Last week we spent some time looking at some of the Tiger Boys Airworks and Museum aircraft, and a few visiting airplanes, during the 2012 Tiger Boys Fly-in at Guelph Airpark (CNC4). This week we'll return to the fly-in to see some of the other aircraft that made the trip to Guelph for the day.

For a time, the airplane was used as a crop sprayer and was eventually brought to Canada by then owner Brian Whitty. It was then acquired by pilots Michelle Goodeve and Glenn Norman who created the "Trans Continental Air-Dash" in 1972 and flew the airplane from former BCATP base, CFD Mountain View, Ontario to Delta Air Park near Vancouver, British Columbia. They sold the aircraft to an American collector who had plans to restore the airplane but, in fact, decided to "part out" the old aircraft. Thanks to Goodeve & Norman, the airplane eventually ended up being saved and fully restored by Tiger Boys Frank Evans & Tom Dietrich. She flies as one of only three airworthy Jackaroos in the world today.

Another airplane found on the airfield is a stunning example of the Corben Baby Ace. The Baby Ace was said to be the first homebuilt airplane marketed to the general public. It is known as a single seat parasol wing monoplane taildragger and are still being built today by homebuilders. This example, built in 1958, is said to be the oldest homebuilt aircraft still flying in Canada today.

The Tiger Boys also fly an Aeronca Champ known as a "Gamble Special." This lovely little airplane is great for pilots wanting to convert from tricycle gear to tail-dragger and a perfect stepping-stone for moving up to the Tiger Moth. Its forgiving flying characteristics, slow flight and stall speed, and docile nature make it a fun airplane to fly as well.

Of the visiting aircraft on the day one of the most spectacular was a stunning Stinson V77 Reliant. The Reliant was originally built in 1938 with a military version, called the AT-19, that was designed and built for the USAAF in 1942. Though initially built for the US, many were shipped overseas during World War II with a few making their way to Canada. The Reliant flies with a single pilot and 3-4 passengers and will cruise a little above 150mph.

One of the more unique airplanes that fly with the Tiger Boys is a mini-Hurricane, nicknamed "Lil' Harrycane," that they rescued and restored several years after the airplane went for a swim off Toronto Island Airport in Toronto, Ontario. This beautiful, smaller 5/8 scale version of the famous RAF fighter plane, the Hawker Hurricane, is powered by an O320 engine which pulls it along at speeds of more than 160mph with a max speed of 200mph. The original builder paid a lot of attention to detail and, to the untrained eye, it could probably pass for the full size Hurricane.

During the day, airplanes came and went, and visitors who drove in, came and went. Between the pancake breakfast and the lunchtime BBQ that included burgers, sausage, hot dogs, and chili, there was lots to eat. Many of the Tiger Boys members left their hangars open allowing people to browse all the aviation artifacts and memorabilia that they've collected over the years. You could also walk around, look inside and, with some of the Tiger Boys airplanes, get a flight in exchange for a donation. Whatever your interest was in visiting the airport during the Tiger Boys Fly-in, there was plenty to keep you busy and interested.

The Tiger Boys Airworks and Museum endeavour to keep these beautiful vintage airplanes well maintained and flying. They do this out of the love for aviation and passing on the history of these beautiful, historic aircraft, not only to the younger generations, but to everyone who has ever had a love of flight. In this day and age of jet noise and high-speed, there's nothing wrong with a change of pace, the slowing down of the day, and the enjoyment of watching the day go by on wings and wires.

For more information about the Tiger Boys Airworks & Museum: tigerboys.com

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