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Thanks again,
The Yahoo Team
How about I just put in a link like this: click here to go to the Yahoo search engine? -The Gneech
Patricia: Tales of the Gold Monkey Goddess
Patricia (gmonkey@cris.com) is back, and says...
Subj: I''VE FOUND THE GOOSE!!!
Date: 96-05-07 14:08:47 EDT
From: gmonkey@cris.com
Sorry for shouting, but this is *exciting* news! Go to URL:
http://www.nwnews.com/nnissues/v16n20/feature1.html
There's a story about the owner of Seattle Sea Planes giving free air tours to people whose birthday is February 29. Here's a little bit of detail.
>>Following a toast and cake, they were taken for an aerial tour of Seattle, Lake Washington, the Eastside, and Puget Sound aboard a Grumman Goose that was once used on the TV series Tales of the Gold Monkey.<<
So, where are you going on your next vacation?
It's been a year or two since I went to the Emerald City ... it looks like I've got an expensive field trip coming up! Thanks for the info! -The Gneech
Real Life Goose Adventures in Alaska
Gary (address withheld by request) tells this tale...
I really enjoyed looking through your Grumman Goose page. It brings back some
fond memories of days gone by. In the summers of 1967 and 1968, I worked for Alaska Dept. of
Fish and Game at a remote research site on the Alaska Penninsula. The only access to the camp
was by air and we were transported to there and back from Kodiak on a "Goose." As I recall, it
was one of two such craft owned by the state and came equipped with state pilots. We had the
opportunity to take off and land from both land and water and in one instance close to both. We
were taking off from Kodiak and were overloaded with people and gear including a canoe. We
used all of the runway available to us and nearly ended up in the bay. I had one exciting
experience, at least for me. The pilot didn't seemed to be the least bit concerned but I was
apprehensive as he asked me to look out the co-pilots side window and let him know if I saw any
land. We were flying across the straight between the mainland and Kodiak and the visibility was
very poor. Some ten minutes later, I spotted the tip of the island and we followed the shoreline to
town. The summer after I was last up there, I heard the plane had some problems in flight and
was set down out on the tundra. I think it was later recovered but don't know if it was ever put
back in to service. Well, thanks for the effort in putting together the page. I think of the Ol'
Goose occasionally, and it was fun to reminisce.
You're very welcome, Gary, and thanks for the great note! Maybe it's because the Goose is
such a tough plane and goes all about the bush, but when people talk about it, they always relate a
story about being lost or otherwise in danger in an exotic or remote location. Like the mechanic
in Where is Joe Merchant? says, "You hang on to this airplane, sonny. She's your ticket
out of a dull life." -The Gneech
Sgt. Les Povarchook (lpovarch@mail.awinc.com), of the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police says...
Subj: Grumman Goose
I've been on the Internet for about 3 months now and one of the first things I looked for was
anything on the Goose. Other than the For Sale pictures out of Florida and the link to a U.S.
museum there wasn't much. Tonight I thought I would try again and there was your Goose Page.
You sound like someone that needs to hear about a Goose with character.
Grumman G-21 Serial #: 37824 Date of Mfg: August 21, 1944
The a/n aircraft was the longest serving aircraft in the history of the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police (RCMP). To give you a brief history, I'll quote from literature from the Save the Goose
Committee.
In June 1994, the RCMP Commissioner postponed public sale of the "Goose" until the end of the
calender year to allow the Save the Goose Committee of the Prince George Flying Club to raise
$300,000 to purchase the aircraft and place it in the National Aviation Museum for all
Canadians."
As noted MPG is now retired to Ottawa and is awaiting her place in the NAM. Back in the late
80's I was lucky enough to have a flight in her from the Vancouver International to Victoria
(tarmac to tarmac, no water landing). It was an experience to enjoy and to remember. We were 2
in line behind a pair of visiting American F-16s that thundered off down the runway. Not to be
outdone, MPG's twin Pratt and Whitney's roared us down the runway with the best speed our
pilot could eke out of them, in the classical Goose waddle. There is still at least one Goose flying
commercialy on the West Coast between Vancouver and Nanaimo, if you are unsuccessful with
the Seattle connection.
I may be biased but I feel MPG to be the most beautiful example of a Goose that I have seen.
Upon her retirement she was in like new condition and was painted in the standard RCMP color
scheme of Navy blue wing/engine nacelles and white fuselage/hull with blue and yellow trim
lines. If you are
interested in any of my photos you can contact me here at lpovarch@vbcs.awinc.com.
Les Povarchook, Sgt.
Well, I'm sad to hear that MPG had to retire (planes belong in the air if at all possible IMO),
but I'm glad she found a good home! Living near Washington, D.C., I'm fortunate in that I can
hop on the Metro and take a look at a Goose whenever I want, so I can completely understand
why the NAM would want one, too! Thanks for the info! I'm working on a "Goose Restoration
Projects" page for this rapidly-growing website o'mine, and the info you sent to me will go up
there A.S.A.P. -The Gneech
I told you the Goose has devoted fans! In the few days since my page has been listed on
Yahoo, I've been getting letters almost every day, from some cool Goose-related contacts! For
example, Norman Gray (normg@teleport.com) writes...
Subj: The Goose
Just read your page and enjoyed it very much. During the late 60's I worked at McKinnon
Enterprises located in the foothills of the Cascade Range near Sandy, Oregon. I have attached a
photo of one of the planes built at this location. The McKinnon modification turned the
Grumman "Ugly Duckling" into a graceful swan. Thought you might like a picture.
Hey, watch it, you're talking about the plane I love, pal. ;) Actually, I would post your picture
here, but there was a glitch in the transmission. As soon as I get it working, I'll put it here.
Thanks! -The Gneech
Subj: The HANGAR
John,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving me a note! I always enjoy hearing from my visitors and
appreciate you informing me of your page and your favorite aircraft. I stopped by and read your
page. I haven't featured/included the Grumman Goose in my encyclopedia as yet, but I am
always looking for contributors to add their favorite aircraft, so if you'd like to have a page on
The HANGAR with your name on it, let me know!
In addition, if you really liked the site a lot could you take the time to let Point Communications
know about "The Hangar" and nominate it for a Top 5% Award? They are at http://www.pointcom.com/gifs/submit.
Also, don't hesitate to start a discussion in the discussion section and encourage others to stop by
and do the same!
......and don't forget to visit once a week!
Ronald J. Bokleman
Thanks for the offer, Ron, but t's taken me over six months to update my own little page,
much less start one somewhere else. I did put a link to The Hangar (which is a cool site, BTW)
up here, though, will that do? :) -The Gneech
Gneechster-
I've just set up a new web page dedicated to the grumman goose. Lots of pics to view and share.
It's still in it's infancy, but will only get better with time. I hope to have a link to your page very
soon.
Anyway, come by and take a look! the URL is: http://www.appstate.edu/~dr12828/Seaplanes.html.
Thanks loads!!
-Duane.
Duane Rowland III - DR12828@Appstate.edu
Nice page; lots of good pictures. Check it out! -The Gneech
Subj: The Grumman Goose
As a newcomer to the www, I read your page with much interest as I too have a great passion for
seaplanes and in particular the larger Grumman Albatross. I also live in the DC area (northern
Virginia) and looked over the Smithsonian Goose many times. Have you ever visited the
restoration facility in Maryland (Paul Garber)?
I have been involved in the airline business for 18 years in maintenance, sales and customer
support and it is my goal to purchase an Albatross in the not too distant future. Drop me a line if
you know any good ones for sale at minormoris@aol.com (yes my other interest is Morris
Minors if your familiar with that quaint British car)!
The Albatross is larger and rarer than the Goose, other than that I don't know much about it.I
understand that the Coast Guard used them for radar duty quite a bit, until fairly recent times
(1980s). According to the message below, Jimmy "Someday I'll Own Every Grumman
Amphibian" Buffett recently acquired an Albatross, too, so you're not alone in your desire for
one. If any of you amphibophiles out there know of an Albatross looking for a good home, please
pass it on! -The Gnech
That's great the amount of time you have put into your page. I too am a fan of the goose. I have visited the one in the NAS pensacola museum religiously. Buffett did alot of research about the "black cats" Catalina PBY's out of this museum and thanks them in the foreward. There is also a very sad Goose carcass at Southern Seaplanes in Belle Chase, LA. I have climbed in and out and seriously checked out the Widgeon sitting at Lakefront airport in New Orleans and a Grumman
Mallard that makes its way to New England in the summer, but I have only been in the carcass of the Goose at Belle Chase. There are a few more on the market than you seem to think, but as you say they are all around 400-500 K. Buffett tried to buy the one at Lakefront prior to buying the one which he sank at Nantucket, but a trust of an oil family owns it and there it sits. Mint condition and it doesn't move. It hasn't been run in over 8 years. I am a seaplane pilot, but have only flown floatplanes, no multi-engine seaplanes. There is a cool instructional/documentary video fromthe EAA on the Aleutian Goose, the heavily converted hi performance Goose which the Alaskan government owns. I saw it for sale recently in Trade-A-Plane I think. I thought the Monkey Goose was at the Grumman Museum at Bethpage L.I. NY?? I imagine you are correct though. Its funny I know the pilot that most recently flew that Widgeon at New Orleans and he has flown the Widgeon from "Fantasy Island" where 10 people got out of the little thing. Buffett now owns an Albatross, the lucky guy, and as I am sure you know got shot up by the Jamaican Gov't, they thought it was a Ganja plane. I read somewhere that Bono for U2 was aboard. I share your interest on these beautiful birds and I buy lottery tix each week to buy mine.
Dave Menzies
I've only heard snippets of the tale about Jimmy Buffett's encounter with the Jamaican
government; seems like just the sort of thing that would happen to him, tho... :) -The
Gneech
Subj: Grumman Gooses
Sir, I have had the pleasure of flying grummans for a period of 10 years on Kodiak Island, the
Alaska Penninsula and in the Interior of Alaska for an airline called Kodiak Western and for the
Department of Interior.
I have flown both the Widgeon and the Goose plus close to all mod of the Goose including the
special conversion that the Fish and Wildlife Service completed in the early 70's named the
Aleutian Goose, now owned by Terry Kohler.
In 1977 or 1978 Dale Moore and I traveled to Juneau, AK and purchased 2 Grumman Gooses for
Kodiak Western. The N numbers of these two Gooses were 3282 and 327. As you probebley
know N327 is "Cutters Goose" now owned by Seattle Seaplanes. N3282 was later wrecked in
Karluk Lagoon by Warren Zehe who was later killed in an airplane wreck in Karluk Lake, both
locations are located on Kodiak Island.
As for your story about the airplane being lost on the way to start filming "Tales ---" That was
N2845D which was also owned by Kodiak Western. I flew that airplane almost 4000 hours in the
8 years I worked for them.
If you want any more history or stories about Grummans in Alaska let me know
Captain David Henley
If you've got more stories, I'd love to post them here! My goal is to learn everything knowable
about the Goose! Somehow, though, I have the feeling that I should be calling you "sir," not the
other way around. :)
Subj: Re: Goose
Hey there:
About a month ago I mailed you some info on a Goose in northern Florida, have you found out
anything more???
Thanks,
Your original message was probably one of the who-knows-how-many that got deleted last
summer, so I'm not sure. Sorry about that. I've been updating the pages with everything I've got,
so if the information you're looking for isn't here, I probably don't have it. -The Gneech (still
feeling like a bozo)
It's been my fathers favorite for years, now that I`m getting older myself I'm liking it more and
more. If I happen across half a million I'll let you know.
Your father has excellent taste in planes. ;) Anybody who "happens across" half a million and
doesn't buy their own Goose, however, would baffle the heck out of me! :) -The
Gneech
I just read your page on the Grumman Goose and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I build and fly RC model aircraft and have been considering building a multi-engine anphibian.
Although I have known about the Goose for a long time and was an avid viewer of the Monkey, I
hadn't given much thought to building a Goose.
However, last week my son gave me a cast metal model of a Goose that was used as a corporate
airplane by Texaco. It was done up in a magnificent red with green and black trim with the
Texaco logo attached in several places. That got me interested in the plane and I searched the
web for more information. Your home page grabbed my attention and now I am resolved to
build a flying model of one.
While searching the web, I was unable to find any kits, plans or three-views for the plane.
Perhaps you may have heard of some in your explorations for information on this beautifull
aircraft. If you know of any, please email me the information.
Also, I live in Florida and visit the islands in the Carribean occassionally. Do you know where
one might be flying out there? It may be within my reach to get there and go for a ride.
Thanks,
You can find a small "three-view" of the Goose in Jane's Fighting Aircraft of WWII,
and I have a couple which I intend to post on my Pictures Page when that finally starts
materializing in any big way. As for kits, I keep hearing rumors about a large, motorized kit from
the 1950s, but as far as I know, that's just rumor. "Rareplanes" has a small kit (talked
about on the Main page) that is a little bit smaller than the Texaco Goose and has roughly the
same amount of detail, with the exception of having an interior instead of just black-painted
windows. I've seen pictures of large-scale, high-quality Goose models, but as far as I know, they
were all built from scratch. My suggestion to any modeller is go find a real Goose and study it
long and lovingly. Then go back to your Texaco Goose for reference and to refresh your memory.
That's what I do. -The Gneech
Subj: Grumman Goose DBA JRF, OA-9 etc!
I just discovered your site and want to congratulate you. It's well done and has a lot of
information. I will keep checking it to see if you get into any historical data. If anyone turns up
that is interested I would be happy to contribute.
Bill Larkins
Thanks for the kind words! I'm gradually getting more data on the page, but really it's the
folks on the message board who have all the expertise. -The Gneech
Gneech, I thoroughly enjoyed your web page. I have been a Goose fan ever since I saw Tales of
the Gold Monkey when I was a kid. I would like to find a model of a Goose. I was told by a
seemingly knowledgeable guy in a hobby store that there haven't been any made since the 1950's
and that some model company may or may not reissue it. Is this correct? I would really like to
get my hands on a model.
Thanks,
I've been told by my local hobby store owners that one of the big model companies (I think it
was ERTL, who made the Texaco Goose bank) was talking about releasing a model of the Goose
in the early nineties, but decided against the project. I've always had a sneaking suspicion that
this rumor was started by someone talking about the creation of the Texaco Goose, but that's just
my suspicion (if anyone out there has hard data, I'd love to know!). Anyway, the Texaco Goose
and the Rareplanes Goose are the only models I know of. Check the Main page for info about the
models and where you can find them. -The Gneech
Subj: Hey There!
Date: 96-10-07 16:11:24 EDT
From: Prevot@aol.com
Wow -- I can't believe there' s someone else as obssessed with Grumman Twin Amphibians as
me ... I'm a brand spanking new Private Pilot, working on my Seaplane rating -- my great goal in
life is to land a job with Chalk's flying those Mallards ... Thanks a lot for your page -- it was
wonderful!
Glad you liked it! :) And not only is there someone else as obsessed as you, but there are
lots of us! Goose lovers of the world, unite! -The Gneech (trying to suppress his
megalomaniacal tendencies)
Subj: Goose Photo's
Ok, I'll admit it, I'm a die hard goose fan. I have a cigar box somewhere with about 20 rolls or so
(as memory serves) of B&W goose negatives shot at Catalina Island in the early 70's. I should
get them printed up some time...
brgds,
What's to admit? Fortunately, my wife the photography expert assures me that if they've been
taken care of, B&W negatives will still give you high quality prints. So what are you waiting for?
:) -The Gneech
Subj: Goose home page
I enjoyed the Page on the goose. I recently bought one of the Texaco metal collector's edition
airplanes at one of their service stations. I love it. I also have the Northrop Gamma but I don't
have the Stearman, the first in the sieries. I hear they go for bucks. I went to Reno this year and
saw a guy at one of those vendor stands selling one for $225.00 . I passed. Oh Well. I love
amphibians and most other aircraft. Maybe you have one of the Goose? Have a nice day.
Greg
I don't have an apartment big enough to hold more than one metal airplane bank, so the Goose
wins. :) I would like to buy a second one to doctor and paint it like "Kangaroo 10," the fictional
Goose flown by Benjy Hale in my stories for Astounding Adventures, but by the time I
have the money to spend on a second one, I'm sure they'll be long gone. -The Gneech
Subj: No Subject
I am a big Grumman Goose fan as well and I find your page really cool. I don't know if I can
arrange a ride for you, but I can recommend a good book. It's called Where Is Joe
Merchant, a fiction novel written by the singer Jimmy Buffett. The main character flies a
Goose. It's easy reading and if you're familiar with Jimmy Buffett's music, it can be pretty
entertaining at times...
Any way, I've got a great GIF of a Goose, if you want it let me know, I'll mail it to you.
DJ Horton
Yes, I've read the book, and I put a link to one of the Jimmy Buffett homepages on my page;
I'm not a big Buffett fan, but anybody who loves the Goose that much can't be all bad... ;) -The
Gneech
Subj: Re: No Subject
Thanks for your mail, I noticed the link to Jimmy Buffett's homepage after I mailed you.
Attached is a picture of a Goose I scanned in a while ago. Not quite sure of the copyright info for
"stealing" this, but oh well. Enjoy!
Hey! Check out my web page at: http://www.visi.com/~djhorton/index.html
::putting on pompous-sounding "expert" voice:: "Ah, a Goose with the McKinnon-Turboprop
conversion package with retractable floats... very nice!" ;) Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about the copyright thing if you won't... -The Gneech
A very interesting page! As a resident of the north coast of British Columbia, Canada, the Queen
Charlotte Islands to be exact, I recall seeing the Grumman Goose flying every day. I also
remember many very scary flights from Prince Rupert to Queen Charlotte City aboard the Goose,
scary because of the poor visibility and high winds. As a commercial helicopter pilot I shudder to
think of those crossings of the Hecate Straight! I recall the Goose being used as a commercial
carrier up here right up until sometime in the early to mid '80s, it was only a couple of years ago
CF-MPG was still flying for the RCMP. I notice in your pictures the Goose there doesn't seem to
have retractable wing tip floats, is it an early model? Also I have seen the turbine conversions (2
PW-PT6s I think). An impressive performer! The companies that flew the Goose up here were
North Coast Air and Trans Provincial Airlines; also a logging company, Macmillan Bloedel.
North Coast also flew Mallards, a larger version of the Goose. I don't recall seeing any Grumman
Widgeons though. Well, I just thought after going through your site I would throw in my two bits
(couldn't resist actually!!). If you have any questions feel free to E-mail me!
wiener@island.net
In regards to the one in the Smithsonian, as I understand it that particular one was pretty beat
up when the Smithsonian got it, and they decided to restore it to its original (off the
assembly-line) condition. They had lots of publicity shots from when the Goose was first
released, particularly of Gooses (the preferred plural, I understand) flying around New York
harbor, and it was restored from them. Since none of them had the McKinnon upgrades, the
restoration didn't either. Actually, I must admit that I don't like the way the floats look retracted; I
understand that it makes the plane handle better and consume less fuel and all that good stuff, but
somehow it just spoils the beautiful appearance for me. Don't ask why, 'cause I don't know. -The
Gneech
Subj: I LOVE EM TOO
Hello from Kodiak Island
My uncles and my father owned the Goose that was on its way south to make the Tales of the
Gold Monkey series. It was N2845D. I flew it from Kodiak to Anchorage before it left on its
fateful trip with a pilot who didn't understand the fuel system. It was a shame. I went to Juneau,
Alaska and worked on N327 before taking it to Kodiak Island. N327 is the Goose that the TV
series used for its film. It is also the Goose that is running in the video at the Air and Space
Museum next to the Goose on display. I flew N327 for approximately 1100 hours. It may have
been the nicest flying Grummans that I have flown.
I have been around the Grumman Goose since 1958 when my family purchased their first. It was
N2845D. Since then I have had the privilege to fly 17 different Gooses. Some were just short
flights but most of them I have worked on Kodiak Island and Western Alaska. I am still flying
them and the Company that I am affiliated with has 4 at this time. We are using them to fly
charter and scheduled flights on Kodiak Island and the Alutian Islands. I have trained many pilots
to fly the Goose. It is a fantastic bird and I now have logged more than 11300 hours in one of the
toughest aircraft built.
I have many unique experiences with the Goose and have been fortunate enough not have bent
one. I love this aircraft.
Fred Ball
17 Gooses! Man, that's something like a third of the ones still in existence! What's the name
of your company? I know a lot of potential customers would love to find out (myself included).
I'm sorry for the loss of N2845D; I hope that the pilot managed to get away, and that you were
insured. Say, do you mind if I use that registry number for "Kangaroo 10"? It would add a nice
bit of realism to my stories to have a real number... -The Gneech
Subj: The Goose
Hey Gneech,
Just got finished visting your Goose page, and liked it a lot. I have a Goose story for you. I was 7
years old at the time, which was 1976. I was in San Juan P.R. and going to my cousin's wedding.
We took the Goose from San Juan to St. Thomas V.I. it was a trip of a lifetime! I had the left
seat, the floor was very leaky, we were stuck on the beach and the pilot was drinking good P.R.
rum, with my uncle. That was the best experience ever! I didn't realize I was hooked then, but
now like you the Goose is the plane of my dreams. There are several more available down here
in Florida, you just have to know where to look. Most like the one you wrote about are on the
East Coast of Florida. Not too many on the West Coast (Ft. Myers) but I'm always on the look
out.
So when are you going to for your pilots license? I'm just about to start on mine. I hope to have a
Goose of my own someday, and if you haven't had your ride you have a reserved seat on Island
Airways.
So how often do you update your page? Hope to see something new soon.
You can post this on your page. Please omit the address.
Thanks....Glenn
Consider it omitted. :) In answer to your questions, I'm going for my license as soon as I'm
financially secure (which will probably either be in less than a decade or never, depending on
how my writing career goes), I plan to take you up on that reserved seat, and, while it was over
six months since my last update, my intention is to update the page at least once a month from
now on. -The Gneech
Subj: Fellow Goose fan
I just stumbled across you page on the Goose while looking up info on Buffett. I am a big fan of
the Goose and enjoyed reading your page. I'm a pilot and dream of the day I get to log my first
Goose time. I will check back later, just wanted to tell you thanks for putting this stuff out.
Good luck in getting your ride.
Wasted away again,
Thanks! Same to you! :) -The Gneech
I read through your Grumman Goose home page, with great interrest. Many thanks to you.
One thing was not quite right though. The Goose is flown from the left hand seat, like most other
aircraft, with the throttles in your right hand.
I flew the Goose (JRF-5 and 6) in coastal passenger flying for Loftleidir, Icelandic Airlines,
during 1949-1951, in Iceland. This time was the greatest enjoyment in flying, in my carrier as an
airline pilot, spanning up to DC-8s.
The Goose was a really fabulous aircraft on the sea, but I always felt that she was like a cow on
ice on a runway, especially with heavy x-wind, with the very short distance between her
wheels.
The initial prewar commercial model was of course the G-21(A). After the war, we had 4
Gooses, bought from the US Government ex. US Coast Guard. They were the JRF-5 model
(same as JRF-4 but fitted for photography) and the JRF-6B model which had been previously
used as a navigation trainer. They were converted to 7 seats in the back by Loftleidir. The other
Coast Guard designations were: JRF-2 (1939/40) JRF-3 and JRF-4 (a development of JRF-1).
The US Navy had the JRF-1. The US Army designated theirs OA-13 (JRF-1 and 1A) and OA-9
(JRF-6B). Maybe you know all of this already, but there is no harm in putting it down, I
hope.
The British had a few and called them simply "the Goose" (basically the JRF-6B).
The P&W Wasp Junior engine R-985-An6 (T1B3/SB3??) rated at 450 horse power at 2300 RPM
and 36.5 inches man.press. for take-off, was and is a fabulous engine. As long as it got its fuel
and oil, it kept on running and running, although the airintakes were taking in half air, half sea
spray and sometimes half frozen to boot. A truly fine piece of machinery.
During one rescue flight, I remember waiting on the sea up to half an hour for one wave lower
than the others to attempt a take-off. With full flaps selected and throttles walled (emerg. power)
the Goose would bounce off the crest of the second wave, be airborne and stay that way. The
wheel in the stomach and the hydraulic flaps blowing back as speed increased. The plane is
indeed very strong.
It was very nice to participate in this discussion. Will be looking out for your writing.
Good luck,
Wow, thanks for the info! Unfortunately, when I tried to respond to "atom@vortex.is" I just
got back a "mail undeliverable" message. Please don't feel ignored! Anyway, I've been called on
that "right-hand seat" boner several times. I wish I remembered now where I got that idea, so I
could blame it on someone else, but I don't, so I'll have to take the blame myself. Hope you'll
drop in again! -The Gneech
Subj: More grumman amphibians
Enjoyed the page on Goose. Truly a wonderful aircraft. If you would like to see some more
beautiful examples of Grumman amphibians check out the National Museum of Naval Aviation
in Pensacola, FL (aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola). Their inventory includes some
immaculate examples of a Goose, a Duck, an Albatross and a Widgeon that actually sunk a
German U-boat 100 miles south of the Lousiana coast in WWII. In addition they have a pristine
PBY Catalina. The historical signifigance of their inventory and the upkeep of the museum ranks
right up there with Smithsonian Air and Space. Admission is free and they are open everyday
except Thanksgiving and Christmas. As far as flying in one, I hear that Seattle Seaplanes has a
beautiful 1939 Goose for charter and instructional purposes. According to one of the pilots there,
there are only 45 to 50 left. Good luck!!
Chuck Stickney
Seattle Seaplanes had one, but they're selling it. Next stop, Aleutian Islands,
Alaska... -The Gneech (can't afford a sick day at home, much less airfare to Alaska)
Subj: Mother Goose
My name is Richard Probert. I am a nut for seaplanes. Expecially the Goose. So nuts in fact
that I am rebuilding one and expect to fly it in about 6 months. My father owned Catalina
Airlines which operated 10 G-21's and a Sikorsky VS-44A flying boat. The nick name for the
Sikorsky was Mother Goose. The attached photo was taken at Calalina Island around 1960.
Regards
How much rebuilding is involved? Are we talking plugging holes and reupholstering, or
building new wings and hunting down discarded Pratt & Whitney engines? Well, good luck in
any case! Could you send me info on your project? I want to put a "Restoration Projects" page on
this site, and would love any info you'd be willing to share. -The Gneech
Thank you for your web page. It was great to read such informative information. I and my Father
own and operate a air taxi service in Dillingham AK seasonally. We fly 2 Grumman Goose (1941
and 1946) and 1 Grumman Widgeon (1941). Our air taxi is called Fresh Water Adventures Inc.
We fly sports fisherman and hunters to the great lakes and river systems in our area for the best
adventure possible. I have been raised in aviation, My Father has been flying Grumman Goose
since 1965. He is well known for his abilities in Alaska. Since you know so much about the
Grumman Goose, I was hoping you might know of some companies that are still using the
Grumman for commercial use. I am looking for something to do in my off season, and I can't
think of anything more inviting than flying a Grumman all winter too. We have many Goose and
Widgeon pictures, if you are interested in seeing some of them please e-mail me and I will find a
way to get them to you. I don't have a scanner as of yet, but maybe soon. I can't tell how fun it
was to read your web page, We have just put together our own page, and it will be up real soon.
We are almost ready to get it on the Internet, doing the final touches. We have an 44 page
destination guide we will have on the Internet that will be fun to read if you get a chance.
Look forward to hearing from you,
Lester Bingman
The Main page has (or will soon have, depending on how long the update goes) all of the
information I have on companies or individuals who operate the Goose. As soon as your site is
up and running, let me know and I'll link it. Also, I originally turned down your offer for pictures,
but that was because I had more stuff than I could cope with here. Now that I'm not so snowed
under, I'd love to get them, if you're still willing to send them! Thanks! :) -The Gneech
Subj: Goose Buddy!!!
Howdy,
I, like you, am fascinated with the Grumman Goose. I have a buddy who is professional
commercial photographer. He and I were on assignment together on a video shoot in the Seattle
area a couple of years ago. At Paine Airfield (north of Everett) there was sitting a Grumman
Goose! Seems a nursery in Oregon owns it. It was a beautiful ship. The most amazing part to
me, was that this was not in a museum, they fly it all the time. I have yet to find more info on
them, but I am still looking.
I am currently going to post the photos of the bird on a page on my server. When I do, I'll give
you the URL if you wish.
I'm also looking for as much info as possible on the Goose, since I am constructing a 3D model
of it in Lightwave 3D (just a pet project). Any info you would offer, or point to (besides what I
am going to access through your page) would be appreciated.
Yes, please give me the URL. Like I said before, you can never have too many links. As for
models, well, that's a long story... -The Gneech
Subj: Grumman Gooses-maintenance & operating in Arctic /nasty
weather/mechanics
See web page on Peninsula Airways, Inc. history. We work on these things things day to day. Our
flight environment is the nastiest in the world. Our aircraft provide scheduled service to
surrounding destinations daily, as weather permits! For more e-mail me at
ironmike@alaska.net
Thanks for the note, but you didn't give me a URL to link to your page! -The Gneech
Sir,
I'm in the same interest than you regarding acquiring a goose; I would like to know if the
donation system works for you... I intend to try the same thing in this case, and who knows,
maybe one day we will meet at an air show with our donated gooses... Let me know about it, I'm
serious !!! As up to date I have $589,000 left to go !
Good luck any way.
No, it doesn't work for me, although it did work pretty well for the Tongass Historical Society
(see the Restoration/Save The Goose Projects page for details, when it's up and running). BTW,
are you Vicki or Stephan? :) -The Gneech
I enjoyed seeing your website. Do you have any ideas of where I might find a high quality
Grumman Goose model? I'm specifically looking for a collector-quality, wooden model that I
could buy in volume for re-sale.
I'd appreciate hearing back from you.
Thanks.
Mark Smith
As far as I know, there ain't no such animal. The closest things to model Gooses of any kind
that I've seen are a small plastic kit from England that was a single sheet of plastic and you had to
carve the pieces out of the plastic yourself (basically a create-your-own-kit kit), and the metal
Texaco Goose bank, which is a terrific bank-cum-model of the Goose, but not what you're
looking for. If there were models of the kind you describe, I'd probably own at least two by now...
:) -The Gneech
Subj: Grumman Goose
Interesting. I worked for Grumman Houston in the 70's and 80's and worked on some replacement fuel tanks for a customer's Goose sometime in that time period. Also, I remember seeing either a Goose or Widgeon that sunk a German sub in the Gulf of Mexico in WWII at the incredible Naval Air Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
According to the earlier message, it was a Widgeon, although Gooses could be fitted for
bombs, too... -The Gneech
Subj: Grumman Goose
I read your bit on the Grumman Goose on the internet, think it is great that someone is keeping the Goose story alive. It is a super airplane and great airplane to fly, it does everything right. One thing that I have to disagree with you about is you never fly the Goose from the right seat. I have 5000 hrs. in the Goose, flying for Alaska Coastal Airlines and Alaska Island Air and have never heard of anyone flying from the right side. In Alaska we have a FAA approved gross increase on the Goose so we could carry nine passangers plus pilot on short flights. Most of our flights were under 150 miles so we could carry a good load most of the time. If you want any info on the Goose or pictures just give a call. I'm also a licensed mechanic so am quite familiar with the airplane. I retired a few years back so now have time to write about my flying experiences.
Bill Stedman
Sorry about the gaffe, there. Must've been something in my hot chocolate that morning. I'd love to hear any stories you've got -- that's what this page is for! -The Gneech
I really enjoyed your page. I too am very interested in amphibians, but my interest is in the smaller twins. In particular one called the Trimmer which was built on Long Island before Grumman made their line. If you have any information on the Trimmer (as a result of your Goose research) please let me know.
Thank you, and I'll keep visiting your site.
Trimmer? I've never heard of a Trimmer... but I'm fascinated! Tell me more! -The Gneech
Subj: geese
I've been touched by the Grumman magic myself. This story is from the late seventies. My college roommate was from Miami, FL, and was a third generation pilot (father was an Eastern captain, Grandfather a retired barnstormer.) His grandparents lived on a lake outside of Ocala where both families owned lake houses. Their Republic SeaBee couldn't carry the parents and 4 kids, and the Aero Commander meant that they had to get a ride from the airport, so the answer was a Goose they picked up in Seattle. I got to experience it once, and the idea of actually being able to stand UPRIGHT in the cabin was amazing, as was being able to duck between the consoles into the front baggage compartment, thence up through the hatch and onto the nose!
This model had been in airline service in Canada or Alaska, and still had the WWII hatch in the tail for dropping flares during patrol duties, and I have no idea what has happened to it since. Little chance of seeing one around here, although an AT-6 or look-alike with Canadian markings is based here in Lancaster, PA. As I live near the approach, I notice the unusual, and occasionally hear the wonderful sound of a radial engine. Makes the opposed 4's and 6's sound like VW beetles vs. big block V8's!
Regards,
Despite my enthusiasm for the Goose, I am fairly ignorant of other plane types. I know what a SeaBee is, but what's an AT-6 like? -The Gneech (who's not afraid to admit when he doesn't know something, but wishes he didn't have to do it so often)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Happy Holidays from all of us at The Hangar!
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support during the last twelve months of our existence on-line. The Hangar has proved to
be a very popular place and the number of visitors continues to grow steadily. We are committed not only to keeping our standards high, but
also to refining our site to take full advantage of all the World Wide Web has to offer.
We look forward to serving you even better during the new year!
Again, Thank You!
Ron Bokleman
You're welcome! (Man, is he ever polite!) -The Gneech (didn't actually do all that much at The Hangar this past year...)
Subj: Texaco Goose
I'm sure you know this, but Texaco recently came out with a red metal coin bank replica of a G-21 -- the same one used by the company in the early '30's. It's only $24.95 and very nicely done. My stepfather has a Grumman Widgeon that was passed to him from his father, who at one time also owned a Goose. You should know about Fred Frakes of Frakes Aviation in Cleburne, Texas. He is one of the world's foremost experts on Grumman Amphibians. He developed the PT6-34 conversion for the Goose's older brother -- the Mallard. His life long dream has been to convert the Albatross to a turbo-prop.
Hfindlay@aol.com
At the risk of sounding nitpicky, I suspect that you mean "used by the company in the early '40s", because the Goose didn't come out until 1937. Also, according to The Encyclopedia of the World's Commercial Aircraft by David Mondey, the Mallard came out after WWII, which means that the Goose is older. (After my big ol' mistake about which side the pilot sits on, I've been trying to double-check everything.) Thanks for the info about Fred Frakes, tho! Do you know if he has email? -The Gneech
I saw your posting on the Model Aviation BBS regarding a Grumman Goose. You are in luck. There is a 1/72 vacuform by RarePlanes currently available. Precision Enterprises Unlimited, PO Box 97F, Springfield, VT 05156 , phone 802 885 3094 has it for about $22.00. They advertise in Fine Scale Modeler and give very good service. If you want to call them it has to be after 5PM weekdays or 10am - 5pm saturdays.
I have models of all the Grummans. The Goose made my collection complete. There is another Goose kit from the fifties around. I dont know what scale, but its big, motorized no less and the one I came across was $350. I thought the label said $35. I wanted one, but not that bad! In addition, if you look around at toy stores, there is a very accurate rendition of a Goose out there for about $4.00. I bought one in desperation before I found the vac. One could do alot with it as its actually pretty well done.
Okay, so maybe the motorized kit isn't a rumor. -The Gneech
Subj: Wanted: Model of Grumman 'Goose'
Are there any assembled or unassembled models available anywhere?
I don't know exactly what it is, but I have that strange attraction to this seaplane, also...!
Regards,
You know, if I'd updated this page six months ago, he'd have had his answer a lot sooner. Oh well. -The Gneech
I just found your wonderful page.I have been in love with the Goose since the early '60s. I don't know if you remember a short lived TV show entitled the Islanders. It was on about the same time as Adventures in Paradise. I'll quote from The Complete Encyclopedia of Television Programs by Vincent Terrace.
"The Islanders. Background: The West Indies. The experiences of Sandy Wade and Zack Malloy, the pilots of a Islander, a two-man, one plane airline in the Spice Islands. Zack Malloy - James Philbrook; Sandy Wade - William Reynolds; Whilelemina "Steamboat Willie" Vandeveer, business manager - Diane Brewster... 60 minutes, ABC, October 2, 1960 - January, 1961
Barry
Hate to tell you this, Barry, but I was only alive for the last 3 months of the 1960s. Anyway, The Islanders sounds like a really cool show, but until your message, I'd never even heard of it. I assume the plane was a Goose? -The Gneech
Enjoyed your web page - while sailing and rowing on Lake Union here in Seattle I really enjoy watching the Goose take off and land.
Called Seattle Seaplanes today to buy a gift certificate for a ride on the Goose, and they said they're selling it in 2 weeks. Don't know where.
Would also highly recommend that anyone interested in flying boats who visits the Pacific Northwest (just don't move here, please) go to the interior of Vancouver Island and see the Martin Mars, which are used as water bombers. If you're lucky you'll be allowed to walk right up to them, depending on who's minding the store that day.
We have a lot of seaplane activity here in Seattle, but except for the about-to-be-sold Goose they're all floatplanes; wonder why flying boats aren't used? I would think there are several surplus Albatrosses which could be converted to turboprops, for example.
Ciao -- John Lewis
Yeah, yeah, you Seattlites always gotta get in your "don't move here" digs, don't you? ;P (Actually, that's a good subject for me to not get started on, so I think I won't...)
It always worries me when a Goose is sold -- I have visions of it being bought by some Hollywood mogul who'll film a movie with it, then blow it up at the end. I'll just keep telling myself that it was bought for Tales of the Gold Monkey: The Next Generation... and try not to sweat. So far, the good people at Seattle Seaplanes haven't responded to my queries on this matter. -The Gneech
You gotta' check this link. It's a band called the puddle jumpers that wrote a song inspired by the Goose!
http://useattle.uspan.com/bands/puddlejumpers/PJ_Story.html
Bob
Cool, I'll check it out! :) -The Gneech
Subj: (no subject)
Dear Fellow Monkiac,
A couple of questions for you...
1) Any more news on the Goose purchase?
2) What exactly *is* a Gneech? :)
Karen
(For those of you who don't know, Monkiac = "Tales of the Gold Monkey" fan.) The answers are (1) no, and (2) for the answer to that you'll need to check out The Gneech's NEW! IMPROVED! World Wide Web Page. -The Gneech
Hey Gneech!
Thanks a lot for the page update! I am looking forward to your fictional writings about the Goose and pilot I read about on one of those pages. How will your stories be found?? Can you buy them or will they be somewhere out on the net? It is final, there's going to be a Where is Joe Mertchant? movie with a Goose! (Buffett on Compuserve 12/96) I bought the entire Golden Monkey series from Pat and have been watching them. I am seriously shopping for a seaplane now, I'm looking at Lake Amphibs and floatplanes, but what I really want is a goose! (Yeah right $$) There are a few on the market now but they're all lile 500-600 thousand. I met the mechanic that patched the bullet holes in Buffetts Albatross, that was pretty cool. Hey I share your enthusiasm for the Grummans!!
Dave Menzies
There's one of my stories featuring Benjy Hale, the owner and sole proprietor of "Kangaroo 10 Chartered Freight", downloadable for free off of The Astounding Adventures Quarterly Page (http://members.aol.com/astadvqtrl/main.htm). The story is an Indiana Jones-style adventure tale, called "Lair of the Serpent Queen." Hope you like it! :) Thanks for the info about the Joe Merchant movie! Keep us informed! -The Gneech
Subj: just to show my appreciation
I myself am in love with the Grumman and would be honored if you would allow me to send you a pro model, six panel, brushed cotton, suade visor, hat with the famous Fresh Water Adventures logo (adjustable strap in back)to you to show my appreciation. I know you told me you dont want any of my Goose and Widgeon pictures squatting in Alaska's wilderness settings were she belongs but for your own pleasure watch for fresh-h2o.com coming soon.
Wow, thanks, I'd be honored! :) Actually, I was going to email you back and ask if you were still willing to send me the pics... now that I've got this page a little more under control, I'd love to post them. Also, let me know when "fresh-h2o.com" is up and running, and I'll put a link to it! -The Gneech
Subj: Re: Goose Page Update
Hi, Gneech,
Love what you've done with the place.
Just thought you should know that one of your links has a typo in it (it says seaplances.html instead of seaplane.html).
Karen
Thanks, Karen. Those darn typoes... ;) For what it's worth, we've got just as much reason to assume that the Goose is going to a good home as that anything scary will happen to it. Don't panic... -The Gneech
Subj: more goose stuff
Gneech, just checked you're updated page, looks great, it was about time for a face lift. Was reviewing the message section and found a couple letters from co-workers at Peninsula Airways. There are a few Grumman pics there, go to www.penair.com. If you want to trade a few goose pics please e-mail back a snail mail address.
I'm currently working on a new 9 seat configuration for one of our "new" G-21's. Should be pretty sporty when complete.
Aaron P.
Glad you like the new look! :) I'll check out the link. Somehow, I never think of Gooses as "sporty." :) I can see a Widgeon being sporty, though ... BTW, you guys aren't the ones who bought N327 are you? Karen a.k.a. "Babyrain" won't get any sleep until she knows where it's going, and for that matter, I'd like to know, too... -The Gneech
Subj: GREAT NEW SITE
HI -
HAD NOT SEEN THE NEW SITE UNTIL TODAY. GREAT !!!!!
EXCHANGED WITH PATRICIA AT GOLD MONKEY TOO THIS WEEK
GO TO YOUR NEWSTAND AND LOOK AT THE DECEMBER 1996 AVIATION ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE. FULL OF STUFF ABOUT THE CLIPPERS.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, LOVE YOUR SITE.
GIL MOON
GLAD YOU LIKE IT, GIL! :) Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out! -The Gneech
I rode in three Gooses this fall.........
and have the pics to prove it!
larry Tufels,
Oh, sure, it's easy for you, you're in Alaska! There are Gooses all over the place in Alaska! I'm in Virginia! There probably isn't a Grumman amphibian in the whole blinkin' state! -The Gneech
Subj: restoration projects and models
Hey Gneech, long time no email?
Another note, I read in your pages where you were getting requests for Goose models? well the finest model builder of all times live here in Ketchikan and I a great friend of mine, he creates lots of Goose models I will be adding his works to my site soon please pass this info on to your guest's "He donates a portion of sales to our restoration project"
thanks Your fellow Goose Lover, Kurt
Consider them links listed, Kurt. For what it's worth, if your friend posts a message here, I'm sure he'll get all the orders he could want -- including some from me! -The Gneech
Subj: Re: "Nya, Nya,Nya"
I am Kurt,
I think I sent that message incomplete.... ooops sorry
I was saying the Grumman Gooses that come here every year together and there are four (4), belong to some friends of mine Dan Vollum, Larry Tufel, and two of their buddies. This year they are bringing a fifth, and I don't mean the one under the seat....
It is quite the sight to see, four Grumman Gooses moored to our floats at Clover Bay Lodge, our guest get a real treat. I am excited as I have not seen five grumman Gooses together since I was just a small brat roaming Ellis airlines bumming rides and generaly making a pest of my self.
The Save the Goose project continues, we have been busy stripping the fuselage of its remaining paint, having completed all the skin and structural repair/replacement. You may recall I told you about this project once before, this aircraft having been the first of many that flew for Ellis Airlines latter to merge with Alaska Coastal and finaly
to become Alaska Airlines.
There was extensive dammage to this aircraft its previous owner "Transprovicial Air" of Canada having ground looped the aircraft. but with lots of effort (mostly from our retired pilots community) we are progressing towards the full restoration of N-88821.
Another note: last year we lost another G21, while flying from Dutch harbor the aircraft dissapeared and though an exhaustive search was conducted, no trace has been found of the aircraft, its pilot or single passanger.
You need to order one of our Goose jackets and hats, proceeds go towards the restoration project. find out more info at the Goose home page.
I was going to make a snide "but Fresh Water Adventures is sending me freebies" comment, but since the proceeds go to a good cause, I do need to order some stuff. I assume you mean http://puffin.ptialaska.net/~kurt? I'll check it out ASAP. I'm sorry to hear of the loss of the Goose ... I hope the people survived somehow and we just haven't heard about it. -The Gneech
WHAT IS THE GOLD MONKEY? IT IS TOYS? OR JUST PLAY GAME EITHER IT THE WINNING? WIRTE BACK MAIL SOON!
The Gold Monkey is a TV show ... check out The Tales of the Gold Monkey Page (http://members.aol.com/pma082267/goldmonkey/index.html) for info. BTW, how old are you? -The Gneech
Subj: Cool Page
Gneech
Thanks! Glad you like it! -The Gneech
Subj: It's on it's way
John,
I was recently at a sports show advertising for our family business and my wife traded an art exibitor a FWA Goose hat for a decorative pin of a brown bear. We were so impressed with the qaulity of his work that we asked him what the minimum order would be to make a one of a kind Goose pin, and his answer was 500 so guess what? More snail mail headed your way in a couple of months.
I believe I will be able to sell the pins for $18.00 each (the same as the hats) and still make money for our next big project, Goose jackets. I'm so excited to see them, judging from the other pins he makes, they should be very nice (of course, yours will be on me).
I hope you like the pictures. I kept the best ones I have for Post cards and also my web page at fresh-h2o.com. Since I'm computer illiterate, I'm at the mercy of my web master as to when it will be up. My point finger is wearing out so I'll keep in touch, N7F clear.
Wow, you guys are better to me than I deserve! How is Kurt going to get me to buy stuff if you keep showering me with freebies? Not that I don't love it, of course! :) -The Gneech
Do you know where I could get a model of a Grumman Goose? I've heard that they aren't made anymore.
thanks
jason
All the info I have is posted on the main page, Jason. -The Gneech
A lot of people on your Goose page seemed to want Goose models. They should contact Pacific Aircraft, 14255 N. 79th st., Scottsdale Az. 85260. Phone 800 950 9944, 602 991 1841. I have one they had made in the Phillippines. I would give it a 7 from 1 to 10. It has a 18" wingspan.
Richard Probert
Cool! Thanks for the info! -The Gneech
Subj: Goose Plans
John,
Just read some of your updated Goose page and am looking forward to the other sites opening up. It seems like everyone is looking for a model kit. I haven't seen any but for your information, if you wish to pass it on, I did find a company in Texas that puts out some very good plans and I recently received a set. The cost was $58.00(!!) and you get 14 pages of blue print type full size drawings of parts and 15 pages of instruction to construct a 1/9 scale flying model. (About a 6 foot wing span) With a photocopier you could enlarge or reduce them to what ever size you like. The drawings are of excellent quality but the down side is that there are no construction photos or pictures and the instructions are somewhat brief but anyone with modeling experience shouldn't have any problems. It doesn't seem like you're getting much for the money but I guess one has to appreciate the work involved in drawing them up. The fellow's name is
Jeff Perkins at
Scale Dynamics
Telephone 214-606-4816.
Keep up the good work.
Les POVARCHOOK
Wow! Thanks for the info! -The Gneech
Subj: The Goose
Having seen some "Geese" in the long distant past, or at least pictures, I enjoyed you page immensely. Sorry I can't pass on information.
Glad you liked the page! BTW, what does BMYERSHHRR stand for, anyway? -The Gneech
Subj: The G21-A
I was amazed to see reference to the Goose on the internet. I flew the Goose in the late 40's and 50's for Ellis Air Lines in Ketchikan Alaska. It was a fine aircraft we had nine of them and they helped make Southeaster Alaska a better place to live. As you probably know the Tongass Historical Society has undertaken to restore N88821 which was the Goose we operated on our Ketchikan to Juneau run on a daily scheduled basis. We took the undecarriage off that plane turning it into a flying boat and gaining 500 pounds of useful load. In 1957 when I returned to the lower 48 to engage in corporate aviation I had accumulated 5000 hours in the Goose in severe
flying conditions. The great capabilites of that aircraft saved my life on more than one occasion.
In 1978 finishing a stint as Director of St. Lucia Airways in the Carribean I stopped at St. Criox to see Charlie Blair who owned and operated Antilles Airboats (he was also married to Maureen O'Hara). Charlie was still flying four of the same Grummans that I had flown for Ellis thirty years ago.
Best Regards
Hey, thanks for the note, Charles! The Tongass Historical Society sent me a lot of very cool stuff some time ago, actually, which I'm going to put on the "Save the Goose"/Restoration Projects page when that gets up and running. -The Gneech
Go to the Goose Technical Info Page
Go to the Restoration/Save the Goose Projects Page (This link not yet activated.)
Go to the Grumman JRF Operations Manual Page (This link not yet activated.)
Go to the Goose and Other Pictures Page (This link not yet activated.)
Go to The Gneech's NEW! IMPROVED! World Wide Web Page
Go to the Astounding Adventures Quarterly World Wide Web PageCanadian Goose
Date: 96-05-11 02:40:24 EDT
From: lpovarch@mail.awinc.com
To: thegneech@aol.com
Canadian Registration CF-MPG"Grumman Goose CF-MPG was purchased by the RCMP for $50,000 in March 1946 and
logged over 24,000 flying hours before its retirement in January of 1994. The Goose saw service
in the Maritimes, Ottawa, Calgary and the Northwest Territories before starting a four decade
stint on the west coast where it was stationed at Pat Bay (now Victoria International Airport) on
Vancouver
Island (1952 to 1976) and Prince Rupert (1976 to 1994). CF-MPG took part in surveillance, drug
busts, rescues, dignitary escorts and airshows besides hers normal duties of ferrying RCMP
Members, prisoners, supplies and equipment to various remote settlements.
I am glad to report that this small private group created enough stir which had enough influence
to convince the Canadian Government to take MPG off the auction block and had her transfered
to Ottawa for her retirement in the NAM. To her credit, MPG flew there under her own power
last summer. 49 years of operating in some of the most extreme conditions that any Goose had
encountered is quite a testimonial to the integrity of her design (not to mention the skill of her
pilots). There are a number of shipwrecked fisherman and other accident victims that looked
upon her as an angel and not as a Goose. I have heard from one member of the RCMP claiming
to have been rescued from a remote island in the Queen Charlottes after having come under fire
from some disgruntled inhabitants and literally leaping through an open hatch as MPG taxied by
the wharf not wanting to tie up and become a "sitting duck." If you crunch the numbers, I would
think that MPG is the longest and most continuous flying Goose with a single employer. Perhaps
some surfers can come up with some other examples. After MPG was retired from her flying
service, she was flown to the Prince George Air Detachment to await her fate. I was fortunate
enough to be posted in Prince George at the time and had several opportunities to visit her in the
hangar. Unlike your visit to the NASM, I had full access to MPG for photos sessions. Although
it sounds like I don't possess much better photography skill or equipment than yourself, I did
manage to snap off several rolls of film and came up with some very good shots. It is my
intention to construct an electric powered RC model of MPG and the pictures obtained are more
than enough to detail it with. I have been in touch with Viking Air in Victoria who have been
kind enough to provide some of the original technical drawings from micro fiche. I am missing
profiles of the bulkheads from the nose to the rear of the wing but have enough measurements
and drawings to wing it and to construct a semi-scale model. I am expecting it to have close to a
6 foot wingspan.
NCO In Charge
Merritt RCMP Highway PatrolNorm! (Insert Cheers Music Here)
Date: 96-05-11 18:39:13 EDT
From: normg@teleport.com (Norman Gray)
To: thegneech@aol.comYou Can Never Have Too Many Links...
Date: 96-04-26 22:00:15 EDT
From: webmaster@netimg.com (Net Image Company (Ron
Bokleman))
To: thegneech@aol.com
WebMaster@netimg.com
http://www.netimg.com/thehangarThere is a six-month hole in the messages here, due to computer crashes, a job that
consumed my life during this period, and other such mundane concerns. I feel like a complete
bozo for losing these messages, and if you sent me messages during this period, I apologize. It
was decidedly NOT my intention to slight anyone. If you could possibly re-send me your
message, I would greatly appreciate it! Please forgive me?
Another Goose Page! Full of Cool Pictures! Life is Good!
Subj: New Grumman Goose Gallery
Date: 96-08-23 20:50:17 EDT
From: dr12828@conrad.appstate.edu
The Ecclectic Web Page: Http://www.appstate.edu/~dr12828/index.html
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fan
Anime/Manga Otaku
Poet
Parrothead
Grumman Amphibious Aircraft EnthusiastPlanes & Automobiles (No Trains)
Date: 96-09-11 21:55:03 EDT
From: Minormoris@aol.comDe Plane! De Plane!
Subj: Goose
Date: 96-09-12 11:39:14 EDT
From: DMENZIES@aol.com
Date: 96-09-12 20:07:09 EDT
From: henley@barrow.com (David Henley)
Chief Pilot
Cape Smythe Air ServiceInsert Lame Excuse Here...
Date: 96-09-14 11:52:18 EDT
From: 104135.1577@CompuServe.COM (Matt Claiborne)
Matt C.A Very Generous Offer... ;)
Subj: goose
Date: 96-09-15 23:38:59 EDT
From: jck@b4futures.net (John Kramer)A Model Missive...
Subj: grumman goose
Date: 96-09-28 20:08:33 EDT
From: GoLighter@aol.com
John
Date: 96-09-30 00:16:33 EDT
From: wtl@ccnet.com
(WILLIAM T. LARKINS)More Model Missives
Subj: goose
Date: 96-09-30 20:44:02 EDT
From: jdtan0@service1.uky.edu (Jason Tan)
Jason TanYes, Please Print Them!
Date: 96-10-10 21:50:53 EDT
From: pattenc@mascorp.com (Chuck Patten)
chuck...Still More Model Missives
Date: 96-10-12 18:09:18 EST
From: N7USR@aol.com
Date: 96-10-15 20:12:59 EST
From: djhorton@visi.com (DJ Horton)
Hello...
Date: 96-10-29 23:24:30 EST
From: djhorton@visi.com (DJ Horton)Wow, You Sure Live In a Lot of Places! :)
Subj: goose
Date: 96-11-15 04:22:37 EST
From: wiener@island.net (wayne paquette)
Wayne Paquette
Queen Charlotte Islands
BC CanadaIs It Possible to Fly a Goose and Not Love It?
Date: 96-11-15 08:48:50 EST
From: fball@ptialaska.net (FRED BALL)The Archetypal "Goose Experience"...
Date: 96-11-17 21:55:06 EST
From: Glenn (address w/held by request)Anybody Seen This Guy's Shaker of Salt? :)
Date: 96-11-22 23:12:33 EST
From: cooke@siu.edu
(Thomas Cooke)
WilliamMore Info! Lemme Have It!
Subj: Grumman Goose
Date: 96-11-23 10:36:21 EST
From: atom@vortex.is (Albert Tomasson) [NOTE: THIS ADDRESS DIDN'T WORK WHEN I
SENT A REPLY]
Albert TomassonNext Time I'm In Florida...
Date: 96-11-30 14:59:39 EST
From: JStickney@chapin.sc.us (John Sticknet)Catalina Caper (starring Tommy Kirk)
Date: 96-12-07 18:53:40 EST
From: RProbert@aol.com
Richard ProbertArkansas! I Could Get to Arkansas! That's MUCH Closer Than Alaska or Seattle! Tell Me
More! Oh Wait, AK Is Alaska, Isn't It?
Subj: We read your web page
Date: 96-12-11 20:13:41 EST
From: freshh2o@efn.org (jill g. bingman)
Date: 96-12-13 12:36:09 EST
From: landon@digifx.com
(Landon)
Date: 96-12-15 00:33:37 EST
From: ironmike@alaska.net (Michael H Sherk)I Can't Cope With Being Called "Sir" ... But I Guess That's Better Than People Calling Me
"Madam"
Subj: Donation for the goose
Date: 96-12-19 01:36:04 EST
From: vickiann@alaska.net
(Vicki)
StephanNo Wooden Models. Sorry. :(
Subj: Model Grumman Goose
Date: 96-12-20 09:50:00 EST
From: MarkSStC@aol.com
St. Charles, ILGooses Is As Gooses Does
Date: 96-12-20 21:00:29 EST
From: bubbagum@worldnet.att.netThat Mistake Comes Back To Haunt Me Again...
Date: 96-12-21 14:02:24 EST
From: stedman@juno.com (William K Stedman)
stedman@juno.com and wks@alaska.netTrimmer? What's a Trimmer?
Subj: Your Goose Page
Date: 96-12-22 13:16:33 EST
From: tbesch@netgsi.com (Thom)
Thom Besch
Date: 96-12-22 21:43:37 EST
From: trw90@juno.com (Timothy R Wolf)
TimHave a Happy Hangar Holiday
Subj: The Hangar - Your Aviation Encyclopedia!
Date: 96-12-23 22:09:19 EST
From: RJBokleman@WellManage.com
* * * * * * * * * * * The Hangar - Your Aviation Encyclopedia! * ** * * * * * * * *
http://www.netimg.com/thehangar/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
webmaster@netimg.com
Date: 96-12-27 20:29:31 EST
From: Hfindlay@aol.comModels, Models Everywhere
Subj: Model Aviation
Date: 96-12-29 19:25:58 EST
From: TForce58@aol.com
Date: 97-01-01 01:31:25 EST
From: mthiemer@unicomp.net (Michael Theimer)
Mike TheimerWhat Is The Islanders? Why Haven't I Ever Heard of It?
Subj: Goose tv
Date: 97-01-01 17:19:26 EST
From: swack@cadence.com (Sue Swackhamer)Hey! They Can't Do This To Me! I Was Saving Up For a Trip On That Plane!
Subj: Seattle Seaplanes Goose being sold
Date: 97-01-03 14:50:36 EST
From: mail20280@alterdial.uu.net (John Lewis)
Hi, Bob! (Insert "Bob Newhart Show" Theme Here)
Subj: A goose link
Date: 97-01-10 11:17:34 EST
From: bdillon@admin.aurora.edu (Bob Dillon)
Date: 97-01-14 09:44:08 EST
From: babyrain@nbnet.nb.ca (Karen J. McLean)Post-Update Posts -- A New Movie With The Goose?
Subj: Re: Goose Page Update
Date: 97-01-17 09:16:10 EST
From: DMENZIES@aol.com
Date: 97-01-17 14:09:45 EST
From: freshh2o@marge.cyber-dyne.com (Jill and Lester Bingman)
Date: 97-01-19 13:03:25 EST
From: babyrain@nbnet.nb.ca (Karen J. McLean) (http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/babyrain)
who wants to save Cutter's Goose but has no idea how.
Date: 97-01-19 23:55:50 EST
From: ironmike@alaska.net (Michael Sherk)
Date: 97-01-20 12:25:11 EST
From: MoonLabs@aol.comThat's Right, Just Rub It In!
Subj: "Nya, Nya,Nya"
Date: 97-01-20 20:06:34 EST
From: kurt@ptialaska.net (Kurt Morin)
Date: 97-01-21 00:36:01 EST
From: kurt@ptialaska.net (Kurt Morin)
Hope you recall me? Kurt Morin I am with the "Save The Goose Project" Ketchikan Alaska's G21 restoration project, well how about a link to my page? you will see I already have a link to yours. the URL is http://puffin.ptialaska.net/~kurt
Date: 97-01-21 05:30:39 EST
From: kurt@ptialaska.net (Kurt Morin)Uh... yeah.
Subj: HELLO
Date: 97-01-21 09:38:48 EST
From: 96903208JGH@nene.ac.uk (Jonathan Hughes)
Date: 97-01-21 12:43:08 EST
From: G-21@msn.com (PHILIP ZISAKIS)
You have the most interesting page I've seen in a long time!
Date: 97-01-21 21:37:10 EST
From: freshh2o@marge.cyber-dyne.com (Jill and Lester Bingman)
Thanks for the snail mail address, your Goose logo Fresh Water Adventures hat and a hand full of pictures are on there way. I noticed my e-mail message posted on your web page, keep in mind I'm a Goose pilot not a writer so feel free to correct my writing before you post this. Chances are it's not a typo.Deja Vu!
Subj: Re: Goose Page Update
Date: 97-01-22 00:15:20 EST
From: jdtan0@service1.uky.edu (Jason)
jdtan0@pop.uky.edu
http://sac.uky.edu/~jdtan0Well, almost all the info...
Subj: Models
Date: 97-01-26 20:54:45 EST
From: RProbert@aol.com
Date: 97-01-27 02:19:17 EST
From: lpovarch@mail.awinc.com (Leslie Ryan POVARCHOOK)
2513 Fairmont Drive
Grand Prairie
Texas 75052
Date: 97-01-28 21:32:48 EST
From: BMYERSHHRR@aol.com
Date: 97-01-29 10:12:41 EST
From: cb@tenforward.com (Charles Barnes)
cb@tenforward.com
Charles Barnes in Sequim WashingtonAs of January 29th, 1997, there are no more messages. If you would like to add a message, please send it to The Gneech (thegneech@aol.com).
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