Archived Tracker Updates and Information
A log and archive of past years' and out of date S2F, C-1A and WF-2 events, photos, and home page articles
 

This section contains previous years' S2F, C-1 and EB-1 events the website that were previously on the "Welcome" page.  This gives a record of changes in ownership, etc as I learned of them.  It gives a history of the current Trackers and its variants since the beginning of this website.

2015 S2F, C-1 and EB-1 Current Events:

September
136573:  A report from a student at the State Technical College of Missouri located at Linn, MO reports that this Tracker is now located there as a training aid and the students are working on getting the engines running.  The truck damage pictured on the archived page to the rear is a six inch hole.  DDJ 9-9-2015

136491 :  Harald Ludwig sent the two photos below of 136491 in May at the 2015 during the La Ferté-Alais annual airshow.

Photo Courtesy of Harald Ludwig.

Photo Courtesy of Harald Ludwig.

2014 S2F, C-1 and EB-1 Current Events:
November
133383, 136415, 136416, 136435, 136472, 136620, 136688:  All of these Trackers were previously listed as unknown in Thailand.  Information provided by Steve Darke of Thai Aviation History, http://www.thai-aviation.net/, has lead to the identification and location of these airframes.  All are still owned by the Royal Thai Navy but are no longer in use.  See my Thailand page for more information.  DDJ 11-7-2014

October
152838:  On October 7, 2014 at 4:26 PM local California time a Cal Fire S-2T Turbo Tracker crashed into the side of mountain while fighting the Dog Rock Fire in Yosemite National Park.  This was Tanker 81, N449DF and Grumman Serial Number 307C.  The pilot, unknown at this time, was killed.  Initial word provided by "Vista".  DDJ 10-8-2014

Here is 152838 on May 18, 2009 at Fresno.  Author's Photo.

September
Ozcan Ertem of Ankara, Turkey once again this year has provided invaluable information on the following Trackers located in Turkey that I was unaware of.
149263:  Located at the Cengiz Topel Naval Air Station at Izmit, Turkey.

July
149850:  Ozcan Ertem of Ankara, Turkey has provided information that this former Turkish military Tracker is currently owned by Turkish Aerospace Industries and is registered as TC-850. The aircraft has been rebuilt with turbo-prop engines and is currently being used to test out the engines.  This is important information provided by Ozcan as I was unaware this airframe still existed, let alone was flyable.  This brings the total number of Tracker airframes in the world up to 243.  When I started this website in late 2006 I was only aware of just over 100 airframes.  With the help of persons like Ozcan and others more of the Trackers and their existence have come to light.  Link to article and photo of 149850

136719:  This S2F-1 now resides with the Legacy Flight Museum in Rexburg, ID after being purchased on 11-20-2013 from Merle Maine of Ontario, OR.

149046:  Information provided by Luís Martini Thiesen has confirmed that this aircraft was sold to TAM Airslines Museum in Brazil.  However, it appears that the airframe has been cut just behind the cockpit for use as a museum display.  Due to the fact this is not a full airframe it will not be recorded on this website.

2013 S2F, C-1 and EB-1 Current Events:

147552:  Information obtained from "The Real Aviators Flew Stoofs" October newsletter indicates that Scott Miner from AL has the Number One Engine running and an R-1820 in a can to install on the Number 2 Engine.  Scott plans to have 147552 flying by the end of 2014.  See photos below.  DDJ 11-13-2013
136421:  In November of 2012 we noted that 136421 had been moved to the Castle Air Museum in Atwater, CA from Sequoia Airport in Visalia, CA where it had been setting for many years.  Vito Orlandella wrote in recently that he and his wife Sandy were the previous owners and did donate it to the museum last year.  Vito also updated me on the history of the aircraft.  Before he purchased 136421 it was a spare airframe for CDF that was never converted to a tanker.  Some history on it from Vita:  "It originally was a Navy S2F then converted to a US2A and transferred to the US Marines. It's last known assigned duty was in Iwakuni Japan and flew many special ops missions in Vietnam.  I have worked with several S2's and this one has wiring harnesses for special electronics I've never seen in an S2 before plus rocket racks on a US2A. It was retired to DM Az and then acquired and flown to Fresno Ca in 1973 to be an air tanker. I moved it to Sequoia field in 1992."  Thanks to Vita and Sandy for donating with engines so that it could be restored and put on display rather than being scrapped out.  Another Tracker saved for posterity.  DDJ 11-3-2013
153560:  Paolo Camogliano has provided information on this previously unknown Tracker which is on display at the public park dedicated to the Peruvian Navy (Parque Temático Marina de Guerra del) along with other aircraft to the east of the Chavez International Airport in Lima, Peru.  DDJ 8-12-2013
152369:  Paolo Camogliano has provided information as to the correct location of this Tracker at  the main gate of the Peruvian Naval Aviation Headquarters, Callao Naval Air Station (Base Aeronaval del Callao) in Lima, Peru.   DDJ 8-12-2013
?:  Paolo Camogliano has provided information on this previously unknown Tracker which is on display at the located at the Special Operations HQ main gate inside Callao Naval Base in Lima, Peru.  DDJ 8-12-2013
149038:  Luís Martini Thiesen has provided information on this previously unknown Tracker which was purchased by a private individual.  Location is unknown in Brazil.  DDJ 7-9-2013
149039: Luís Martini Thiesen has provided information on this previously unknown Tracker which is located at the Brazilian Air Force's Museum at Campo dos Afonsos Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, Brazilt.  DDJ 7-9-2013
152356:  Luís Martini Thiesen has provided information on this previously unidentified Tracker located at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to be 152356.  DDJ 7-9-2013
152833:  This airframe that was unidentified at the Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil has been determined to be 152833. DDJ 7-9-2013
147893:  This Tracker belonging to the Lee County Mosquito Control at Fort Meyers, FL was previously registered with the FAA as N64727 and was de-registered 2-25-2013.  DDJ 5-18-2013
136567:  This Tracker belonging to the Estrella Warbird Museum in Paso Robles, CA was previously registered with the FAA as N411DF and was de-registered 11-7-2012.  DDJ 5-18-2013
136546:  This has apparently been sold to Siskiyou County in northern California.  What is questionable at this time is whether it has also been deregistered and no longer carries an N number.  As it is a static display it would no longer need one.  DDJ 5-18-2013
136534:  Tom Reilly of Vintage Aircraft has purchased this from Dennis Callahan.  DDJ 5-18-2013
133179:  This Tracker belonging to the Mid America Aviation Museum in Liberal, KS was previously registered with the FAA as N5470C and was de-registered 7-9-2012.  It had been on static display and not flown for a long time.  DDJ 5-18-2013
136398:  This Tracker formerly belonging to late Merle Maine of Ontario, OR was sold to Albert Hansen of Jean, OR who obtained a new airworthiness certificate on 4-21-2011.  DDJ 5-18-2013
133351:  This Tracker belonging to latge Merle Maine of Ontario, OR was put up for sale along with his entire collection of aircraft in May of 2012.  DDJ 5-18-2013
136719:  This Tracker belonging to late Merle Maine of Ontario, OR was put up for sale along with his entire collection of aircraft in May of 2012.  DDJ 5-18-2013
144710:  Tony Szulc has informed me that this is the Tracker is the one I had shown unidentified in Naples and is on the military side of the airport.  DDJ 5-10-2013
144716:  Tony Szulc has also informed me that this Tracker I had previously shown unidentified is located on Sardinia at the Cagliari-Elmas Airport.  DDJ 5-10-2013
136781:  Information obtained from William Wilemon indicates this C-1A is now being operated by the owner, Duane Doyle, out of the Santa Rosa, CA Charles Schultz Airport and will be donated to the Pacific Coast Air Museum at the same location.  In theory the Trader will be kept in flying condition but it will remain to be seen how long that lasts until the Museum takes it out of service due to the high costs of flight operation.  However, at this point the Museum has made a video to promote it for airshows on the west coast.  The Grumman C-1A Trader   DDJ 3-31-2013  Note the similarities between this video and the one made in 1998 to promote Tracker 136427, "The Iron Lady", in 1998.  36427 "Iron Lady" Video
136663:  Information obtained from Stewart Bailey at The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum indicates that 136663 was purchased by Jacob Wyrick in Montana.  His original plan was to take this on as a project aircraft but is now interested in trading or selling the aircraft and has been in touch with Evergreen.  However, right now Evergreen does not have a budget to do this.  We will see if we can obtain more information on 13663 and photos from Mr. Wyrick.  DDJ 3-19-2013
147552:  Information obtained from "The Real Aviators Flew Stoofs" March newsletter indicates that Scott Miner from AL has purchased this airframe and intends to restore over a 3 year period to flying condition.  See photos below.  DDJ 3-4-2013
152333:  Information obtained from from Andrew Cripps is the the Royal Australian Navy Historic Flight has now finished a complete airframe and engine restoration on 152333 and is planning to start operating it again at airshows and aviation events.  The first flying appearance for 152333 since 1999 is scheduled to be at the "Wings over Illawarra" Airshow May 5th in New South Wales, Australia.  DDJ 3-3-2013
136778:  Dan Serrato and his crew have repainted this C-1A to look just like she did on the USS Lexington.  See photos below. DDJ 2-20-2013
146044:  Update from Robert Eichkorn, Crew Member  - "We have hung the right (#2) engine back on the C-1A and are currently plumbing it out.  Following that, we will be pulling the left engine/mount off and building up the QEC for that side.  We have both engines back from Anderson Aeromotive (zero-timed) and both replacement props back from Maxwell Propeller (overhauled).  Our first airshow is now booked for mid-June (Thunder Over Michigan – Ypsilanti, MI) and we are also planning to spend the week at Oshkosh in July." 
It will be good to see this back on the airshow circuit in 2013!!  DDJ 1-10-2013
136563:  Only known photo of this aircraft provided by Roger Janssens of Aarschot, Belgium.  Then more photos were provided by Robert Rice via Robert Eichkorn.  Aircraft has been extensively damaged by a Pepsi truck. DDJ 1-10-2013

2015 Scheduled S2F Tracker / C-1A Trader Air Show Appearances: 

136778 - March 21-22, 2015:  Thunder in the Valley Airshow, Columbus, GA

2014 Photos:

146044: These were taken at the Spirit of Dayton Airshow in June.

146044: These were taken at the Spirit of St. Louis Airshow in May.

Guest photo 136479:  Seen at the Westover Field in Jackson, CA.  Photos provided by Larry Enzler in January 2014.
 

 .
136479 is now carrying tanker number 77.

Guest photo 133322:  Seen at the Westover Field in Jackson, CA.  Photos provided by Larry Enzler in January 2014.

Can anyone identify this former RCAF CS2F?  The airframe was on the west Conair ramp at the Abbotsford Airport in British Columbia in May 2012.

2012 S2F, C-1 and EB-1 Events:
136421:  S2F-1136421 has been moved to Castle Air Museum in Atwater, CA from Sequoia Airport in Visalia, CA where it had been sitting on the ramp for several years.  The last information we had is that the previous private owner had donated it to the Milestones of Flight Museum in Lancaster, CA.  It appears that did not work out and 136421 has found a good home at the Castle Air Museum.  Information and photos courtesy of Vander Jagt.
136791:  C-1A 136791was involved in a fatal accident on Monday, October 15, 2012 near Skewentna, AK.  Pilot Peter B. Iversen Sr was the only fatality in the incident.  136791 was known as Wheelchair 7 and was being used to supply gold mining camps.  Thank you to William Wilemon, Martin Fisher, Lance Wilson and Mark Brueschke who all notified me of this tragic incident.  See more on my Transition page.
148922:  This WF-2 which is located in the United Aeronautical Yard in Tucson, AZ is now privately owned by Juan Redick in Reno, NV and is for sale as a flyable restoration project.  Information supplied by Fred Austin of Golden Age Aeroplanes in Sparks, NV who is handling the sale for Mr. Redick.
Conair Trackers:  Conair has taken all of its Firecats out of service.  See my Canada Tracker page for updates.  Thank you to Robert Stitt for the information.
RCN 1539:  This particular former Conair Firecat is now at the Canadian Museum of Flight in Langley, BC.  See my Canada Tracker page for the update.

136791:  Trader 136791 has changed ownership and is now owned by Fuel Services, LLC in Wasilla, AK and will be used to haul fuel into the bush.  Information provided by Jon Anderson, one of the owners of Fuel Services.
Four Australian Trackers:  Marsh Aviation is in the process of bringing back the first of four of the Hook Trackers located in Australia.  What they will be used for is still a question.
136663:  This tracker was sold on Ebay with a closing date of April 8th. 2012 for $6,800.  It is missing the rudder and has no radios.  The airframe has 10,968 hours with zero time engines as of 1988.  No mention is given of the hours on the engines since install.  Hopefully it found a good owner and will not end up as a "work of art" like the last Tracker that went up for sale on Ebay.
133204:  Thanks to diligent work by the Cactus Air Force in Carson City, NV, this Tracker has moved from our "Storage" classification to "Registered" as it has been moved from Sacramento, CA to Carson City and now carries FAA registry N710VC.  It will undergo restoration at Carson City.
146026, 146027, 146031, 146057:  According to Floyd Stilwell at Marsh Aviation work is moving along on these Traders for Brazil.
RCN 1577:   This is in the process of being converted from static to flying display by the Canadian Warplane Heritage. This will be a welcome addition to the small fleet of Tracker and Trader warbirds available for air shows and fly-over's. Information provided by Andrew Semon.

2011 S2F and C-1 Events:
136536:  This did not go to The Cactus Air Force as previously reported which may result in legal action due to it being sold simultaneously to two persons.  In October of 136536 will be going on display in downtown Philadelphia as a so-called work of "art" and apparently a greenhouse.  Art is definitely in the eyes of the beholder as this is a travesty when I look at it.  Work has started as of 10-18-2011.  We will keep everyone informed and hopefully have photos when complete.
149260, 149261, 149270, 149856, 149860, 149876, 149888, 152335, 152804:  These nine airframes were scrapped out in the first half of the year.  Nothing is left in the lot they were located in but a few scraps of metal that remained when they were removed.
152827:  Identified as being on display in Brazil at Sao Carlos - Francisco Pereira Lopes.  See our Brazil page for photos.
133337:  Identified as being the S2F as found by divers on the bottom of Guantanamo Bay.
RCN 1531:  Being repainted in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada

2010 S2F and C-1 Events:
148867:  William Puchades has informed me this S-2E is on display at the Aeronautical Museum at Maracay, Venezuela.  See our Venezuela page.
152369:  This Tracker is on display at the Chavez International Airport, Lima Peru Naval Station.  Duncan Smith provided the information it was there.  Check out our Peru page.
136430:  This aircraft has been found and identified on display in Thailand.  Check out our Thailand page.
136536:  Went up for sale again in Joppa, AL for $5,000 on EBay without engines in January after not selling for $10,000 in November of 2009.  Former CDF radial engine Tanker 100 and N436DF.  This was purchased by The Cactus Air Force of Carson City, NV for spare parts to keep its other two Trackers flying.  See our USA Tracker page.

2009 S2F and C-1 Events:
RCN 1573:  Moved 25 miles from Conair at the Abbotsford airport to the Chilliwack Military Education Centre in Chilliwack, BC.
136536:  Went up for sale in Joppa, AL for $10,000 on EBay without engines in November.  Former CDF radial engine Tanker 100 and N436DF.
136427:  Engines ran after winter maintenance on June 13, 2009.  Information provided by Joe Person of Bothell, WA.  See more at:  Warbird Information Exchange - Arlington Fly-in July 2009
136766:  For Sale in an Estate Auction on May 30, 2009.  See my Trader page for more information.
136773:  For Sale in an Estate Auction on May 30, 2009.  See my Trader page for more information.

2008 S2F and C-1 Events:
136778:  The C-1A departed Waukegan, IL airport for a ferry flight to Trudeau Warbird Enterprises in Punta Gorda, FL for an annual on December 7, 2008.
147641:  This Tracker continued with engine runs and wing folds several times in 2008, with some at night.  See our Netherlands Tracker page for more.
152333:  This S-2G apparently is being prepared for flight and ran taxi tests at the HMAS Albatross 60th Anniversary Air Show in New South Wales in October.  See our Australian Tracker page for video and photos.
136778:  This C-1A has been purchased by Daniel H. Serrato of Eufaula, AL in October.
136427:  Tracker has changed ownership and is now owned by the Air Station Museum in Arlington, WA.
136431:  This S2F-1, owned and operated by The Cavanaugh Flight Museum is now available for airshows.  As of January it is being promoted on Warbird Depot.
136778:   This Trader continues to be for sale for $75,000 through Courtesy Aircraft.  It is part of an estate sale.

2007 S2F and C-1 Events:
136781:  This C-1A is back on the airshow circuit after a six year restoration.
147641:  On July 7, 2007 this Tracker arrived at The Aviodrome at Lelystad Airport by boat from its previous KLM location and is now owned by the Technical Aviation School in Hoofddorp.  Since that time this aircraft has been able to run engines and fold the wings for spectators on a regular basis.  See our Netherlands Tracker page for video of this run along with still photos.
136404:  Destroyed in a crash at Cherry Point MCAS on 5-03-2007.  No fatalities.  More: Go to my:  Tracker Down Special Web Page
136778:  This Trader up for sale for $99,000 through Courtesy Aircraft.  Price later reduced to $75,000

2006 S2F Events:
133090:  As of 9-22-2006 ownership transferred from CDF to Columbia Airport, CA.
133244:  This aircraft has been acquired by the Pacific Coast Air Museum in Santa Rosa, CA. and made its last flight to the Museum on November 9, 2006. 
133322:  As of 4-05-2006 ownership transferred to Christopher Schneider from the CDF.
133251:  As of 8-14-2006 ownership transferred to Aerospace Museum of California from the CDF.
136398:  Sale Reported.  For Sale in Trade-A-Plane for $79,000.
136479:  As of 9-05-2006 ownership transferred to Christopher Schneider from the CDF.
136534:  As of 12-2006 the aircraft's registration may not allow for operation.
136619:  As of 12-2006 the aircraft's registration may not allow for operation.
152812:  As of 6-2006 ownership transferred from Quantas to HARS for rebuild to flyable aircraft.

2006 C-1 Events:
136778:  There was an attempted sale of this Trader through Courtesy Aircraft.

This section contains previous years' photos that were previously on the "Welcome" page.  Some the pictures are mine while others were sent in my other Tracker enthusiasts.

CVS-37 USS Princeton, VS-21 Pacific Cruise Photos - Alan Weber provided these photos of when his father, Albert Weber, was flying the Trackers in 1956 that were still in blue.  One does not see the blue Tracker photos that often.  Note that the "footballs" have not been painted.

 Albert Weber took this photo of 133258 of VS-20 flying low over the Philippines in 1956.

152356 (Brazil 7032) and 146039 (Brazil 7016).  Photos provided by Luís Martini Thiesen.

This photo shows 152356 (Brazil 7032) being towed on June 26,1998 through Santa Cruz AFB on its way to static display.  Until Luis notified of this website of its existence this Tracker was not know to still exist.

This photo shows 152356 (Brazil 7032) on display.


Here is 146039 (Brazil 7016) on display at Museum at Campo dos Afonsos Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Until Luis notified of this website of its existence this Tracker was not know to still exist.

136778 and 146044 fly formation at the Gathering of Warbirds and Legends on August 3, 2013.  One Trader at a show or flying is rare now days but two together and then flying together is a treat. 

136663: Jake Wyrick has furnished some photos of his Tracker that is at Mather Airport in Sacramento, CA.

136536: Here are some great photos provided by Ruth Barnett of the "Tracker Travesty" at the Pennsylvania Academy of Art in downtown Philadelphia, PA .  These are the first photos to reach us that give a complete picture of what the display entails.  It appears that the so called greenhouse that this now called is actually in the weapons bay, but seeing how it is placed facing the building it is doubtful that it provides much in the way of food for anyone.  Even more amazing is that a former Joint Chief of Staff of the United States Armed Forces would condone such an abomination and then put his name on a plaque at the site.  Any minimal food that is produced by the greenhouse is totally over shadowed by the fact that the aircraft is shown in a straight down crashed orientation which would have killed the pilot and any other crew members and is both offensive and insensitive.  Also still carried on the aircraft are the CDF markings of Tanker 100.  Since 1973 the CDF has lost 12 S-2s in 12 accidents with 13 pilots killed.  DDJ 4-3-2013

It appears that the aircraft "crashed" due an engine failure in the Number 2 engine as the prop was feathered.  Also note how close it is to the building and the weapons bay "garden" shown in the next photo probably does not get a lot of sunlight.

This photo looks to show the greenhouse that provides sustenance for the needy in the weapons bay.  It just does not appear that the location gets a lot of sunlight.  Also note that the Dept of Forestry N-number is still on the aircraft.  Some persons have complained to the FAA about the N-number being on the such an offensive display. 

Amazing!  The money that was provided to the "artist" for the cost of this project could have been better spent on purchasing unused property in Philadelphia and planting gardens that could produce far more food to feed the needy than this.  Or better yet the money could have gone directly to purchase needed groceries for the needy.  By calling this Travesty a greenhouse to help the poor is smoke screen to cover up the sham this whole thing is.  This is shameful!!

Actually the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) has a program of cleaning and converting abandoned lots for the production of food and seems to be doing a fine job in Philadelphia. 

http://pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/phlgreen/current-vacantland.html

147552: First photos of Scott Miner's Tracker, purchased in August of 2012.  Prop off of Engine #2 has been sent to shop for overhaul with another engine planned to arrive early this spring.  The airframe looks extremely clean.  DDJ 3-4-2013

Photo courtesy of Scott Miner.

Photo courtesy of Scott Miner.

Photo courtesy of Scott Miner.

Photo courtesy of Scott Miner.

136778:  Dan Serrato and his crew spent two weeks in February 2013 repainting 136778 as she looked when she was aboard USS Lexington.   DDJ 2-20-2013

Outstanding!  Photo Courtesy of Dan Serrato.

Photo Courtesy of Dan Serrato.

136573:  We thought this was the only known photo below of 136573 until our request brought in some more photos as shown underneath this one.  DDJ 1-10-2013

136573 at the Rolla National Airport in Vichy, MO.  This is the only known photo of this Tracker we have seen and we wish to thank Roger Janssens of Aarschot, Belgium for taking the photo on August 5, 2011and sending it to us.  As can be seen the aircraft is not in good shape with flat tires and corrosive bird droppings all over the airframe.  If anyone can provide more information on 133573, N31984 owned by Wes Stricker in Rolla, MO please feel free to contact us.

The following photos were taken by Robert Rice and provided by Robert Eichkorn and were taken in 2012 on the ramp at Vichy Airport.

Here is the same shot as from above but outside where the whole aircraft is now in the photo.  It looks like it has been washed off.

This photo shows damage to the port wing.

And this one shows a hole in the aft port section.  Word is that at DUI truck driver did the damage to the Tracker.  The status of the aircraft and its future are still unknown but it may have been donated to a local aircraft maintenance school. Again, if anyone has more information on 136573 please let me know.  To see more photos that Robert took of this Tracker in 2012 please go to:  My Guest Photo Page

136791:  Destroyed on October 16, 2012 near Skewentna, AK.  Here are the photos that I had in my Trader Photos page for her.

Sad and Tragic news about C-1A 136791 "Wheelchair 7" and pilot Peter B. Iversen Sr, who lost his life in the crash of this aircraft.  It went down on Monday October 15, 2012 at Skewentna, AK.  This is one of the last photos of her and was provided by Jon Anderson.

Winter Maintenance on the Largest Remaining Tracker Fleet
Photos from Cal Fire at its Sacramento McClellan Maintenance Facility
Cal Fire is now the largest operator of Grumman Tracker with 23 Marsh S-2Ts conversions.  The Taiwan Navy as of December 2012 is still operating its small fleet of turbo Trackers which appears to be down to a half dozen flyers of the 27 original aircraft and France still operates up to seven Conair Firecats.  Conair in British Columbia took its Trackers of out service in 2011 and Argentina may or may not still be operating its small fleet of 5 of former US Navy Trackers. 

Below are some photos of the yearly winter maintenance that makes sure the Trackers are ready for their duty as "First Alert" fire bombers throughout California during the summer fire season.  Ricardo Aguilar, Quality Control Inspector, and Douglas "Bud" Ehrk, Lead Mechanic, at Cal Fire have graciously provided the photos below.

Cal Fire has two hangars on the east side of what used to be McClellan AFB.  This photo is from the south hangar.  This photo gives an excellent view of the life raft hatch on top of the fuselage.  One can also see the open escape hatches where the radar and sonabuoy operators would have exited the aircraft in a water landing.  Ricardo Aguilar photo via Douglas "Bud" Ehrk.

Tanker 82 and the retardant tank.  Tanker 82 was the first Cal Fire air tanker.  Ricardo Aguilar photo via Douglas "Bud" Ehrk.


Tanker 70.  Ricardo Aguilar photo via Douglas "Bud" Ehrk.

Fuel Cell inspection and maintenance.  Ricardo Aguilar photo via Douglas "Bud" Ehrk.

The North Hangar.  Tankers 82 and 83 and OV-10 230 and 340.  The Broncos are used as forward air control aircraft by Cal Fire.  Ricardo Aguilar photo via Douglas "Bud" Ehrk.

For more photos and information on the the 2012-2013 Cal Fire Winter Maintenance Program go to:  My Guest Photo Page

136421 in the RV Parking lot at the Castle Air Museum in Atwater, CA on November 14, 2012 after arriving from Sequoia Airport in Visalia, where it had languished for several years. Photo Courtesy of  Vander Jagt.

Another photo of 136421 on the trailer after its trip to the Museum.  Note the dog checking out the action.  A true Tracker enthusiast!  Photo Courtesy of  Vander Jagt.

According to Vander the Tracker was lifted into a fenced area and the gear was extended so that restoration of the aircraft can begin.  The Castle Air Museum has an excellent collection of well restored aircraft on display and I expect 136421 to be restored to a more fitting condition than current for future display.  Photo Courtesy of  Vander Jagt.

See more 136421 photos from: The Castle Air Museum website.

These 1971-73 vintage photos were provided by Don Smith.  Photos are from the USS Enterprise and NAS Cubi Point, The Philippines.  Don is looking for other members of his crew.  Feel free to contact him about 136791:  donald.smith5590@att.net

February, 1973

 
Front Row Left to Right:  R. Hudson, Don Smith
Back Row Left to Right:  P.G. Johnson, Ray Clark, Tom Foust
1971 USS Enterprise CVAN-65

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Photo of the United Aeronautical Corporation's yard at Tucson, AZ.  There are 80 Trackers,  11 Tracers and 3 Traders in this 60 acre storage area.  Because of United's effort the Grumman Tracker is still flying today.  The company has spent considerable investment in tooling to make new main landing gear strut barrels and is looking at the same situation for wheels, of which there is only 100 left.  CALFIRE is currently using them up at about 5 a month.  United Aeronautical Corporation Photo.

One of many photos from inside the United Aeronautical Yard in Tucson, AZ.

Joe Fagundes flying C-1A 136778 "Mudflap Girl" and leading a three ship "Missing Man" formation at the Indianapolis Air Show on May 14, 2011.  Mike Gillian is in the FM-2 and Dave Folk the F4U-5.  Only at the Indianapolis Air Show will one see such a unique formation.  See more photos at our Trader Photo Page.

Dan Serrato flying his Trader C-1A and doing one of many great fly-bys at Thunder over Michigan on Sunday, July 24, 2011.

Trader 136790 "Miss Belle" during the USS Independence 1980 Mediterranean Cruise:  Trader 136790 currently resides at the Grissom Aviation Museum in Peru, IN.  Due to the courtesy of Ken Tomovick who flew "Miss Belle", we have some photos of her in service with the US Navy.

Sitting on the cat ready to go!

Trader 146045 at NAS Norfolk in 1981:  146045 is now a fire training hulk at MCAS Beaufort, SC.  Photo Courtesy of Ken Tomovick.

 

Mystery Tracker at the bottom of Guantanamo Bay.  The Mystery has been solved.  This is 133337 that went down on April 18, 1959.  For complete details see my Gitmo Bay Tracker page.  Thank you to Capt John L. Tarn, VS-30 for the narrative he has provided.

Tracker Sunrise:  Photo of 136421 taken by Frederick Wester at Sequoia Airport at Visalia, CA

Does anyone know the fate of 147643?:

I have received an inquiry from the son of Mr. Van Eijck wanting to know what had happened to the Tracker, 147643, his father hijacked in 1964.  The Dutch did get it back from Libya as Mr. Van Eijck returned after one year in Libya after agreeing to come home and spend a year in prison.  147643 was then returned it to the US Navy in 1974.  The assumption is that it was scrapped as so far it has not turned up in my searches for those currently still in existence.
The Tracker coming home.  Mr. Van Eijck was in training to become a pilot when he was demoted to enlisted rank after making his not so kind feelings about the Dutch Navy known to the wrong person.  He asked to be let go but was not because of his enlistment contract.  In one of those moments were "it sounded like a good idea at the time", he hijacked the plane to show everyone he could fly it and also get away from the Dutch Navy.  After a year in Libya he wanted to return home and cut a deal to return the Tracker and also spend one year in prison. 

Can anyone identify this Tracker?:

This photo was taken at Troutdale, Oregon during July of 1964.  The N118Z does not match this aircraft and is reserved for the US Forrest Service.  One would think this would have been too early to have this been taken out of US Navy Service, unless it was destined for a foreign country or be used by a  military contractor for experimental work.  Original negative by H.C. Lineberger, 19JUL64.

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This section contains previous years' updates or revisions that were previously listed on the "Welcome" page.

September 2013 update:
My Trader Photo page updated with 146044 and 136778.
Peru Tracker page updated.
Brazil Tracker page updated.

January 2013 update:
Guest Photo Page added.  Cal Fire Winter Maintenance Photos on 153570 added to the new page  136563 photos also added.

November 2012 update:
My Tracker Photos (133090-136427), Master Tracker List, USA Trackers and Home page updated with 136421 information and photos.
My Tracker Photos (Group) page:  Conair photos added.
136427 Pages:  Many Iron Lady Photos added.
Links and USA Trader pages:  Updated and link to 136778 C-1A You Tube videos.
My United Aeronautical Corporation Photos, Tracer Photos:  Added photos to 148144.
USA Tracers updated with Tracers in Storage section added with 148922.
Italy Tracker Page:  Photo link to 136561 added.  These are the first and only photos I have seen of this aircraft.
Canada Tracker Page:  Update on all of the Conair Trackers.
My Tracker Photo pages:  Photos added to RCN 1577.
Brazil Traders:  Updates and new photos.

October 2012 update:
See 2012 S2F and C-1 Events below for information on particular airframes.
My Tracer Photo Page:  July 2012 photos of 147225 added.  148922 photos added.
My Tracker Photo Page:  July 2012 photos of 151857 added.

June 2012 update: 
USA Tracker Page, 136427 Page and My Tracker Photos Page:  May 2012 photos of 136427 added.
My Trackers Photos Page:  May 2012 photos of CS2F-2 #1573 added.

April 2012 update: 
136663 was sold on Ebay for $6,800.  See more below.

February 2012 update: 
Argentina Tracker page:  153586 photo link added.  This is the only photo I know of of this Tracker.
France Tracker page:  136712 photo link added.
USA Tracker page:  136536 photo link added.
USA Tracker page:  133204 moved from Storage to Registered as it now carries N170VC and was ferried to its new home in Carson City, NV. 

January 2012 update:  The Canadian Tracker owned by the Canadian Warplane Heritage, RCN #1577, and located at the Hamilton, ONT will be put back into flying service after the organization found a sponsor to fund the restoration and operation.  Thank you to Andrew Semon for the update.

Trader 146045 added to data base with Photos 10-16-2011:  Dan Serrato has provided photos of 146045 located at MCAS Beaufort, SC where it is apparently being used in fire training.  See My Trader Photos page for Dan's photos.

New Tracker Photos  Added 7-7-2011:  RCN number 1577 located at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum has been added to My Tracker Photos page.

New Page Added 6-6-2011:  Brazil Traders - List of the Traders Brazil purchased in 2010 along with photos of several of them arriving in Mesa, AZ
New Trader Photos added 6-6-2011:  136778 and 146064 have been added to the My Trader Photos page.New Page Added 1-18-2011:  Tracker Updates - Library of previous updates, photos and articles from this page.
New Page Added 1-14-2011:  The Chess Players
New Page Added 11-7-2010:   My United Aeronautical Corporation Photos - Individual photos of each of  the (80) S-2, (11) E-1B and (3) C-1A airframes taken from inside UAC facility.  This was a unique and one time photo opportunity that was provided to me.New Page Added 7-26-2010 - Guantanamo Bay Mystery Tracker - Looking for information on this!!  Can you help?
New Page Added 10-9-2009 - World Wide Master Surviving Tracker List
Argentina Tracker page updated with four new airframes 9-7-2009 - Argentine Tracker Page
New Page Added 6-23-2009 - Cal Fire Turbo Tracker Photo Page
New Page Added 6-12-2009 - Marsh Aviation Trackers Photo Page
New Page Added 6-12-2009 - Trader Photo Page
New Page Added 6-12-2009 - Tracer Photo Page
New Page Added 2-15-2009 - Cal Fire (CDF) S-2T listings
New Page Added 2-24-2009 - Uruguay Trackers

November 2011 update:  Tracer 148922 has been purchased by Juan Redick. 148922 is still located in the United Aeronautical Corp. yard in Tucson, AZ to the best of our knowledge.  It would appear that Mr. Redick has purchased the aircraft and is gathering parts to restore and make it airworthy.  Most of the parts needed would be located on the other 10 Tracers located at United Aeronautical as that is the world's largest supply and location of Grumman Tracers.  See my page of photos of Tracers taken at United Aeronautical in May of 2010.  Thanks to Dean for the information provided.  United Aeronautical Tracers Photo Page

Here is a link for 136536 as it is being being turned into a "work of art" and greenhouse in Philadelphia.  What a travesty!!  http://www.ydr.com/state/ci_19156554  Also for some reason it is described as a Tracker II, which is incorrect.

October 2011 update:  More information from Camilo in Brazil on the Traders that the Brazilian Navy purchased from Davis-Monthan.  Here is his message:

"The Brazilian Navy and March Aviation Company signed yesterday, Oct 20 2011, the contract for  the modernization/remotorization/reconfiguration of four (out of eight bought) C-1A Traders to the Carrier-on-Board Delivery/Air-to-Air Refueling (COD/AAR) KC-2 Turbo Trader standard.

The contract has a four years duration and the first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in April 2014 and the fourth and last in October 2015.

The Turbo Trader will be used on board Brazilian Navy Aircraft Carrier A-12 Sao Paulo (ex-French Navy Foch).

Click on the link bellow to see an artistic impression of the KC-2 in BN colors. I don't know if this is the official paint scheme. Probably just what it is, i.e., an enthusiast artistic impression based on BN paint scheme standards."

http://www.naval.com.br/blog/2011/10/21/assinado-o-contrato-dos-kc-2-turbo-trader-da-marinha-do-brasil/#comments

More on 146044 from owner Doug Goss:  "As you can see, the fuselage and right wing are repaired and the right wing is now back on the airplane.    The damaged left engine was run long enough to spread the wings after 8 long years.    Work continues with the removal of the right engine and replacement of the right windshield.    Our inventory of parts includes props, overhauled engines (these will need to be opened up and checked) and airframe pieces.    With luck we hope to be flying in 2012."  for photos of the progress see our Trader Photo Page.

August 2011 update:  Robert Rice has informed me that work is steadily progressing Trader 146044.  Repairs have been made to the fuselage and the wings are scheduled to go back on the weekend of August 6, 2011.  Plans are to have it back in the air in 2012. 

July 2011 update:  I was at the location of where the nine Trackers had been stored in St. Augustine, FL and can unfortunately confirm that they are no longer there and have been scrapped, confirming what Steven Johnson notified of us in April was in the process of happening.  The lot is for sale and the only thing left that would indicate the Trackers had been there are a few pieces of loose scrap that litters the ground.

May 2011 update:  Information provided by "Rootbeer" at Marsh Aviation in Mesa, AZ indicates the following Traders have been purchased by Brazil:  146024, 146025, 146026, 146027, 146028, 146031, 146057, 136763.  Four are locate at Marsh:  146026, 146027, 146031 and 146057.  These are under contract for conversion to Turbo Traders.

April 2011 update:  Trackers located at St. Augustine, FL are in the process of being scraped according to Steven Johnson. The nine airframes have been located in a small residential yard just north of the St. Augustine just west of US 1 since the early 1970s when they were moved there from the airport.  Since that time they have been somewhat of an aviation attraction while at the same time providing spare parts for flyable S2F's.  While the neighbors in the area are no doubt glad to see them leave it is always a sad day when any aircraft gets scrapped out.  For photos of the aircraft go to My Tracker Photo Page.

February 2011 update:  Tracker 152827 has been positively identified at Brazilian Air Force Military Museum at Sao Carlos - Francisco Pereira Lopes

January 2011 update:  Wayne Griffith of the Aviation Heritage Society in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada has informed us that Tracker RCN # 1531 is undergoing a repainting in the Air Force Heritage Park at this location and should be completed in summer of 2011.

November 2010 update:  William Puchades has provided information on a previously undetected Tracker in Venezuela.  149867 is located at the Aeronautical Museum at Maracay, Venezuela, which is one of the largest aviation museum in South America with  over 40 aircraft on display. 

Simon Codd provided information that 133275 is still located at Mather Field in Sacramento, CA and was previously CDF Tanker 86.

We have added a 8 new pages under at the United Aeronautical Corporation page on this site has individual photos of all the airframes stored at its 60 acre facility in Tucson, AZ.

October 2010 update:  Duncan Smith informed us of Tracker 152369 at the Chavez International Airport, Lima Peru Naval Station.  This takes us up to 241 Grumman Tracker still known worldwide.

We have added CVS 47, the USS Philippine Sea to our CVS Aircraft Carrier page after being informed by Joe Dunegan that it served in the the anti-submarine role with Grumman Trackers.  Also added is a link to Joe's excellent VS-37 website.

September 2010 update:
We have received a further update from Camilo on the Brazilian Navy purchase.

Hello David,

Maybe you have already seen this. Yesterday Flight Global site published that none of the Trader cells bought by the Brazilian Navy will be converted to the AEW role. Six will be modernized with four to be used for COD duty and two to in-flight refueling.  For the AEW operations the Brazilian Navy expects to count on the four S-2G cells stored by the Uruguayan Navy. As I told you in my last message, a Brazilian Navy team is going to Uruguay to inspect these cells.  There is no information about the engines that will be used for the conversion into Turbo Traders. It is believed that the chosen one will be Honeywell's TPE331 (T76).  The C-1 cells will be inspected and placed into flight conditions in the USA and ferried to Brazil.  Regarding the AEW radar, the discussions are between the Eliradar HEW-784 and Thales Searchwater 2000AEW.

Best regards,

Camilo

August 2010 update:
We have just received information from Camilo in Brazil that the Brazilian Navy has purchased the eight Traders from the US that are located in storage at Tucson, AZ.  Following is Camilo's email to me on the matter that goes into more detail about this and other plans the BN has for Trackers and Traders.

"Dear Sir,
 

On Aug/06/2010 the Brazilian Navy purchased 8 C-1A cells from de US government. These cells will be modernized and transformed into "Turbo-Traders". It is yet to be confirmed that 3 will be converted to the AEW role, 2 will keep the COD role, one will be fitted for in-flight refueling of the Brazilian Navy A-4s as well as COD, and two cells will be used as spare parts source. The aircrafts will operate with the carrier wing of Brazil's carrier Sao Paulo (former French Navy Foch) which is presently in sea trials after a 5 year modernization and maintenance period.

 

Previous news mentioned that the BN was negotiating with the Australian Navy to buy 5 of their retired S-2 Trackers. These would be converted into Turbo-Trackers with Honeywell TPE 331-14GR engines to be used for COD and AEW. But the news of the acquisition of the C-1 cells indicates that this deal may have been called off. The use of the C-1 cells seams more suitable for the conversion for AEW and COD due to the larger volume of the cabin which results in more space to fit equipments and carry more fuel.

 

Also the Brazilian Navy is sending a team to inspect the S-2 Trackers of the Uruguayan Navy. It is said that Uruguay has a good number of spare parts for their grounded S-2s. Brazil would trade the spare parts for recovering into flight condition a Helibras Esquilo helicopter of the Uruguayan Navy.

 

Regards,
 

Camilo "

Also we have received more photos and a two diagrams on the mystery Tracker on the Bottom of Guantanamo Bay from Chris Hileman. See:  Guantanamo Bay Mystery Tracker  for photos and info.

Also there may be some interest in obtaining a couple of Trackers for fighting forest fires in Guatemala.  These are being sough by a non government entity. 

July 2010 update:
Trackers 136508, 133204, and 136536 and Trader 136766 have all been purchased by Specline Inc.dba The Cactus Air Force of Carson City, NV.  136508 is already in Carson City and will have the engines and props removed which will be used to fly Trader 136766 from Lakeport, CA to Carson City.  Tracker 136536 will be trucked from Alabama to Carson City where parts from it will be used to fly 133204 from McClellan Airport in Sacramento, CA to Carson City.  136536 will be as spare part aircraft and also an engine test stand.

June 2010 update:
136508 has moved from the storage to the registered designation as it is now N508JR and located in Carson City, NV.

February 2010 update:
With excellent information supplied by Aad van der Voet I have been able to update information on the nine derelicts in St. Augustine, FL, 136546 in Weed, CA and the remaining Trackers in Uruguay.

On January 6, 2010 former Royal Canadian Navy CS2F Tracker Serial Number 1573 was moved 25 miles from Conair at the Abbotsford airport to the Chilliwack Military Education Centre in Chilliwack, BC.  The Tracker will be put on display starting in summer of 2010.  Websites of Jerry Proc -Tracker Move  This is good as five of twenty Trackers at Conair were scrapped in 2009 as they had been stripped of all parts.  We are attempting to determine the serial numbers of those scrapped.  Conair Scrapping 

David D Jackson - February 8, 2010

January 2010 update:
Tracker 136536 airframe, minus engines, former CDF radial engine Tanker 100 and N436DF, went up for sale again on EBay on January 7th, this time for $5,000 in Joppa, AL.  In November-December of 2009 the asking price was $10,000.  This Tracker was last seen at CDF Mather Airport in Sacramento, CA in August of 2007 before going on sale in Alabama.  It must be quite a story on how it got there. The engines are not up for sale at this time.

David D Jackson - January 8, 2010

December 2009 update:
It was pointed out to me by Larry Gertner in October that Tracker 133264 that had been on display at the USS Intrepid was no longer  at that location.  After putting out some inquiries Bill Malone was able to locate it at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum in Glenville, NY in the Museum's Air Park where it went on display no later than May of 2009.  I appreciate everyone's help in finding the new location for this airframe.

Tracker 136536 airframe, minus engines, former CDF radial engine Tanker 100 and N436DF, went up for sale on Ebay in late November for $10,000 in Joppa, AL.  This Tracker was last seen at CDF Mather Airport in Sacramento, CA in August of 2007.  It must be quite a story on how it got to Alabama. The engines are being sold separately at $4,500 a piece.

David D Jackson - December 6, 2009

September 2009 update:
With the assistance of Santiago L. Aversa for providing valuable information on all of the Trackers in Argentina and at the same time adding four new ones that I was unaware of.  He was able to provide US Navy Bureau Number and Grumman Serial numbers for all of the airframe in Argentina.  I really appreciate his assistance over the last few weeks on this matter.

We now stand at 235 total S2F Tracker airframes that we have been able to find evidence of still in existence around the globe.  When I first started this website in January of 2006 I was able to account for just over 100 airframes world wide.  Every time I assume there can be no more around information such as I just got about the ones in Argentina surface and we add another one or two which keeps ratcheting up the count.

David D Jackson - September 9, 2009

June 2009 update:
In May I took a two week trip from Indiana to California with the primary reason for the visit to attend the Chino Air Show.  In the process I was able to take photos of Trackers, Traders, and Tracers all the way out and back.  This includes all (14) Trackers at Marsh Aviation in Mesa, AZ, probably two thirds of the Cal Fire Fleet in California, and others on my route of travel located at museums and airports along the way.  Due to the surge in photos I have separated out into individual photo pages the Trackers, Traders and Tracers.  When complete I will also add unique photo pages for Cal Fire and Marsh Trackers.

David D Jackson - June 9, 2009

June 12 update:  I have now added a photo page for the (14) S2F Trackers in the storage yard at Marsh Aviation in Mesa, AZ.  During the photo editing I "discovered" one Tracker that I had not yet included in my data base.  This aircraft, 147531, is not registered with the FAA even though it has an N number on it and no one has ever to my knowledge published a photo of it on the web.  Also it appears I have the only web published current photo of 136729.  A complete photo essay of the Marsh Yard can be seen at:
My Marsh Photos

June 23 update:  I have now completed the Cal Fire Photo page.  Of the (23) Turbo Trackers that Cal Fire operates I was able to take photos of (19) of them.  Several are in the maintenance hangar as the aircraft were still getting the annuals completed.  In total during the trip I photographed the (19) Cal Fire Trackers, (14) Trackers at Marsh Aviation, ( 11) Trackers on display in (3) states, (4) Traders in (2) states, and one Tracer.  Fifty-three total in 16 days of travel.  See my Cal Fire Photo page at:  Cal Fire Turbo Tracker Photo Page

David D Jackson - June 23, 2009

 

Book Review:  The Warpaint Series No. 76, "Grumman S2F Tracker TF-1Trader and WF-2 Tracer" by Charles Stafrace is a must to have for any Grumman Tracker enthusiast and historian.  The author has done an excellent job of researching all three variants of the Tracker and provided new information that I had not seen before.  Especially detailed were the Trackers that were supplied to allied nations during the Cold War to provide anti-submarine and maritime patrol capabilities with the at that time highly capable and advanced Tracker.  Mr. Stafrace teamed up with Terry Panopalis who has provided an excellent assortment of color photos of S2Fs, TF-1s and WF-2s which are all identified by their Bureau Number or RCN number, and show the diversity of of liveries that the aircraft had in the various squadrons.  One can purchase this book on eBay for a total cost in US dollars to the US for $33.09 including shipping.
David D Jackson, November 2012