My name is Bryan Ribbans and I'm the WebMaster and Owner of the largest Flying Boat reference website in the World - www.seawings.co.uk I've landed here almost by accident on a (very) lazy Sunday afternoon here in England, wet, cold, windy - best place to be is in the warm 'den' surfing and I stumbled across a thread on another forum that lead me here. Boy, you guys keep this one quiet!! But, what a forum, I have just had the best three hours looking at just a portion of the threads and have been fascinated by them. Some very knowledgable chaps here. So, I will do my best to contribute on the flying boat side of things where-ever I can and if anyone needs any help on the subject, drop me a line. I'm not an expert, but I know plenty of people who are! Cheers,
Welcome to the forum Bryan. I know of your website and very impressive it is too. One of my favourite aircraft is the Sunderland and I have drooled over the pictures you have posted. And as a flying boat expert maybe you can help us with a query: http://ww2chat.com/forums/war-air/4246-sunderland-captured-used-germans-west-africa.html Do you know of any Sunderlands that were captured by the Germans, Italians or Vichy?
G'day Bryan. Welcome. It is a pleasure to have you on board. I've visited you site several times but have only really scratched the surface. Well done, every time I've visited has been an enjoyable read. Like Kyt, I do like my Sunderlands but also have a serious soft spot for Catalinas mainly because of the Black Cats of the RAAF.
Guess I've just found..... the Southern end of the chain!! Hi Andy, many thanks. The thing that has totally surprised me is that until 3.0PM this afternoon, I didn't know of this forum!! But, I'm hopeful of adding a bit to the reference value if I can. I've just stuck my twopenny worth into the thread you highlight!! By the way, I'm going to the RAF Museum on the 31st. Any pics of the Sunderland you want? Or anything else for that matter. Let me know.
Woooo..I'm only there for a day!! Have you seen my 'other' website at www.detailpics.net ?? It is my site for all my walk-rounds, aircraft, armour, racing cars, ships etc etc See if there is anything there that takes your fancy. In the meantime, if you go to the RAF Museum site and pick a couple that interest you, I'll do them for you! How's that?
I'll pretty much be happy with anything that takes your fancy, Bryan. I was there in 1989 so a lot will be different!
A very warm welcome to the forum Bryan. You have a wonderful website. Like Kyt I have a soft spot for the Sunderland. My favourite photo! Robert Taylor - Caught on the Surface And the story! Ahoy - Mac's Web Log - Coastal Command Sunderland, U from Squadron 461, Sinks German U-Boat, U-461 in the Bay of Biscay. A ww2 base I used to pass on my country trips through western Victoria. Lake Boga Flying Boat Base, No. 1 Flying Boat Repair Depot, RAAF, Lake Boga, Victoria, during WW2 Cheers Geoff
