Michael Potter Collection Gatineau Museum

Andrew Semon · **Posted:** Fri May 26, 2006 11:08 am

A local avaition buff just told me that Michael Potter is going to have open house at his new Gatineau hangar starting this June...apparently the first Sat of every month this summer..

Has anyone else hear this story or was my buddy just pulling me leg again..

vernicator · **Joined:** Fri Apr 14, 2006 11:42 am **Posts:** 350

Andrew Semon wrote:

Has anyone else heard this story or was my buddy just pulling me leg again..

It's true. There is an article about him and his collection here:

http://www.canada.com/ottawa/news/city/story.html?id=3946e223-14b2-4122-ae4a-76b031025126&k=40691

mrhenniger · **Posted:** Fri May 26, 2006 11:57 am

From what I understand the hanger will not be open to the public. The last time I spoke to them on the subject they expected at the very least to welcome people up to the fence immediately beside the hanger to watch the operations. There was some question about allowing viewing space on the ramp inside the fence (liability concerns, etc.).

I attended the grand opening of the hanger yesterday, and was there for the Hurricane's arrival last week. Pictures to follow soon. The problem with the digital camera I find is that you can take too many pictures! Sorting through them is a task.

BTW... Did anyone notice the reference to the Swordfish?... Usually they keep a very tight lid on these sorts of things until the deal is signed but they let it slip a number of times over the past few days that they are in negotiations with the Spence family to acquire they Swordfish. I know Canucks along with myself are breathing a sigh of relief that it will be staying in Canada.

Mike

TimAPNY · **Posted:** Fri May 26, 2006 12:22 pm

mrhenniger wrote:

From what I understand the hanger will not be open to the public. The last time I spoke to them on the subject they expected at the very least to welcome people up to the fence immediately beside the hanger to watch the operations. There was some question about allowing viewing space on the ramp inside the fence (liability concerns, etc.).

I attended the grand opening of the hanger yesterday, and was there for the Hurricane's arrival last week. Pictures to follow soon. The problem with the digital camera I find is that you can take too many pictures! Sorting through them is a task.

BTW... Did anyone notice the reference to the Swordfish?... Usually they keep a very night lid on these sorts of things until the deal is signed but they let it slip a number of times over the past few days that they are in negotiations with the Spence family to acquire they Swordfish. I know Canucks along with myself are breathing a sigh of relief that it will be staying in Canada.

Mike

Mike
That is great news about the Swordfish, I hope it comes about. I also hope that his collection continues to make showings at Geneseo. I'd love to see his new toys. :lol:

Just wait for an airshow and the amount of pictures you will take. I now have 3 gigs of memory and a laptop to download (besides Scotts) too, its going to get really ugly.

Tim

Michel Lemieux · **Posted:** Fri May 26, 2006 1:12 pm

Glad to hear for the Swordfish Mike.

Hummmm, I wonder why the Spence's are selling it however.

I was always told that this was the family pride & joy.

Have a good weekend all.

AirJimL2 · **Posted:** Fri May 26, 2006 1:22 pm

mrhenniger wrote:

BTW... Did anyone notice the reference to the Swordfish?... Usually they keep a very tight lid on these sorts of things until the deal is signed but they let it slip a number of times over the past few days that they are in negotiations with the Spence family to acquire they Swordfish.

Two things caught my eye:

Eight Aircraft in the collection:

1. Spit
2. Harvard
3. Tiger Moth
4. Beaver
5. Waco
6. Staggerwing
7. Hurri
8. Mustang

Two yet to arrive:

1. Swordfish
2. ?

So what is the ? Corsair, Kittyhawk, Cornell, Chipmunk, Lysander, something else?

Jim

mrhenniger · **Posted:** Fri May 26, 2006 1:55 pm

AirJimL2 wrote:

So what is the ? Corsair, Kittyhawk, Cornell, Chipmunk, Lysander, something else?

I was very happy with the article I wrote for WD which appeared in the last issue (#8 ). For an overview of what Mr. Potter is trying to do read that article. As for the airframe types he would like to round out the fighters (this is me paraprhasing), and then get into the trainers. No particular timeframe. Before anyone asks... no I don't know what they have planned next, and even if I did I would not be able to say until the deal is signed off and I have been given the green light. Sorry folks, but I don't want to be responsible for a deal going bad. I would like to be invited back.

Mike

Andrew Semon · **Posted:** Fri May 26, 2006 2:44 pm

Thanks for the poop Mike..I knew you would have the goods on the situation..

I might drop by the fence myself to view his growing collection and hope to see much of his toys at the Carp Airshow again

I look forward to reading your article also..congrats..

Jeff Hunt · **Posted:** Sat May 27, 2006 7:37 am

Lots of exciting news coming from Mr. Potter's ever growing collection. I was speaking to an individual the other day and he is very knowledgeable in the Ontario warbird restoration world and he mentioned to me the Mr. Potter has recently gotten his hands on a second Hurricane. I have never known this source to be wrong before about this type of information and normally would not post this but this guy, in the past, has been 100%.

Has anyone else heard this and if so do they know the identity of this Hurricane?

Ollie · **Posted:** Sat May 27, 2006 7:38 am

Ed Russell's Hurricane was seen at his hangar, I guess it was there for maintenance.

Dennis Bergstrom · **Posted:** Sat May 27, 2006 9:23 am

Jeff Hunt wrote:

Lots of exciting news coming from Mr. Potter's ever growing collection. I was speaking to an individual the other day and he is very knowledgeable in the Ontario warbird restoration world and he mentioned to me the Mr. Potter has recently gotten his hands on a second Hurricane. I have never known this source to be wrong before about this type of information and normally would not post this but this guy, in the past, has been 100%.

Has anyone else heard this and if so do they know the identity of this Hurricane?

Here's your answer: Harry Whereatt's flyable Mk XII 5447 C-GGAJ. Photo taken Sept 15, 2005.

Dennis

mrhenniger · **Posted:** Mon May 29, 2006 7:12 am

I received a statement from Vintage Wings this morning...

Quote:

Vintage Wings is in the process of acquiring Mr. Harry Whereatt's Mark
XII Hurricane that is presently located in his barn in Saskatchewan. We
expect to 'recover' this aircraft to the Vintage Wings facilities in
Gatineau sometime in early July. Though this Hurricane recently flew
(within the last ten years), we intend a complete restoration to make it
authentic...inclusive of not only an engine and prop overhaul, but a
complete stripping of the fabric...replacing any pieces of the structure
not considered original or in airworthy condition. We expect this
restoration project will take two years, but are planning on three
(coincident with the 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight in Canada).

It is Vintage Wings hopes to have two airworthy Hurricanes in formation
off of a Spitfire flying in Canadian skies - something that has likely
not occurred for at least 60 years. This initiative is very much the
idea of Mr. Michael Potter. Mr. Potter is committed to affording all
Canadians an opportunity to rekindle interest in our aviation heritage.
The 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight in Canada will happen in 2009
and it is Vintage Wings desire to ensure this event is properly
recognized.

This is exciting stuff. My hat is off to Mr. Potter and the crew.

Mike

TimAPNY · **Posted:** Mon May 29, 2006 10:19 am

That is great. I can't wait to see that.

Tim

Ontario-Warbird · **Joined:** Tue Jun 14, 2005 8:56 pm **Posts:** 407

Great stuff Mike.

Hats off to Mr. Potter and crew for their incredible devotion to collecting, maintaining and preserving these pieces of history. I personally think that the repainting of these aircraft in Canadian schemes is a great tribute to Canadian Veterans.

Mike Will this new Hurricane be painted in Canadian Colors? From what I have heard KZ321 will be left as is ( Canadians served in the squadron that it represents ) ?

Thanks for the updates Mike I wish I lived closer to be more involved with their organization

Cheers Dave C

Mike Berry · **Posted:** Mon May 29, 2006 12:45 pm

Mr. Potter's plans sound awesome!

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