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Canadair CT-133 Silver Star refurbished for display in Dundas, Ontario

Story and pictures by Gord McNulty

Refurbished Canadair CT 133 Silver Star outside the Hamilton Air Force Association in Dundas Oct 1 2017 Gord McNulty

Refurbished Canadair CT-133 Silver Star outside the Hamilton Air Force Association in Dundas. Oct. 1, 2017

More than 200 people gathered at the Hamilton Air Force Association in Dundas on Sept. 30 to celebrate the restoration of a Canadair CT-133 Silver Star that has been on display for the past 41 years.

Dozens of club members and other interested citizens volunteered to return the ‘T-bird’ to its former splendour in an intensive, week-long effort. The aircraft was lowered by crane, then buffed, polished, and painted. The markings were replaced with authentic decals and tail number 21123, the RCAF number it flew under at No. 2 Advanced Flying School at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, starting in November, 1953. The eye-catching appearance of the jet today is a tribute to the dedication of the volunteers and the people who have donated in many ways. The project was overseen by aviation historian Cam Harrod, Association President Ed Watson and Secretary Steve Moir.

CT 133 Silver Star at Dundas Oct 1 2017

CT-133 Silver Star at Dundas, Oct. 1, 2017

Hamilton News.com reported that the project cost a total of $12,150, including the $4,500 construction of a new stone wall and rock base at the bottom of the column which the airplane rests on. The association received a $2,000 grant through the Hamilton Community Foundation and the national Community Fund for Canada’s 150th birthday.

 The Hamilton Spectator published this photo by Gord McNulty of the Silver Star arriving in Dundas in March 1976

The Hamilton Spectator published this photo by Gord McNulty of the Silver Star arriving in Dundas in March 1976

 The CT 133 Silver Star is lowered from the Chinook at Dundas in March 1976

The CT-133 Silver Star is lowered from the Chinook at Dundas in March 1976

 

Another view of the CT 133 arriving at the Hamilton Air Force Association in Dundas in March 1976

Another view of the CT-133 arriving at the Hamilton Air Force Association in Dundas, March 1976

The jet was originally airlifted to Dundas from CFB Borden by Chinook helicopter in March 1976. I was a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator at the time and took photos as the Silver Star arrived in Dundas. Crews brought it down in a safe location, then put it on a flatbed and took it to the Association on King Street East. It was an exciting event for the town of Dundas, to be sure.

One of 656 Silver Stars built by Canadair, the Dundas example had served as an advanced trainer until 1959 when it was converted for on-ground instruction and eventually struck off strength in 1975. Cam described the restoration as “a memorial to all armed forces members past and present.”