The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum loses in bid to acquire historic Martin Mars Seaplane
Middle River, MD April 17, 2007 -- The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum has lost the Martin Mars bid to Coulson Aircrane, Inc., a helicopter logging firm in British Columbia. Public statements from TimberWest, Coulson, the City of Port Alberni, and the local Canadian newspapers, indicate Coulson acquired the entire Flying Tankers operation – both aircraft, support equipment, employees, and the lease on the Sproat Lake site. The Mars flying boats will continue to provide fire suppression as water-bombers from their traditional base at Sproat Lake. Unless a snag develops, the deal should be signed within one month.
The Museum had hoped to bring the aircraft back home to Middle River, Maryland, where the planes were manufactured between 1941 and 1945 at the Glenn L. Martin Company.
The Museum has not yet received information from the seller. The Museum is still interested in acquiring a Mars, and will continue to pursue acquisition of one of the aircraft for preservation and exhibit at Middle River. Once the sale formally closes, the Museum, working with its bid partner the British Columbia Aviation Council, will transition to planning and hopefully be able to begin discussions with Coulson about their plans for the eventual retirement of the airplanes. The purchase by Coulson, an experienced local firm, includes acquisition of the experienced and capable Flying Tanker crews, increasing the potential for a future opportunity for Maryland to acquire a Mars.
The tremendously supportive response from the Baltimore County and Maryland communities enabled the Museum to submit a credible bid. The Museum's directors sincerely appreciate the assistance of those involved and the contributions from all donors, large and small. The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum received superb publicity, acquired many new supporters and contacts, learned much from the effort, and apart from the disappointing outcome, came out of the project stronger than it went in. Once final confirmation and details of the sale are known, the museum will provide an update and details of future plans. For more information visit the Museum web site at: http://www.marylandaviationmuse um.org .
Founded in 1990, the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum, a registered nonprofit organization, preserves the history and artifacts of the Martin Company in Middle River Maryland, which was founded by aviation pioneer and aircraft industry legend, Glenn L. Martin, the third American to design, build, and fly his own plane. Martin was the only early pioneer to start and maintain control of his own manufacturing company. He is arguably the primary father of the modern aircraft manufacturing industry in the United States, having employed many of the early aviation pioneers who would go on to start other major aircraft companies. Martin built legendary aircraft such as the B-10 bomber, China Clipper, B-26, P5M Marlin, Mars, B-57 Canberra, 404 airliner, and P6M SeaMaster.
The scope of the Museum's mission and collection includes the rich history of Maryland-wide aviation and space. The Museum also presents at no charge its monthly speaker program at the Lockheed Martin auditorium adjacent to the airport. Development of a new education center and aircraft restoration facility is underway in the Lockheed Martin complex and the Museum is pursuing a new home on or near Martin State Airport .
Museum PR Contact: Stan Piet
410-682-6122 or info@marylandaviationmuseum.org
