Membership

Print

 Avro Arrow replica unveiled after relocation to Edenvale

Report and photos by Gord McNulty, CAHS Vice President

The Avro Arrow replica unveiled at Edenvale Aug 10 2019

The unveiling of a full-scale replica of the Avro Arrow replica highlighted the annual Gathering of the Classics fly-in at Edenvale Aerodrome, about 120 kilometres northwest of Toronto, on Aug. 10.

Aviation fans were thrilled to see the replica displayed for the first time since it was relocated to Edenvale from Toronto late in 2018 and subsequently reassembled by volunteers. The replica had languished with the demise of the Toronto Aerospace Museum, later renamed the Canadian Air and Space Museum, at Downsview Park. It is now the centrepiece of the Canadian Air and Space Conservancy, the new name for the CASM and its collection of aircraft and artifacts.

The replica was displayed partially outside a new hangar being developed to establish full museum quality facilities for the Conservancy. A Grumman/de Havilland Canada CS2F Tracker in Royal Canadian Navy colours and a CT=114 Tutor in Snowbirds livery that were part of the collection in Toronto were also on display. For its part, the replica was completed by volunteers and made its initial public appearance at Downsview in 2006. The Conservancy has a Facebook homepage to provide regular updates on its progress.

Edenvale gives every indication of being a fine locale for the replica and the rest of the collection. Bob Coxon, Director of the Edenvale Aviation Historical Foundation and Past President of RCAFA 441 Wing, said there are some 20,000-plus retired aviation people in the south Georgian Bay area. Support is ongoing from RCAF 16 Wing Borden, RCAFA 441 and 429 Wings, Township of Clearview, Simcoe County and the Edenvale Classic Aircraft Foundation which hosted the always popular fly-in.

Sunny, albeit windy, conditions made this year’s Gathering of the Classics another rewarding event for everyone.

The Arrow replica as it was originally unveiled at Downsview in 2006 by the Toronto Aerospace Museum

The Arrow replica as it was originally unveiled at Downsview in 2006 by the Toronto Aerospace Museum

The Arrow replica attracted a crowd of fans at its original nveiling at Downsview in 2006

The Arrow replica attracted a crowd of fans at its original nveiling at Downsview in 2006

The full scale Avro Arrow replica displayed at Edenvale by the Canadian Air and Space Conservancy on Aug 10 Gord McNulty

The full scale Avro Arrow replica displayed at Edenvale by the Canadian Air and Space Conservancy on Aug. 10

Avro Canada newsmagazine poster display at Edenvale by Marc Andre Valiquette

Avro Canada newsmagazine poster display at Edenvale by Marc Andre Valiquette

The CSCF Tracker that was part of the Canadian Air and Space Museum was displayed at Edenvale on Aug 10 2019

The CS2F Tracker that was part of the Canadian Air and Space Museum was displayed at Edenvale 

Ryan Navion C GDQL exemplified the classic aircraft at Edenvale on Aug 10 2019

Ryan Navion C-GDQL exemplified the classic aircraft at Edenvale

Globe Swift CF ZJT at the Gathering of the Classics Aug 10 2019 at Edenvale

Globe Swift CF-ZJT at the Gathering of the Classics

Harvard Mk 2 C FRWN from the CHAA takes a passenger for a flight at Edenvale Aug 10 2019

Harvard Mk 2 C-FRWN from the CHAA takes a passenger for a flight