry a huge cargo or lots of troops during WWII. It was 218" 8" (66.65 M), 79' 4" high, and had a wingspan of 320' 11" (97.54M). The ceiling (flying altitude) was 20,900' (6,370M)m with a range of 3000 miles (4,800 KM). Sadly, there were some problems with the airplane, and the war changed for the Allies, and the airplane was never needed.
Thanks for dropping by to visit today.
As usual, have a great part of the day, wherever you may be.
Stacey
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