Martin M-130
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This fantastic series of LIFE magazine image is the closest we are ever going to get to a real Martin M-130 flying boat nowadays. If any flying boat enthusiast could get this close to to an M-130 today with a digital camera, can you imagine the fun we could have! 

With the recent public release of these amazing images all we flying boat enthusiasts can do is express a great big 'Thank-You' to those behind-the-scenes who made this gallery possible and to the photographer for capturing the moment and then sit back and just stare at what it was like to walk around one of these iconic flying boats. Modelers, take note of all the amazing details in the shots.  
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Images © the LIFE Archive : Note - for private viewing only - strictly no commercial use

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