Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

Contributed by NetLetter team member Bob Sheppard. Here is the first in a series chronicling his family visit to the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada in Winnipeg this past summer. 

A minor bucket list experience was fulfilled this past summer, partly due to a suggestion by our oldest grandson. Looking for a unique activity for our yearly holiday time with our two grandsons, aged 14 and 11, he suggested we spend a week in Winnipeg. After picking them up in Calgary, it was another two days of driving to arrive in the "Peg".

I had seen some Viscounts parked at the Winnipeg airport and many coworkers had worked on the aircraft. I knew that the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada had Fin #637 CF-THS on display and I was keen to have a look.

Bob shares his photos and comments on touring the Vickers Viscount on display beginning in NetLetter #1522.

Look for more in upcoming issues. 

Lavatory sink with "As a courtesy to the next passenger may we suggest you use your towel to wipe off the wash basin" placard.

Is that a combination soap/towel dispenser?

A long look down the cabin, with 4 abreast seating. Open luggage rack and curtains on the windows.

I resisted the urge to check out the seats as I was told that they were going to restrict cabin access due to too much damage taking place. I think that they done that now.

Front row seat showing the large cabin window with a curtain. I only worked briefly on an old DC-8 that had curtains.

I like the stylized maple leaf on the wall. I wonder if they had plug in food trays for the armrests.

View from the last row looking forward. I recognize the tray latches as similar to other seat types that I worked on. The white toggle would loosen and fall off, sometimes you were fortunate to find it nearby.

Over time, there was a limited availability of replacement parts. The placard on the last row food tray indicated that in an emergency you pull the red handle above the window to facilitate your escape. I see 4 positions in total with signs mounted on the ceiling panels.

Aft Galley Containers.

Aft Galley work area.