Saturday, October 15, 2011

October 3D Challenge

As I stated in earlier posts, each month, a forum I belong to has a challenge on different subject matters.  October's challenge is Transportation:

This is my entry




Fairey Swordfish torpedo BomberThis Swordfish HS 554 is the only one of its kind to be registered privately. It was restored and is extant at Bob Spence Farm, Muirkirk, Ontario. HS554, flew 362 hours during the war on Canada's east coast, serving with 745 squadron RT Flight Yarmouth 1943-1944. Bob Spence, of Muirkirk Ontario, bought his first Swordfish as a derelict at the Ernie Simmons estate sale near Tillsonburg, on Labor Day weekend, 1970. Over the next few years, three more Swordfish relics were purchased for parts. Over twenty-one years, Bob, with the help of many friends and volunteers, gradually brought the huge biplane back to life. Using original patterns and materials specified in a 1934 Fairey Aviation list, they pooled their enthusiasm and skill in the reconstruction project. Containing 60% newly manufactured parts, Bob's Swordfish first flew on 17 August, 1992 with Bob at the controls. Since then, it has become a familiar and popular sight at airshows and events in southern Ontario, recalling the history made by the machine and the men who flew her.

Today she resides with the Vintage Wings of Canada

Vintage Wings of Canada is an aviation museum of historically significant aircraft, organized as a charitable foundation. The facility is located at the Ottawa Executive Airport. It was founded by former Cognos CEO and philanthropist Michael Potter. Most aircraft in the collection are in flying condition and are frequently flown.

No comments:

Post a Comment