Canadian Warplane Heritage adds Musketeer to collection

[CWH Museum]

A Beechcraft CT-134 Musketeer is now the latest acquisition by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. They were first purchased by the Canadian Forces in 1970 to replace the capable but increasingly difficult to maintain Chipmunk ab-initio trainers. CWH's Musketeer (CAF #134222) has been in storage dismantled in Merrickville, Ontario for several years and was discovered through an ad on Kijiji.


Although it doesn't look as in good shape as in this photo taken at CFB Moose Jaw in 1980, the aircraft is fairly complete (Photo: John Davies)



The Musketeer should be recovered to Hamilton next month and might be on display in its unrestored condition for the Hamilton Airshow (Photos: Jim Vandyk)

[JohnB]

I have read that to prevent post-service sales, many/most of the Beeches had their spars cut.
Any truth to that?
I believe the CAF was concerned about the high-time and well used (I believe the British have a term for it..."knackered") aircraft on the civil market.

[Chappie]

I'll be damned, I never would have thought a Beech Sundowner could be a warbird. Very Cool.


Chappie

[Thomas_Mac]

Cool addition! If this is the same kijiji ad I saw the spars have been cut on this bird

This one?

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z358273866

[CWH Museum]

Yes, this was the Musketeer advertised on Kijiji. It was picked up April 6 from a farm in Merrickville.





The following day, it was unloaded at CWH where it was immediately assembled. It will be temporarily displayed in its unrestored state. Restoration will not begin until a few other projects are completed. New wings are being sought as the spar has been cut.

[spookythecat]

Super cool!

Just need three more and you've got a team.

[The Inspector]

If it's only going to be on static display, ain't no big thing to fab up some aluminum doublers and scab the spars back together, basic sheetmetal and good training for someone new to tinwork as a project, some holes, a few huck bolts or JoBolts and viola! good enough for gummint work.
And, hey, the Israelis used forktailed Doctor killers as bombers and straffers

[hbtcoveralls]

Fantastic, brings back good memories. The first plane I flew was a Mouseketeer.
Tom Bowers

[JohnB]

I'll be damned, I never would have thought a Beech Sundowner could be a warbird. Very Cool.
Chappie

Back in the day (early 70s) Beech even mentioned CAF use in their ads for the type.
Check out an old Flying magazine...