3011 “MINI” NEWSLETTER JULY 14, 1986
“Minis” are published and distributed only to current members, and are produced to share important information with members between publication of the quarterly Newsletters.
Good weather, and effort on the part of volunteers combined to make Open House ’86 a great success. Thanks, volunteers, and be proud that our organization has grown and matured to the point where we can organize and carry out a major event such as this.
OPEN HOUSE THE USUAL GREAT SUCCESS
The museum site has never looked better, and each year we reclaim and grass-in a little more display area. The parking lot was graded a week or two before the event, and was in fine shape, and extra parking was provided by clearing the adjoining lot. As a result, we hardly caused any traffic jams this year, even though about the same number “of people attended. A large area near the balloon launching site was also cleared for more space.
The multitude of small and large jobs, which included filling holes, cutting grass, weed-eating, cleaning and painting the food booth, repairing the roof on the information kiosk; cleaning, assembling, and setting up the airplanes for display, making name tags, printing, collating, folding, stapling, numbering newsletters and programs; scrubbing, painting,, moving and pricing stock and otherwise getting the gift shop ready for customers; ordering and preparing food, arranging for delivery of grills, propane, pop and up the food booth: machines, sne making up sign holders, traffic markers; pruning trimming, raking; and organizing the work that would have to done on the day itself, as well as dozens of tasks not mentioned here all had to be done, so that we were ready for the first visitor; not just for Open House but for the busy display season ending Oct. 15.
The turnout to accomplish these tasks was very disappointing, with the result that the few who did come out worked their backsides off.
Those of you who worked long hours buildings, airplanes and other exhibits ready for Open House 86 give yourself a big pat on the back. Very well done! “Thanks also to those of you who put in long days on the days of the event itself. The whole event went smoothly thanks to you.
Thank you also to the volunteers who gave up the excitement and fun of Open House to man the Expo display.
Once again, warmly the Air Cadets are These cordial and efficient young people are a key ingredient to the success of Open House. Thank you.
Many good comments have been received from people who attended; including visitors from different parts of the world. So, while Expo 86 drained off some of our potential visitors, we are now becoming better known out the world. Open House, along with the Abbotsford Air Show, provides the bulk of the operating funds for CMFT each year, and is our best opportunity to advertise ourselves. It is surprising how many local people do not know we are here. Tell a friend or a neighbour.
GIFT SHOP A BIG IMPROVEMENT
The gift shop is now finished, and in full operation. It looks and is great! There is room to display the Items for sale, and there is now a place for visitors to wait for tours to start. Our antique cash register is ringing up more sales than ever before.
Pay us a visit, if you haven’t already. This is the place to come when looking for a gift for your air-minded friends or relatives, to treat or yourself to something nice we have a huge collection of pins on hand, as well as lots of books, posters, t- shirts, prints, toys, stickers, air- plane wall plaques, and much more.
Buy now for the Christmas season.
USED AVIATION MAGAZINES
Spare copies of aviation magazines are now in the gift shop for sale. This is your opportunity to fill in the missing issues in your own collection, or to start a new one.
Prices range from $1. for current issues to $4. each for 1940’s issues.
Send in your list of missing issues for a quote.
We are also offering used pocket books (any subject) for sale, so if you have some you’ve read, please pass them on.
It all helps to earn those few dollars which are stretched so well here.
GAS FITTER WANTED
Do we have a gas fitter amongst our membership, or a friend of a member? The new gift shop has no heat, which we don’t need now, but certainly will before September rolls around. services could be donated, it would be appreciated, if not, we would apprec- late the best price possible. The furnace and ducting are on hand.
LAWN MOWERS AND WEEDEATERS NEEDED
There are acres of yard to groom Our fleet of old mowers is reaching the point of no return. If you have an mower or weedeater than isn’t needed any more, please pass it on to the museum, even if its not operable.
VAMPIRE ON DISPLAY
The shop crew kept a bet and got the Vampire assembled and out on display in time for Open House 86. It has a place of honor as a gate guardian.
Woodwork on the pod is done, and the metal work is now in progress. More work yet to go to complete the static display restoration.
EXPO 86 DISPLAYS A HIT
CMFT’S Norseman, Lysander and the Quickie are currently the most photographed airplanes in the world, are attracting rave reviews and world wide publicity for CMFT. The restorations are of top quality and we are proud to display them.
The on-site Stampe biplane restoration project is a hit. Visitors can watch the actual restoration work taking place, and some are returning time and time again to check on progress.
The project is made possible by a grant from New Horizons to our Senlor’s Wing. Fred Gardham is the President, and organized the staffing of the project, while Frank Coulter is in charge of the restoration itself. They are both on site nearly every day, working full shifts. Not bad for tour at 3. a couple of fellows in their 80’s! Thank you Fred and Frank, for making it all possible.
Thanks also to the many members, some old, some new, and some who are not even members, who turn up day after day to staff the display. With- out your help we could not be achieving the same success.
Two students, Robert McPherson and Lawrence Chee, are receiving apprenticeship training under a Challenge 86 Employment and Immigration grant which also provides a small amount of funding for materials. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all the extra time and effort they spend on the project in addition to . their regular working, hours.
Our Expo display takes more than 80 volunteer hours per day in addition to it time spent by the students to make the More people are needed, so if you have time this summer, please phone Rose or April at 531-3744, or 278-9804 to book time.
Shifts are 4 hours long; 10-2 AM, 2- 6 in the afternoon, and 6-10 in the evening, every day including holidays. We especially need help on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
A booklet which provides the answers to most of the questions which are asked, and details on not only the Stampe, but the other airplanes on site.
You get a nifty blue shop coat with the CMFT crest on the back to wear on shift. You can work on the airplane, or you can stamp passports and provide information to visitors. You will meet people from all over the world, while at the same time learn something, new, or perhaps pass on skills. It’s interesting, exciting and its fun. Try it.. Seniors, middle agers, students, men or women any age you’re all welcome.
BRING YOUR OUT OF TOWN VISITORS TO CMFT
Be sure to bring your out-of-town visitors to the museum, but please plan your visit to arrive between 11 and 3, and avoid a wait by checking the tour times: Weekends: 11, 11:30, 12, 12:30, 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30, with last Weekdays: 11, 12, 1, 2, with last tour at 3. No exceptions.
HANDLEY PAGE HAMPDEN RECOVERED
Jerry Olsen, his crew from C-LOST, along with the crew of the Researcher and help from International Submarine Engineering and of course Bill and Wilma Thompson, the Tillicum and the barge, finally completed the raising of the Hampden. It was huge task, extremely difficult, and made no easier by the “experts” and knockers who did their best to discredit what was a most difficult job.
To those of you who believe some of the bad press on the recovery, we challenge anyone to have done better under the circumstances.
The hope was that the portion of the airplane that was buried in the mud at a depth of 600 ft. might have fared better than the parts that were exposed in salt water for more than 44 years. That mud caused many problems in the raising of the airplane, and wasn’t much of a preservative.
But, we do have a Hampden, consisting of many parts which can be used to build a static display. And it’s the only one in the world.
The huge job of cleaning and scraping off the accumulation of silt, marine growth and general stuff packed into ever need lots of help to care- begun. nook and cranny has just fully pick and poke and scrape and clean, so that the preserving oil can take effect. The cabin section, engines, tail, and other parts are at the storage site, so put on your grubs’ and come out and help by working we don’t need “inspectors”.
We are looking for some way to raise the money to pay for the preservation and restoration to static display of this Hampden. We’d like to start on the nose section first, as we have most of the parts needed by drawing on the scraps and chunks salvaged by our Vancouver Island members from the Mount Tuam wreck. All suggestions considered, and all donations welcomed.
It would be nice if the parts previously removed from the Mount Tuam wreck and the few other Hampden parts around could be donated to help make this restoration possible.
TOUR GUIDES NEEDED DESPERATELY
Because of the interest generated by Open House and the Expo 86 displays, the storage site is a very busy place. The visitor’s register has entries from all over the world.
But, because all visitors must be accompanied by a guide, it is a terrible strain on the staff, who must somehow try to complete their assigned work as well as show visitors around.
This years job creation projects require a great deal of specialized training time, so our regular volunteer staff have their hands full training and just do not have the time to do tours as well.
Summer is the only opportunity we have to get get caught up on library, accessioning and inventory work. Please, if you can spare the time, come out and help out. Saturdays and Mike Sundays are the busiest time, but guides are needed weekdays too. Weeks is the only who has helped with the tour guiding this past month. Where in the world are the rest of you?
Tours take about 45 minutes and go every half-hour from 11 to 3 on week- ends and holidays, and every hour on weekdays.
We have a revised “Guide to the Collection” which provides the answers to visitors questions about the items on display, so no need to worry if you don’t know what is on display.
Tour guiding is an excellent oppor- tunity for students to gain confidence in dealing with the public.
“GUIDE TO THE COLLECTION”
We’ve produced a “tour guide” booklet which lists most of the airplanes in our collection. Each item is briefly described and tells a little of its history, well as general as details on the type. It is produced on the photocopier, but well worth the $3.00 price tag. Send for your copy today. It’s a good way to find out what the CMFT has on display.
SUMMER GIFT SHOP SPECIALS!
A one cent sale on the STRANRAER print is in effect from July 15 Aug 30. Get a couple now for Christmas giving. This is a quality, fine art print, with a pre-printed “matt” border on heavy 100 lb. stock. This striking 22″x25″ print is by well-known Canadian artist Graham Wragg, who personally signed each print.
It depicts the Museum’s Stranraer (CF-BYJ) while in military colors, flying over the Lions Gate bridge c1940.
BUY ONE AT THE REGULAR! PRICE OF $15. AND GET THE NEXT ONE FOR JUST A PENNY!
Add 7% tax, (if a B.C. resident), plus $3. for mailing tube and postage (up to 4 prints can go in one tube).
SNOWBIRDS POSTER
This is the famous and very striking shot of a formation of snowbirds going straight up with Mount Ranier in the background. Regularly priced at $5.00, for the month of July and August or while stock lasts only: BUY ONE AT $5. AND GET THE NEXT ONE FOR ONLY A PENNY
PRESSURE WASHER NEEDED
Bill Thompson is tired of carting his pressure washer down from Gibsons and doing without it whenever we need it here, which is oftener and oftener. Is there one out there that could be donated to the museum – or how about a contribution towards the purchase of one about $400 will do it.
POLISHING CREW WANTED
The Lockheed (T33) “Silver Star” especially, and some of the other airplanes are in need of hand polishing and waxing. A lot of work, but a terrific project for volunteers who like to see results for effort spent.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT WANTED
April will be leaving to look for other work as soon as a replacement can be found for her. It is a responsible job, requiring a high degree of dedication, and plenty of ability. The pay is low, (money to pay salary is donated to the museum) but we still a top notch person.
Duties include organizing all the special events and displays; all ordering and supervision of gift shop unctions, fielding phone calls, special research, some correspondence, some banking, most of the P.R., supervision of newsletter production, and much more.
On top of all that April also edits and produces the newsletter, helps with word processing, training and supervises much of the computer operations.
These are not easy shoes to fill, especially since Rose is approaching “burnout mode” from overwork and can be crabby. But, if you’re interested, and think you can handle it, put it in writing, telling us what you have to offer in experience and expertise, and state the lowest accepted salary. If Rose likes what you submit, she’ll arrange an personal appointment. Shedoes not have time to discuss the job over the phone.
BOOKKEEPER WANTED’
After 3 years, Indi has left to take on a better job. A part time accoun- tant or very experienced bookkeeper is needed right away. Again, no phone calls or visits. Mail in your resume, please, stating salary expected.
RESTORER NEEDED SOON
There will soon come a time when CMFT will have to hire a full time or full time part time restorer. If you are qualified yourself, or know someone who is, please send in a detailed. resume to keep on file. Please do not phone or call in person.
HOSTS/HOSTESSES NEEDED
Visitors are asked to wait in the waiting area of the gift shop or in the the picnic area between tours, and are invited to browse in the gift shop. This means that someone has to be there to answer questions, to serve customers,, and make coffee.
Do we have any personable ladies, or students, who would like to take on this job? Desperately needed during weekends from 11 to 3:00, but would be nice from 11:00 to 3:00 on weekdays too.
Also needed is a “yard host”. Someone to talk to drivers of cars to direct parking, advise as to tour times, or whatever it takes to keep the potential visitor happy and coming back. Hours are 11 to 3. Weekends are busiest, but a weekday host would free staff for other pressing duties, too.
ICE CREAM, DRINKS AVAILABLE
We now have coffee, popsicles, fudgsicles and fruit drinks available to make your visit more enjoyable.
SATURDAY WORKBEES
Have been a real “bust”. There is much to do, including cleaning the Hampden salvage, lots of office and computer work, and other pressing chores. Please help if you can.
While many people want to volunteer their time doing restorations, it is impractical unless you commit yourself to a regular routine. Unless you have experience, too much instruction time is taken and it is counter-productive.
“PIONEER PROFILES”
The project is still in full swing, with volunteers typing up interviews at a great rate. There are still doz- ens to go, so if you can type and are willing to learn some very basic word processing commands and computer skills, please come on out.
It is an opportunity for students to increase typing speed, learn about computers and gain work skills, and have something to include in a resume. Try it!.
ABBOTSFORD AIR SHOW
CMFT will be displaying, the Sopwith Camel replica, and probably either Fleet or the Waco. The round sales kiosk and Wilma’s tee shirt booth will be there as usual, as this is the year’s other major fund raising event.
Help needed to move the airplanes in and out, to watch the airplanes, to stamp passports, and sell postcards.
The date is August 8, 9 and 10. The gates open this year at 6:00 A.M.. which means that we have to be on site at least 40 minutes prior to that each day. Passes will be made available only to people putting in at least two full days, as it is just too much trouble to organize entry for a few hours or a day.
The museum site on Crescent Road will be open and tour guides will be needed to man the home front those three days. Please volunteer.
FABRIC AND WOODWORKING SEMINARS
Seminars cancelled over the summer months, but will start again the first week or second week in September. Cost is $40. and includes as many Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 as you care to attend.
Thus far, we have covered the Auster wings and fuselage, with the L4 fuselage slated for the Fall sessions, with no end of other projects waiting. Its an opportunity to learn while at the same time help the museum’s rest- oration program. Phone Rose or April and register.
LIGHTER THAN AIR CONFERENCE, EXHIBITION AND AIR SHOW SEPT. 18 TO SEPT. 28
3-day conference at Boundary Bay Airport. Airshow and Hot Air Balloon demonstrations, Lighter than Air Dis- play “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”.
Call 263-2258 for details.
NEW HORIZONS SENIOR’S GROUP PROJECT – MEMBER’S LOUNGE AND MEETING ROOM
A portable office building should be on site by August 14. It needs renovation, general cleaning up, and a small” “kitchenette installed with a fridge, a coffee pot, a TV and maybe a micro-wave oven. It is planned to be a place to sit and relax, and some- where to hold meetings and seminars if members want them.
Has anyone a spare microwave, a toaster, video, fairly respectable chesterfield suite or other suitable items to donate?
Materials and the cost of a used fridge and some fixtures are provided by New Horizons, but the labour must be supplied by volunteers. Can you help out? Please phone and we’ll arrange a three or four day work-bee to get the job done so that it will be ready for the Fall meetings.
DEHAVILLAND MOSQUITO PROJECT
Major funding is sought to get the Mosquito project back on track. No as well as Dave Smith’s Bellanca 4- work has been done for several years, and it’s time that the beautiful lady flew, so let’s work on getting the dollars that can make it possible.
At least one full time restorer will be required. Since it is unlikely that competent people who can afford to devote their time on a full time basis can be found, we’ll have to pay salaries. The engines and props still have to be overhauled, and considerable work is still needed on systems.
Generous tax advantages can probably be obtained for persons or organizations considering serious funding of this project. We’re also looking for a sponsor to cover operating costs on completion.
VOLUNTEER’S FLIGHT DAY
The third “Flight Day” to show appreciation to the volunteers who make special events and the day to day operation of the museum possible will be held on
AUGUST 30, 1986 from 10 to 2 at Delta Airpark.
If you have volunteered at least TWO FULL DAYS (16 HOURS) either preparing for Open House ’86 or on the weekend itself, you are entitled to a ride in an airplane. This also applies to those people who put in at least two full days working on the NWT models, and those who turn up regularly to do what needs to be done.
Only the volunteer is entitled to a ride children and spouses are not eligible unless they put in their stint, and rides are not transferable. Also, rides must be taken as they come up, no disrupting the procedures by holding back to go in a specific airplane.
All the Air Cadets who worked this year, and those Air Cadets who missed out on rides last year are eligible.
The Fleet and Waco will be on hand, place Cruisair, but we’ll need more airplanes to handle all the rides, so we are requesting that any members who have airplanes offer their services to help out. The CMFT will pay the fuel on airplanes up to 200 hp, but we’d be grateful if it could also be donated.
If you’ve filled oven House duties, or registered for Open work sheet, and put in the required time, your name is on the list. If you haven’t filled out a work sheet, why didn’t you?
Phone April to arrange a time. Don’t just show up as it takes a lot of organizating to get that many people up.
Last year’s “Flying Day” turned out to be a real event for Delta Air Park, so no reason not to expect the same this year. Plan it as an outing for your family. There is a friendly coffee shop, and its a great place to watch airplanes coming and going. It’s the Western Warbirds home base, so you may catch them in action too.
Add up, the cost of engine overhauls (if you’re lucky enough to find the parts needed), the general maintenance of the airplane, insurance costs and even fuel. Toss in the fact that it is virtually impossible to buy a ride in an open cockpit antique biplane at any price, and you will see that this is a special treat that some would give their eye teeth for the opportunity. The roll-out and flight fee for TV or other publicity events is $600.
Please do not ask for a ride unless you have done a fair share of the work that goes into making the museum a success. The rides are intended as a gesture of appreciation to those members who give of their time and expertise. The value of the ride is diminished if the privilege is abused.
CAPA CONFERENCE IN SEPTEMBER
CMFT will again be hosting the Canadian Aeronautical Preservation Association’s annual conference to take place September 11, 12 and 13.
CAPA has as its members the major aircraft restoration and historical groups in Canada, including the National Museum. It was formed to provide a single unified representation to deal with Governments and Crown Agencies, and has proven its success.
We meet each year to discuss specific problems and seek solutions.
Seminars this year include Micro computer applications using sophisticated data base management systems for aviation museum data management, outdoor displays (we’re experts at that), and a 2 1/2 hour video series produced by the British Columbia Provincial Museum dealing with the role of the Curator, the Conservator, the Display Director, and much more.
If enough interest is shown, and space permits, members can sit in on the seminars.
Depending on the hotels situation, we might need accommodation for some of the delegates, and perhaps some assistance in transporting the delegates to and from the airport and to some of the functions planned.
An outdoor barbecue (if weather is good) or indoor dinner (if weather is Bad) is planned for Friday evening, the 12th. Directors and Committee heads, and their guests are invited to attend. It is an opportunity, to meet representatives from Canada’s aviation museums. Cost about $10. per person as it will probably have to be catered. Phone in if you’re interested, as final plans depend on the number of persons who will be attending.
COMPUTER ASSISTANCE
Clyde MacLeod, who has been in charge of the computer functions for more than 6 years has left to take a better paying job (this one didn’t pay at all) as a programmer. In the event that he is not able to keep up with time, the required maintenance of the programming in effect in his spare is there someone out there, proficient in “Revelation” and “GenCat” who would like to take on the task?
We also need someone experienced in working with “ACC-PAC” to switch over the Museum’s accounting from the old program and help train two girls.
How about a LOTUS 1-2-3 whiz to show
the office staff the ropes? The sophisticated stuff like GenCat” is
complex for us, but we need a simple to learn and flexible program such as Lotus to carry out a number of functions now done by hand.
SIGNWRITER WANTED
The weather is hard on the signs describing the airplanes, and besides which there aren’t enough of them, We also need various signs around the property as well as descriptive signs for the various artifacts on display.
We have money for materials and supplies, but none for salaries. Any offers?
FALL DINNER COMING UP IN OCTOBER
There will be a guest speaker, and the usual Chinese dinner. Next newsletter will detail.