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08.21.08 | Slemon Park Aircraft Restoration Project Launched
Members of the P.E.I. chapter of the Aircraft Heritage Society began a fundraising campaign Friday (Aug. 15) to refurbish the Argus plane that sits in the park.
Committee chair Lowell Heustis said the focus would be on restoring the Argus for now, but the group is hoping to make upgrades to the Tracker and Voodoo that are also on display.
"We're going to paint the lightning strip," he said. "The paint's really deteriorating, so by next year we hope to have the funds to paint the rest of the plane."
Senator Archie Johnstone was on hand Friday as Heustis and other committee members Tom Capstick, Wayne Griffith did some preliminary sanding on the old paint on Friday.
The group said they'd be looking for volunteers from the Air Force Association, the Legion, or anyone else who wants to help repaint the planes.
The Argus has been on display at the park since 1981. The plane is 135 feet long with a wingspan of 142 feet.
Griffith, a retired squadron leader who used to fly the Argus, said the plane was primarily used for search and rescue missions and maritime patrols that sought out Russian submarines.
Only four remain on display in Canada at the National Air Force Museum, CFB Greenwood and in Comox, B.C.
Capstick said retired soldiers and members of the public alike have seen the need for improvements when they visit Slemon Park.
"It's funny because someone came in (Thursday) and complained about how the planes looked and volunteered to help restore them," he laughed.
Those interested in volunteering can call staff at the Slemon Park airport at 432-1760.
Photo captions:
1: Wayne Griffith, a member of the P.E.I. chapter of the Aircraft Heritage Society, sands down the paint on the Argus aircraft on display at Slemon Park in Summerside on Friday (Aug. 15.) A group from the society is looking for volunteers and funds to help restore the plane by next year. Stephen Brun/Journal Pioneer
2: Tom Capstick, left and Wayne Griffith, members of the P.E.I. chapter of the Aircraft Heritage Society, sand down the paint on the Argus aircraft on display at Slemon Park in Summerside on Friday (Aug. 15.) A group from the society is looking for volunteers and funds to help restore the plane by next year. Stephen Brun/Journal Pioneer
For more information regarding this article, please contact:
Larry Gaudet, Drector of Marketing, 902-432-1716, lgaudet@slemonpark.com
SLEMON PARK CORPORATION | spc@slemonpark.com | 902.432.1700
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