Introduction
This is the Surviving Grumman S2F / S-2 Tracker Information Repository which will keep an update on the Grumman Tracker Series of aircraft that still exist, which includes the S2F (S-two-f or Stoof) and CS2F Tracker, the TF-1 / C-1A Trader and WF-2 / E-1B Tracer.  Since the initiation of this website and effort in 2006 we have found and logged 246 Trackers, 34 Traders, and 5 Tracers that still exist on a worldwide basis.  Separately cataloged are another 80 Tracker, 3 Trader and 11 Tracers in the United Aeronautical Corporation Salvage Yard in Tucson, AZ due to the fact those airframes are supplying parts and will never leave that facility as an entire airframe.


The Iron Lady, 136427, coming at you!!  Anderson Runway 18 in 1998. Photo courtesy of Brian Gwaltney.
 

Introduction:
Unfortunately, very few of these hardworking and venerable aircraft are still around today.  Even fewer are still flying at air shows or can be seen at aviation museums around the world.  Our primary focus will be to provide you with up-to-date information on where you can see the remaining Trackers, Traders, and Tracers, and also provide direct links to any information, including photos on these venerable aircraft.

This has been and continues to be any interesting task, due to the fact that I do not know what the final number of Trackers and its derivatives are that still exist throughout the world.  I am continually updating the site as I discover new information and aircraft.  Also, due to the manner in which I have organized the data, many of the aircraft that are registered in the US are not really flyable aircraft and are now static displays in museums or being used as spare parts.

David D Jackson  

2013 S2F, C-1 and EB-1 Current Events: (See Previous Years' Events further down this page.)
147893:  his 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

147522:  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

2013 Scheduled S2F Tracker / C-1A Trader Air Show Appearances: 
Wings over Illawarra" Airshow  in New South Wales, Australia May 5, 2013 - Tracker 152333 "Tiger 44.  This will be the first flying appearance for 152333 since 1999.  Apparently 152333 was only on static display from post airshow reports
Auburn-Opelika Airshow, AL May 11, 2013- Trader 136778. This is a new one day show.
Thunder over Michigan, August 10-11, 2013 - Trader 146044 "Miss Belle".  This will be her first airshow appearance after an engine failure in August of 2002 and landing in a corn field in Illinois on the trip home from the South Bend Airshow.
Oshkosh - July 29 - August 1, 2013 - Trader 146044 "Miss Belle".
Gathering of Warbirds and Legends - August 2-4, 2013 - Trader 146044 "Miss Belle".  Also making a static appearance at the show will be the on site Combat Air Museum's S2F-1 136486 which is normally on display stuck back in the corner of the display hangar.  It will be good to see her out in the Kansas sunshine.

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

147522: 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

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.

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

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.

Tracker, Trader and Tracer Updates

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.

See previous 2012 updates at my Archived Tracker Updates Page.
 

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.

Trackers are world famous!! 

This is from the front page of the "China Daily-The National English Language Newspaper" from October 24, 2007.  I go all the way to Shanghai, China on business and there during breakfast at the hotel is a photo of Tanker 73 (149848) on the front page of the newspaper!

Pre 2013 Events
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.

Definitions:
Registered - These are aircraft that are have been registered with a country's respective civil aviation authority for civilian flight.  For the most part these are air tankers used in three countries, a handful of warbirds, and some that, even though still registered, are museum displays with no intent of flying by the present owners. 
Military - These are aircraft that are in service with a country's respective military service.  Surprisingly, the S2F is still in limited service with two military arms.  Seeing how the S2F first flew in 1952 and is still in military service, puts it in the same class as the Boeing B-52 for longevity in a country's national defense.  This is outstanding!
Museum - These are aircraft are no longer registered or in active military service that are currently on display in a museum, or some other location.  They can be either be inside or outside, or as in one case, located outside at that the entrance to an international airport.
Storage - These are aircraft that do not fit in any of the above classifications, are still sitting on the landing gear and still look to be a whole airframe.  Engines do not need to be on as they the first items to be used of another flying aircraft, and can be replaced rather easily.  There is still the possibility the aircraft could be made flyable, or into a museum display.  There a some S2F hulks in British Columbia, Canada that have not been included in this classification as the landing gears have been removed and the airframes are being used as spare parts.

Remember:
Support your local S2F Tracker, Warbird Museums, and Warbird Air Shows!

This site last updated 5-18-2013.