The latest acquisition by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, a Cessna L-19 Bird Dog, arrived today in Hamilton.
The aircraft arrived in several pieces from Sault Ste. Marie by truck. It had been in storage for several years after it was damaged in a landing incident. According to the Museum's Chief Engineer, Jim Van Dyk, "the Bird Dog should be a relatively quick and simple restoration to complete compared to others we have done. However, it won't be started until the Avenger is complete. The aircraft is relatively complete and we've been gathering parts including a second engine."
The Cessna L-19 Bird Dog entered service with the Canadian Army in 1954 for use as artillery spotters and general liaison aircraft. They were fine observation platforms for checking accuracy of the Army's gun and self-propelled howitzers. In 1973, the L-19 Bird Dog was retired and replaced with the Bell Kiowa helicopter. Following their Army service, many of these aircraft became tow planes for the Royal Canadian Air Cadet League's glider training program.
Although a paint scheme has not been chosen, this is what it could look like eventually:
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Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
http://www.warplane.com
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