The US Navy only built about 6 of these Flying Boats at the end of World War
2. They were used on a freight and cargo run across the Pacific until the
early '50's then scrapped. A BC forest company bought the remaining four of
them from the scrap dealer and brought them to Victoria, B.C. in the late
'50's. One was scrapped and used for parts after being damaged in a
hurricane that hit Victoria and one crashed in the mid 60's fighting a fire
behind Parksville, B.C.. This leaves 2 of the aircraft left. These
aircraft are based in Sproat Lake near Port Alberni, B.C. They are the
largest flying tankers of their type in existence.

Steve

"Michael Huber" wrote in message
...
According to WP, a total of 6 Martin Mars were built: The first Hawaii
Mars
(lost 1947), the Marianas Mars (lost 1961), the Philippine Mars (with
Coulson), the Marshall Mars (lost 1950), the Caroline Mars (lost 1962),
and
the second Hawaii Mars (with Coulson, the one photographed).

So a total of two out of six survive, both working as firebombers for
Coulson Flying Tankers.

MH.