Yukon Gold Rush

[Willy]

We got off to a good start in some interesting weather and terrain. And I'd forgotten how much of a fight the S43 can be to handle. But we made it to Salmon Arm with few problems.

 

[Taco]

Well, here we are at KPDX, Portland, Ore. All ready for our flight up to KBVS for the start of the Yukon Adventure. Sure hope this junket will be profitable this time. Pictures, Setting on the ramp at PDX.. Taxing to active runway. Climbing out of PDX.

 

[Taco]

Hey, we are off and running for the Yukon Adventure. The first leg of the journey proceeded along without any problems, with the exception of remembering if we all checked the cabin heaters. We flew over one big rock pile, which was absolutely beautiful in it’s majesty allure. But sure would hate to try to land there in an emergency. Needed to be a little careful on landing, the approach with the weather was a little spooky, and the runway was partly covered with snow and ice. Now, the hard part comes, unloading the cargo for Salmon Arms and reloading cargo for towns further north. Where UPS when you need them! But then, we wouldn’t get paid! Pictures. On the ramp at KBVS. Flying over the mountains. Landing at Salmon Arm CZAM.

 

[MM]

A few more shots of the trip to Salmon Arm. The beautiful weather gave a great view of the mountains until it deteriorated to fog, clouds, and granite. The descent and circling approach were made more interesting by the low overcast and nearby peaks. But all made it safely enough. Shown are Willy (Si-43), SrG (C-46), Moses (MH.1521), MM (DHC-6) and Taco (C-119). Not in picture are DD (C-47) and JC (D18S). Great flight with wonderfully informative guided tour by SrG.

 

[Willy]

After yesterday's near disasterous "landing" with the Sikorsky and some practice flights today that were not any better, I had the floats put back on my Beech 18 and had it flown in to replace the Sikorsky. My copilot Gus is breathing easier now that he's not having to fly in that "crazy killer" S43. Not that he was doing any of the flying anyway.....

 

[Milton Shupe]

Willy, I'm kind of fond of that one too.

MM, great shots, love the DHC-6. Whose version is that one?

Taco, I always loved that paint scheme, and still have it. I hope you got all the updates that were done in the FS9 forum. Great new FM.

 

[Willy]

We left Salmon Arm for Quesnel. Nice flight in great weather until about 20 mins out of Quesnell. Then the "Flight 19 Weather" caught up with us and I had to be right on top of the ground to see it. Good thing the runway at Quesnell had lights. I'd never have found it otherwise.

Took a pic of the inside of the Beech. A bit cluttered up but lots of room back there.

 

[Taco]

:salute: Hi all, just a couple of snaps of the updated scenery at Salmon Arm. To busy to take pictures at the landing, shucks, luckly to see the darn panel.

 

[MM]

Can confirm the fun approach and landing. Made all the more enjoyable by steep ridges that surrounded the airport for the low visibility descent.

 

[Moses03]

Didn't quite make it all the way to Quesnell. Enjoyed the flight anyways in the nimble French Beaver.

Rumor has it that later this week, the local theater group up this way is putting on a one-man production of "The Cremation of Sam McGee". Should be a hoot.

 

[Willy]

Nice flight up to Takla Narrows (CBD5). Landing was a little rough and I bent the left float, then slid into Taco, but that should buff right out. Most everyone was hanging at the other end of the runway. But I spotted this cabin that looks plenty warm.

 

[Taco]

I know one thing for sure, after landing at CBD5 (Takla Narrows) upon reaching the next maintenance station this bird may need new brakes, if not some new rotors, and maybe some new under things for the crew! Not all bad it was a very nice flight in general with the exception of some of those darn netstorms. Next problem, getting this C-119 out of here without hitting some trees and making firewood.

Taco

 

[srgalahad]

It might be a good idea for everyone to check their aircraft and supplies thoroughly before the next flight...

While everyone was relaxing at the Takla Narrows Lodge last evening
a Bristol Freighter was spotted at the airport.View attachment 25042 and then leaving early in the morningView attachment 25041

I got two additional pics sent to me by a "source" from an un-named airport that may be cause for concern...
View attachment 25044

and then View attachment 25043

 

[srgalahad]

NOTOPS!!

IF you have installed the complete Pete & Sid VIVA scenery, there is a flaw which will affect the Bronson Creek - Wrangell leg (Wednesday??) --
In the installation of P&S #3 you are instructed to:
5. Open your FS9/Scenery/Namw/Scenery folder. Rename AP912110.BGL to AP912110.BGL.xxx. Move the AP912110.BGL from this zip file into that same folder. I had to relocate the airstrip at Muddy Lake, B.C., and this step is necessary to remove the old one.

Unfortunately, this also removes Wrangell (PAWG), Wrangell Seaplane (68A). So, to fix this and give you a place to land, go back to FS9/Scenery/Namw/Scenery folder and reverse the change to AP912110.bgl (make the 2003 dated file the active one and remove the 2008 file-or rename it). I'll post something to Pete & Sid about the problem tonight or tomorrow. (Edit: Msg sent)

Rob
PS, maybe it's some of the Desert Trader's evil dealings?

 

[Willy]

Thanks Rob!

We made it on into Woodcock. Fun flight over fog and low lying clouds. I didn't see the runway until I was right on top of it and too high to land so I had to go around and come in from the other direction (which was into the wind anyway).

Pics are in reverse order...

 

[Taco]

:salute:Howdy,

Just two pictures one waiting for takeoff at Takla Narrows and one upon landing at CBQ8 Woodcock. A little foggy coming into Woodcock, so I just followed PRB until I could see the runway, PRB delcared that he was clear so we put the C-119 into landing mode, put her nose down and away we went, but just about touch down what did we see, but Willy landing from the other direction! But alas, the runway is a wide one and he went one way and we the other.

Taco, Dudley, and engineer with no name.

 

[Willy]

We headed on to the site of our secret mission. Not exactly sure what the gig is but gold was mentioned and there's talk of flying some heavies out of here fully loaded.

Some enroute pics....

 

[srgalahad]

here's the current "buzz":
http://www.marketwire.com/press-rel...pper-Silver-Deposit-TSX-VENTURE-SK-952060.htm

Now that you've seen the strip, here's how the Snip mine operated... the strip was set up and basic infrastructure built to house mine crews etc. The nearest 'settlement' is about 40km (25 miles) away and the nearest significant center is Wrangell, AK about 70km (45 miles) west of the mine but across 8000 ft mountains. Crews flew DC-3, Bristol Freighter, DC-4 and Carvair trips hauling fuel inbound and bags of pre-processed gold ore outbound to Wrangell.

As benign as it may look, Bronson has been tough on aircraft:
The former NZ5910 (c/n 13134, ex G-AMPJ, NZ5910, ZK-EPF) was used by Hercules Airlines and even appeared in the 1987 Disney production 'The Rescue' in the guise of '101' of an unidentified asian air force) before being sold overseas. It departed Auckland on December 9, 1987 for a ferry flight to Canada where it was registered C-GYQY to Trans-Provincial Airlines Ltd. It operated from Prince Rupert on oil support operations until it crashed on June 21, 1988 on approach to Bronson Creek, B.C. With a cargo of 1600 US gallons of jet fuel, it was fortunate there was no fire. The written off hulk was broken up.

I know these have been posted before, but in case you missed them, they show that the FS9 scenery is fairly authentic. Note that it's essentially a one-way operation (land 21, dept 03)

Now that we've done our scouting mission, let's carry on down the route and we'll have a little go at making our fortune from the Snip mine later on.

Oh! while doing some research I found this - if anyone wants a new plane...
http://www.buyplanesforsale.com/aircraft/details/1960-max-hoste-mh1521-m-broussard/1038/

 

[Willy]

Well that was interesting! We flew some gold ore out from Bronson Creek BC to Wrangell AK. Short flight of about 40nm, but in almost overloaded multiengine piston aircaft. I gained new respect for the Boeing 307 Stratoliner. I took off with almost 10 tons of ore and it was a struggle, but we made it. When I first left the runway, I wasn't sure for a while there if it was even going to fly as the Stratoliner was sure wanting to hug the river bed. Couldn't get over 95kts and could just barely climb. And if I had turned to the left towards Wrangell, it probably wouldn't have made the turn. So I went to the right and upriver.

Never did look at the VSI, but my climb rate was sure slow. Eventually, i had enough altitude and a wide enough spot in the river bed to turn a 180 and head for the coast. Ol' Gus in the right seat was sweating bullets and I was too busy trying to keep the big Boeing in the air. But once we made the turn, and I got to 2,500ft altitude, I hit the alt hold and she slowly built up speed. By the time we were back to Bronson Creek, it was acting like a real aeroplane again. From there it was a piece of cake. Just had to keep it from descending too fast at Wrangell...

Fun time!

Pics are reversed...

 

[Willy]

We left Wrangell and headed up the coast (kinda sorta) to this little spot near Juneau called Hank's Place. Kind of out of the way, but then the rangers there look the other way a lot too. Good place to lay low for a bit.