Technical projects continue steadily in and around the hangar. The restoration of the Museum’s DH82C Tiger Moth has taken a step forward with the completion of the repairs to the forward fuselage and the application of the yellow finish. Of course, underneath the standard Air Force trainer colour are layers of finish and UV protection that are all sprayed on with painstaking precision.

The Tiger Moth forward fuselage has the plywood structure covered in fabric
that is then sprayed with multiple layers of special finish.

Another ongoing project is to get both Sopwith Pups ready for the air. Earlier engine difficulties have been solved by replacing the engines with the widely-used Lycoming engine. The engines have been dismantled and reconditioned to give a long trouble-free life in Museum service.

Parts for this Lycoming O-235 for the Sopwith Pup have been inspected and repainted.

Do you know what the engines that power the Museum’s aircraft look like? Come and see the engine displays in the hangar and courtyard. The displays show the inline, Vee, radial and flat cylinder configuration of various manufacturers.

Everyone has heard of a Piper Cub – right? This display engine is the Continental A-65 that
powered (and still powers) the iconic aircraft. Did you know that 200 Piper Cubs were built in Ontario?

 And what about the engines in the flying, or soon to be flying, fleet? Yes, they have to be maintained and cared for as well. Annual inspections, engine runs and test flights are all part of being ready for the airshow season.

The Museum’s 1930 Waco INF (left) and 1940 Fleet Finch outside in the spring sunshine for engine runs.