Attn: Canadians The Alberta Aviation Museum pursuing F-104

Starfighter update….

Thought I would let everyone know its on the boat!

After over (1) year of fighting paperwork across (2) continents and (3) countries!
(Don’t now if I every want to do this again…then again depends on the aircraft)

Due to arrive Edmonton March 26th.

On arrival, (3) containers, it will be unloaded and immediately go out for
paint stripping.

The final markings to be determined but the current front runner is 104651.

Once we have a realistic completion date we will be setting a roll out date
and Celebration and possibly a meet and greet for all that were involved
with F-104. Air Crew, Ground Crew and North West Industries personnel.

Keep you posted

Thanks again to the Hamilton family, Airspray and all those that made this project happen!

And, as suspected, it’s back:
http://www.omroepgelderland.nl/web/Nieuws-1/1298201/Gestolen-straaljager-Deelen-is-terecht.htm

It is now sitting back on its plint.

And, as suspected, it’s back:
http://www.omroepgelderland.nl/web/Nieuws-1/1298201/Gestolen-straaljager-Deelen-is-terecht.htm

It is now sitting back on its plint.

Tom, it would be a bit hard to smuggle that back in your backpack! Funny story though. Best of luck with the packing, shipping and arrival of the F104!

Hi,

An image of the 104 while serving the Dutch aitforce:
http://www.nederlandseluchtvaart.nl/forums/f51-overige-musea-other-museums/starfighter-5805-naar-canada-19251/

Regards,

Mathieu.

Thanks for the great picture.

Would it be possible to get permission to add this picture to the Alberta Aviation Museum archives so it could be used for displays etc.?

Tom

Hi,

An image of the 104 while serving the Dutch aitforce:
http://www.nederlandseluchtvaart.nl/forums/f51-overige-musea-other-museums/starfighter-5805-naar-canada-19251/

Regards,

Mathieu.

Don’t worry. There’s a longtime tradition in a part of the country where small towns take a trophy for the New Year celebrations. This is suspected to be one of those. They are usually returned after January 1st.

Earlier thefts involved the 20-ton sailing vessel Vrouwe Jans out of the water, a statue of Gorbatsjov from Madame Tussauds museum (in broad daylight), a famous Stone Age rock monument (12 tons), etc. Silly, I know, but I’m sure it’ll turn up in a couple of weeks.

:diablo: Tom ….. please tell me you didn’t……..!!! 😀

No I wouldn’t do that

Now if it was a 1/2 scale Canadair version in Canadian markings…..

Still can’t believe someone would do that…lord

Tom

:diablo: Tom ….. please tell me you didn’t……..!!! 😀

That is very good news, Tom. When it arrives, I’ll be down from Fort Mac to check it out.

Chris

We did it!!!

Thanks to all of those that supported this project and the generous contribution of the Hamilton family foundation and Air Spray we are able to acquire this amazing aircraft.

The actual aircraft is ex Dutch, Lockheed #5805.

It will be restored to represent an RCAF/CAF aircraft, candidates are

RCAF 12635
CAF 104631
CAF 104651

All operated by 417 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake during 417’s time as the CF-104 OTU. All of these aircraft were lost in service with all pilots ejecting safely.

They were chosen as to not conflict with existing aircraft, to tell the story of the pilots and crews (including the risks they faced) and the story of North West Industries here in Edmonton that overhauled and did the heavy maintenance on the Starfighters.

Final selection will be made bases on the provenance of the aircraft and the history of the crews. Final selection will be made by the board while we await the arrival of the aircraft.

It’s original history with the Netherlands will also be presented in it’s display.

Thanks to all that supported this project.

Tom

Thanks everyone and appreciate the kind words.

As mentioned by badger this is a Lockheed built 2 seat 104 as were all the Canadian (2) seaters.

While this aircraft did not serve in the RCAF it is equipped the same way (except for the inertial NAV which we have most of and are getting the rest) and when refinished and ready for display it will represent a specific Canadian Starfighter with the full story of where the aircraft came from etc.

We are very thankful to the Hamilton family and Airspray for stepping up to bridge the gap and allow this acquisition to happen as it allows us to tell the Alberta story of the Starfighter in military service and the Edmonton story of North West Industries that did the overhaul program only a few hundred meters from where our Museum sits.

It will also become part of our school education programming and will be opened< under supervision, for special events for the public (particularly kids) to get in and experience the aircraft.

In this way we hope to inspire a new generation to reach for the sky both figuratively and literally.

Once again…thanks to all

More information as it comes available and is released.

Tom

A little birdie tells me this is a former Dutch AF TF-104G. Congratulations are in order for the museum in saving this historic aircraft.

Is the newspaper article right ? Are you getting a Canadian built example?

As discussed earlier in this very thread, they are getting a 2-seat F-104… and there never were any Canadian-built 2-seaters!

All 38 F-104s the RCAF/Air Command operated were built by Lockheed… as is the aircraft the museum is acquiring.

The newspaper, with the normal level of accuracy for mass-media and military equipment, seems to be unaware of this fact, and is making a blind assumption that this aircraft is a Canadair-built example.

Lockheed built 38 two-seat trainer versions of the F-104G Starfighter for the Royal Canadian Air Force. These aircraft were similar to the TF-104Gs built by Lockheed for other NATO allies, but were powered by Canadian-built J79-OEL-7 engines. They were given the Lockheed designation of Model 583-04-15, and were initially designated CF-113 in Canadian service. However, this designation was later changed to CF-104D. No CF-104Ds were built in Canada.

http://www.joebaugher.com Lockheed CF-104D Starfighter
http://www.joebaugher.com Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

Is the newspaper article right ? Are you getting a Canadian built example?

Thanks Fouga23

Tom

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/health/Edmonton+company+steps+help+purchase+Starfighter+museum/5842307/story.html

we are getting a 104!!!

Thanks to the commitment of a major donation the Alberta Aviation Museum is going to be getting a Lockheed F-104!!!

Details here:
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/healt…307/story.html

Posting from Hamilton Ontario…on a training mission.

I want to express my personal thanks to Lynn Hamilton and all the members of her family as well as the fine people from Airspray and all those that donated.

This aircraft will become a special tool to tell the history, inspire a new generation and act as a tool to educate in Aerospace technology.

Tom Hinderks

Good luck Tom.
I’ll spread the word around Muskoka, but it’s not very busy at this time of year I’m afraid.
Pete

Update

Well this weekend is the final push to reach our target on the Starfighter acquisition….and I believe we can make it!

There is a ways to go but the overwhelming support we have received from Edmontonians, Albertans and Canadians has been phenomenal!

Donations have been received from across Canada and it makes a person feel good that our history is still important to so many.

Spread the word and wish us luck on the final stage of this fund raising drive!

Tom Hinderks
Executive Director
Alberta Aviation Museum