1/72 Scale – Thunderbird Models – Douglas DC-3 Dakota – Trans-Canada Airlines
Trans Canada Air Lines (Air Canada as of 1st January, 1965) acquired the first of thirty DC-3s in 1945 for use on domestic routes. Many of the DC-3s were ex-military C-47s repaired and overhauled by Canadair of Montreal. The DC-3 remained in service with TCA until 1963 and during that time not a single aircraft was lost to an accident.
CF-TDJ #357 delivered to TCA on 22nd December, 1945. Built in 1942 and retained in the US, later purchased as war surplus. Served only 3 years with TCA before being sold to Goodyear (Canada). After more than 30 years of service, this aircraft is now part of the National Aviation Museum in Rockliffe Ontario.
CF-TEB #376 wore RCAF serial KG479 and was delivered to 32 OTU at Pat Bay B.C. and placed in storage. Converted to a DC-3P and delivered to TCA on 14th September, 1946, it remained in service until sold to the Department of Transport on 11th January, 1961. Re-registered as CF-DTH (later C-FTDH in 1976).
CF-TED #377 saw action with 437 Squadron RCAF (serial KG452) and took part in operation “Market Garden”, the air assault on Arnhem. After the war this aircraft was one of the 225 purchased from the RAF by Canadair Ltd. Re-built to airline standard and delivered to TCA on 24th December, 1946. It remained with the airline until 1958.
