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Post by aerofoto - HJG Admin on Nov 22, 2012 4:46:26 GMT
GRUMMAN GOOSE and WIDGEON aircraft don't have any water-rudder. Directional control .... on the water .... is maintained per the use of "differential engine power". That particular detail is one of the reasons why I like Joe BINKA's GRUMMAN WIDGEN simulation. One can water-taxi the aircraft .... and even adjust the direction of watertaxi ..... on the basis of differential engine power control alone .... just like on the actual aircraft. Using the current panel and FDE combination .... "IF" one want to taxi to starboard .... then one just needs to select keyboard commands "E" and "2" to reduce power on the starboard # 2 engine only .... then select keyboard commands "E" and "1" to increase the power on the port # 1 engine .... which then has the effect of swinging the simulation to starboard .... and then work to the contrary if one wants/needs to adjust the direction of water-taxi to port .... OR .... work between both lots of commands in order to control/manipulate the direction of water-taxi as one desires. And to re-synchronize both engines again .... all one then needs to do is select keyboard commands "E" and "1" and then "2" .... and all's then fine/re-synchronized. One also needs to control (keep down to the minimum) the speed at which one is water-taxiing .... for this to be able to work most effectively. And .... when one gets "REALLY GOOD AT THIS" .... one can even start to water-taxi in very tight circles to port or starboard  ;D Sadly  .... I've not been able to use differential engine power to the same effect with the GRUMMAN GOOSE simulation by Bill LYONS .... at least not without completely screwing-up the synchronization of both engines. Mark C AKL/NZ |
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Post by aerofoto - HJG Admin on May 13, 2013 7:14:50 GMT
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Post by Klaus Hullermann on May 13, 2013 13:09:28 GMT
What nice bees you have captured with your camera Mark.
Thanks for sharing/uploading them with us.
Klaus
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Post by aerofoto - HJG Admin on May 13, 2013 19:50:38 GMT
It's not often that I get a "bee in my bonnet" over something .... BUT .... I most certainly did over these bloody things (the GRUMMAN amphibians I mean) for several years near the end of SEA BEA AIR's amphibious operations here in NZ. I actually did my "very first ever flight" aboard one of these aircraft (an NZTAT WIDGEON) back in early 1967  .... SO .... I was well'n'truly baptized in water .... AND .... I also did what very nearly became "my last ever flight" too (had it not been for a stroke of luck) aboard another WIDGEON back in late 1984  ;D My name was certainly "on the page" on that day of the latter even, but, obviously not at the "very top of the list", and, "IF" the dice had, indeed, rolled the other way then I suppose it would probably have been the cloest I'll ever get to a "Viking Funeral" ;D .... BUT .... if ones keen about aviaqtion and flying then one always comes back for more and which is precisely what I did  Despite my predominantly classic and heavy jetliner interests .... I've always had a very fond attachment to these particular birds/budgies  Mark C AKL/NZ |
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Post by Herman on May 14, 2013 15:34:43 GMT
Great pictures Mark and thank you for sharing your stories and experiences with the Grumman's. Very interesting!!!
Herman
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Post by normsanson on Mar 24, 2014 11:59:38 GMT
A great record of events, good to see Mark Cranston's input.
I flew these amphibians for 17 years, 1973 to 1990, spanning Mt Cook's era, and Sea Bee Air.
Can I use some of your photos Mark?
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Post by normsanson on Mar 24, 2014 12:16:28 GMT
You were always most welcome Mark.
Have only just found this thread. Much enjoyed.
We will have to catch up next time I'm in Auckland, hope to launch my book later this year.
"A Deviation from the Norm"
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Post by aerofoto - HJG Admin on Mar 24, 2014 19:28:02 GMT
"G-R-E-A-T" to make your acquaintance again Norm  .... and "YES" we must catch up either down here, or up there, or both "ABSOLUTELY" you may "in respect of those actually credited to me at least" .... as for those which aren't mine I think we can source authorizastion, for you, to use some of these, and without any major problems. In respect of my own SEA BEE AIR archive there's "many more" pictures where these came from of course .... and as you'll probably recall too Folks .... I met Norm SANSON during December 1983 .... when I started taking a keen photographic interest in the GRUMMAN amphibian operations of SEA BEE AIR. Norm was Chief Pilot at SEA BEE AIR and during the course of my long photographic association with the airline we became good friends. Consequently .... I had the pleasure of flying with Norm (by the time SEA BEE AIR ceased operations he was probably "the most" highly experienced amphibian pilot within New Zealand and possibly the southern hemisphere) on the GOOSE and the WIDGEON .... both as a fare paying PAX and as a free-loader .... on many .... Many .... MANY occasions. It was Norm and the 2 other regular SEA BEE AIR pilots (James DUNCAN and John COMMINS) that "really kindled my interest" in these fascinating aircraft .... to result in what you've seen, and read, here per this particular posting. Had it not been for the friendship I cultivated with Norm, and these guys, throughout the 1980's, then this particular article simply wouldn't have been written .... at least not by me. Norm .... I've sent you a PM per this forumI'll look forward to reading that book of yours when the time comes Mark C AKL/NZ |
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Post by Falcon on Mar 27, 2014 14:31:19 GMT
Wow Mark, I just ran accross this post, and since at present have been obsessed with the big 3 Grummans I've been flying them a lot, and in the islands of NZ also. What I don't have is the Widgeon with the Ranger engines. Any ideas that would possible work in FSX?  Thanks Denny |
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Post by aerofoto - HJG Admin on Mar 27, 2014 19:48:16 GMT
The WIDGEON is available at FLIGHTSIM.COM and AVSIM.COM It's by Joe BINKA .... but .... was updated by my colleague Michael VERLIN a few years ago. Just search as follows .... GRUMMAN WIDGEON
WIDGEON .... on either website. The downloadable package contains both the Ranger engine aircraft model as well as a later/modified radial engine aircraft model too .... and also comes complete with a (basic) panel and gauges. This particular simulation is FS2004 native, but, the models and FDE may work in FSX too .... although I can't verify that .... BUT .... I'm pretty sure the panel and it's supporting gauges set probably won't work in FSX, however, you could, perhaps, try it our and report back Unfortunately the Continental powered engine version of the WIDGEON isn't represented among the models supplied .... and which is the one i'd have liked to see most (being the configuration I'm most familiar with from New Zealand), but, that's just the way it is  So far as I'm aware .... this's the only freeeware GRUMMAN WIDGEON available for FS. The only other GRUMMAN WIDGEON simulation currently available for FS .... and which "IS" FSX compatible .... is that offered by JUST FLIGHT, but, which is also getting into the realms of "payware" .... but all the same .... is "VERY CHEAP" regardless and also limited to representing the original Ranger engine aircraft version .... JUST FLIGHT GRUMMANg-44 WIDGEONwww.justflight.com/product/g-44-widgeon There is a freeware GRUMMAN GOOSE also and which has a superb panel (including a VC .... since that for the WIDGEON is not all that great, but, "is", still, the right shape, at least, and "is" none-the-less very functional too .... as is evidenced by my tour around the virtual Hauraki Gulf) .... BUT .... it (the GOOSE model) isn't very good at all. FSX does feature quite a good GRUMMAN GOOSE model among its default aircraft selection .... and which represent a similar the configuration we flew in New Zealand (with retractable wingtip floats). Both MOUNT COOK AIRLINES and SEA BEE AIR textures (by JOn MURCHISON .... I think) are available for this particular model, but, you may need to search the AIRCRAFT REPAINTS NEW ZEALAND (ARNZX) website (an FSX exclusive website now) .... www.flightsim.co.nz/.... in order to be able locate and download these .... "if" they're not already available for dowmload from either FLIGHTSIM.COM and/or AVSIM.COM. They may be .... but again .... I'm uncertain (?) There was an FSX version of the scenery which supports my Hauraki Gulf/Auckland/New Zealand presentation earlier within this thread .... BUT .... having seen it for myself, and compared it with the original FS2004 version which I have .... I can confirm that it "IS NOT", at all, 100% FSX compatible .... unfortunately Mark C AKL/NZ |
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Post by aerofoto - HJG Admin on Oct 16, 2015 0:09:52 GMT
I´d like to add my own endorsement of Norm´s great book .... as follows .... If one´s enjoyed reading, and re-reading, PART 1 & 2 of this thread subject/my article relating to the history of the New Zealand GRUMMAN amphibian operations between 1950 and lately, then, ones certain to enjoy the following book much more .... authored by Norm SANSON .... and which relates to not only his own unusual professional aviation story, but in particular, his personal account of these operations between the 1970´s and early 1990´s. "THANKS" for allowing me to present this here Tony .... "A DEVIATION FROM THE NORM - A Pilots Story" by Norm SANSON Norm SANSON was Chief Pilot at SEA BEE AIR throughout the 1980´s and until the airlines voluntary demise during the early 1990´s. He joined MOUNT COOK AIRLINES´ amphibian operation, at AKL´s Mechanics Bay, during the early 1970´s .... which was acquired by SEA BEE AIR during 1976 .... and with whom he flew both the GRUMMAN WIDGEON and GOOSE around the Hauraki Gulf for some 17 years .... as well as the airlines lesser known amphibious route network within the Pacific based in the Tuvalu and Fiji islands. This autobography covers his entire aviation career .... from his first being influenced toward, and eventual entry to, professional aviation (by means of what was quite literally "a deviation from the norm" in contrast with the rite of passage undertaken by most pilots/air crew) .... in NZ .... and Australia .... flying predominantly marine aircraft types throughout his fascinating and eventful career .... and prior to moving on to Vanuatu, India, and then New Guinea as a contract pilot .... flying DHC-6, DHC-8, and ATR-72 and other aircraft types after a brief stint on helicopters and some ferry-flying from NZ also .... all as is related within pages of entertaining and hilarious anecdotes as only Norm himself could ever relate "A strongly recomended and enjoyable read" .... in fact I couldn´t put this book down with the first 60-70 pages of my first reading .... and I´m already well into my second reading of it now. Mark C BOG/CO |
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Post by mano1 on Dec 10, 2015 20:10:04 GMT
Mark C , thank you for this excellent article , found through a link from CBFS sim site .I've not seen anything on SeeBee since '83. We'd been furloughed from F/O on HS Tridents to cabin crew .One memorable 21 day trip slipped in AKL in Jan/Feb '83 , and SeeBee kindly offered ID concessions on an dead heading sector to The Bay of Islands [ came back with id card on Mt Cook Twotter ].The swing over control column , waterfall t/o and splash landing of CFA will be forever remembered.
Seems Grummans round NZ have similarities to the Uk's Scottish Highlands and Islands ; where I had 4 very happy years flying. By the time seniority rolled around to the big Boeings ,AKL had gone from our network . A visit in 2013 led to a ferry to Waiheke , passing the SeeBee ramp with only Helis on it , and a glimpse of a Wigeon disassembled in the distance at Ardmore .
Thanks again , and for the Norm book link which I am trying to purchase .
May I commend to you
rgds dave f.
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Post by Harerton Dourado - HJG on Jul 29, 2016 3:05:28 GMT
Great post, Mark!
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Post by Trell Brown on May 3, 2018 14:20:42 GMT
FOR AGNI'S SAKE, STOP USING PHOTOBUCKET!!!!! THEY ARE NOT GOING TO ALLOW 3RD PARTY HOSTING!!!!
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Post by Tony Madge - HJG on May 3, 2018 15:00:52 GMT
Trell, these posts are a few years old well before photobucket stopped free hosting, many folk including me have images at photobucket, if like me they are busy with everyday stuff changing pics from old posts will take a while if at all. |
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;D
.... I've not been able to use differential engine power to the same effect with the GRUMMAN GOOSE simulation by Bill LYONS .... at least not without completely screwing-up the synchronization of both engines.
.... SO .... I was well'n'truly baptized in water .... AND .... I also did what very nearly became "my last ever flight" too (had it not been for a stroke of luck) aboard another WIDGEON back in late 1984 
.... and "YES" we must catch up either down here, or up there, or both 
