Thanks for posting this news link.

I do hope these can continue as operational aircraft as they comprise the last working examples of a tradition of large piston-powered flying boats. I have been fortunate enough to go on board these machines and to see them operating. If I can locate my slides I’ll scan some in due course to show a flavour of the cavernous cockpit. The operator was always very welcoming during visits. My abiding memory of going out to board the Mars was that my “taxi” comprised a Police patrol launch. The officer was on duty and half way out to the flying boat we had to divert whilst he dealt with some under-age drinkers who were in charge of a boat. So there he was charging these unfortunates whilst there I was photographing the Mars in readiness for boarding. The size of the Mars can only really be fully appreciated when you get right close to it and then look around – it’s a sight you will NEVER forget. Having been interested in aviation for just under 50 years now the Sproat Lake experiences I will always treasure. I also recall in a more recent year seeing one of the Mars fly over Vancouver itself on its way back to Vancouver Island and once again the hairs on the back of my neck stood up with my realisation the Mars were still active and that again I was seeing something in aviation which could soon be over … I hope not.

I remember them well here in the Midlands. There is a whole row of them still in use and beautifully maintained in a road in the South of Birmingham named Wake Green Road (not far from Sarehole Mill of Tolkien fame) – they are the only ones now remaining in this city. Here are two links to recent colour illustrations. I think they are now protected through listing:
http://www.virtualbrum.co.uk/images/moseley/prefabs3.jpg
http://www.virtualbrum.co.uk/images/moseley/prefabs4.jpg

In addition to the preserved one at Duxford there is an “Arcon V prefab” preserved at the Avoncroft buildings museum near Bromsgrove in Worcestershire:
http://www.avoncroft.org.uk/

All rather a tenuous link to aircraft but still interesting.

My 1st flight was in a Rapide but my second was in an Autocar in 1963 from North Denes so I’ve always had a soft spot for the marque. Here’s a shot I took of the cockpit of an Auster which differs from all other versions!

Culdrose?