Philippine Mars is being readied for its launch into Sproat Lake, a time-consuming operation. The four TimberWest guys put the huge size of this flying boat into proportion. The photo shows this aircraft's uncommon side drop doors (two on each side), which sistership Hawaii Mars does not have. That has the more conventional system with dropping doors in its belly. This photo was taken 10 days before this aircraft's 60th birthday, and during what would be its final fire-fighting season. This amazing machine was withdrawn from use at the end of the 2006 fire season.