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ISSUE 135 - September 2010
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Toronto Wings & Wheels Heritage Festival

By Kevin Moore, Contributing Editor & Photographer
Roslin, Ontario, Canada

Two classics from the 1950s, the Canadian Air & Space Museum's
full scale Avro Arrow model, and a 1950s model Ford Fairlane 500.

The Canadian Air & Space Museum at former Canadian Forces Base Downsview is a rather interesting museum with a unique collection of airplanes and aviation memorabilia. Former home of de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd, the museums location is the same place that once saw the famous de Havilland Otter and venerable Beaver aircraft being built. The oldest aircraft production factory in Canada, this building is now home to the Canadian Air & Space Museum.

Probably one of the most famous of the Ford Mustangs, the gorgeous 1967 Fastback, left. Certainly the most recognized and famous bush plane in history, the de Havilland of Canada Beaver, right.

Once a year the museum hosts the Toronto Wings & Wheels Heritage Festival with a mix of vintage aircraft and classic cars. Whether you drive in or fly in, everyone is welcome and the folks with the festival offer a mix of aircraft and cars as well as airplane & helicopter rides, and an assortment of booths where aviation enthusiasts can browse and spend some money and, more importantly, learn about some of the history of Canadian aviation.

Former RCAF and Canadian Forces training aircraft, the CT-133 (T-33) Silver Stars, left.
One time primary training aircraft for the Canadian Air Force, the CT-134 Musketeer.

The museum boasts a mix of Canadian aviation heritage including former RCAF aircraft such as the CT-133 (T-33) Silver Star, training aircraft Beechcraft 23 CT-134 Musketeer, Bell CH-163 Kiowa helicopter, CT-114 Tutor, and (Canadian) Navy Tracker. Other museum aircraft include the de Havilland Tiger and Hornet Moths, Stinson Reliant V-77, Zenair CH-200 Zenith and an Easy Riser Ultralight.

This aircraft was designed and built by the University of
Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies - the Ornithopter.

One of the most unusual aircraft in the collection is the Ornithopter, with wings that actually flap like that of a bird! On July 6, 2006 it became the first aircraft to achieve manned ornithopter flight, taking to the air from the runway at Downsview. For more info on the ornithopter, visit www.ornithopter.ca.

A gem of an airplane, the beautiful Canadian Fleet Canuck.

An aircraft designed for the Canadian market, a 1946 (Noury) Fleet Canuck, sits proudly on the museum floor, one of the prettiest vintage civilian aircraft around. Fleet Aircraft was established in Fort Erie, Ontario in 1930 and during World War II, they built the Fleet Cornell and Finch trainers for the RCAF.

Mach magnificence! What could have been is now simply a full size replica model, the CF-105 Avro Arrow, left. One of the most beautiful aircraft of all time, the Canadian designed and built Arrow, with updates and advancements, would likely still fly today, top right. A close-up of the right intake and the designation RL 203 with the RCAF Rondel, bottom right.

The current star of the museum's attractions is the only full size scale model of the infamous Avro Arrow. The Arrow was a Canadian designed and built, interceptor-fighter aircraft that was way ahead of its time. It first flew in March of 1958 and, during several flight tests, achieved remarkable speeds. Eventually, with the Canadian designed Orenda engine, it was expected to exceed Mach 2 with future designs seeing speeds of Mach 3! Unfortunately, a number of factors saw its demise before it could be proven and on February 20, 1959, the Canadian Government ordered production stopped and all 5 prototype aircraft destroyed, including plans. Fortunately, though the aircraft were cut for scrap, much in the way of other items were saved, allowing the museum and many volunteers and donators, the opportunity to build this stunningly beautiful 'model.'

Under restoration at the museum is an Avro Lancaster World War II bomber, FM104.

Currently in restoration is an Avro Lancaster, FM104, World War II bomber. This aircraft was donated to the city of Toronto in the 1950s and was placed on a plinth at the Lake Ontario shoreline near the Canadian National Exhibition grounds. For many years the aircraft was cleaned by Royal Canadian Air Cadet 707 Etobicoke Sqn. The first Commanding Officer of the Air Cadet Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Colin Moore (Maj, CD, ret'd), once a wartime Flight Engineer/pilot on the Lancaster, would take his cadets down to the lakeshore in an effort to keep the old bomber looking respectable. Unfortunately, after he retired as CO in 1970, it seemed there were few who were interested in the upkeep of the airplane. Fortunately, the old bomber has found a home at the Canadian Air & Space Museum, formerly the Toronto Aerospace Museum, where they're working to make her look as good as new.

Some of the beautiful classic cars that made an appearance,
a vintage Nash, left, and an Amphicar, right.

As part of the Wings & Wheels show, many owners of vintage and classic cars participate and bring their old vehicles for the day. These beautiful old cars offer a wider audience a reason to attend the event and give airplane and car enthusiasts both a chance to spread their wings. Jaguars to Mustangs; Chargers to Falcons; there were different styles and designs for every taste, and rarities such as an old Nash and Amphicar. Vehicle owners also had the opportunity to have their car photographed with the Avro Arrow.

Canadian Forces CF-188 (CF-18) on static display, left.
Former Canadian Navy aircraft, the CS2F Tracker, right.

Various private aircraft owners flew in for the event including ultralights and a helicopter. Viper North made an appearance with their MiG 15 UTI and L-29 Delphin, both making unannounced, surprise high speed passes before landing for a static appearance on the tarmac. The museum moved the tracker out on to the tarmac in front of one of the old hangars making for a sort of vintage photo-op. The CF-18 was parked nearby, with many budding future fighter pilots making their way to it, some having the opportunity to talk to the pilot.

Of the many cars that made the trip, this old Chevrolet front end had
the most unique hood ornament, left. The CF-188 (CF-18) Hornet, right.

One thing missing from the show is a flying program, other than visiting aircraft and aircraft rides. Though right in the flight path of (Toronto) Pearson International Airport, some kind of a low-show would certainly draw in more crowds. Even Bombardier with a flypast of their new Dash 8 Q400 would have wowed the crowds at the show. Despite that, there was lots to see, do and read, and many people to chat with about both old cars and old airplanes.

Some of the privately own and civilian aircraft that made the trip to the museum for the festival, left. One of the aircraft on display that was also being marketed, the Expedition, right. A remarkably large 4 seat airplane with plenty of storage and worth a look if you're in thinking of buying.

If you find yourself in Toronto come visit the Canadian Air & Space Museum. If you find yourself in Toronto during the first weekend of the month of June, come to the Toronto Wings & Wheels Heritage Festival. Make the drive to the festival with your wheels to see the wings.

Full side view of the Avro Arrow, left. The Viper North MiG 15 UTI, right.

The museum is always looking for volunteers and donations and it is open 7 days a week, varying hours.

Canadian Air & Space Museum, Downsview Park (Toronto, Ontario):
www.casmuseum.org

Not quite a 'Snowbird' but an interesting livery, this ultralight aircraft stood out in the crowd, left. The MiG 15 UTI taxies in for static display, right.

The Avro Arrow standing proud in front of the hangar doors.
By Kevin Moore, Contributing Editor & Photographer
thestickandrudder@sympatico.ca

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