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The
restoration of the Moth took place in St. Albert, Alberta. It took
seven years at a cost of $100 000, but in 1985 the project was finally
completed. Although it did not progress beyond a ground run, the
aircraft was rebuilt to flying condition and was given the registration
CF-BNI, which belonged to one of the Moths that had flown in the
North.
Once reconstructed, no space could be found
in the North to accommodate the Fox Moth and it was decided to send
the aircraft to the Western Canada Aviation Museum in Winnipeg on
temporary loan. It remained there from 1985 to 1987. Early in 1987
a group of aviation enthusiasts in Yellowknife, many of whom were
connected with the Fox Moth project since its inception, banded
together to form the Fox Moth Society. The aim of the society was
to ensure that space was added to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage
Centre to accommodate the Fox Moth. Many individuals and companies
came forward, donating financial, human and material resources.
When the new gallery was complete, the Fox
Moth was transported from Winnipeg on board a Canadian Armed Forces
Hercules. The Moth was finally
home! The Heritage Centre's Aviation Gallery was officially
opened on 17 October 1987 in the presence of such notables as Max
Ward and Stan McMillan, a fitting tribute to the early bush pilots
and their crews.
Written by Wally Wolfe and published in
"Arctic" Volume 42, Number 1 pp.82-84
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