Restoration Project - The B25 Mitchell
Restoring a Legend:
The B-25 Mitchell's Journey Back to Glory
The Remarkable Revival of RCAF 5273
The 418 Squadron Association, in collaboration with the Alberta Aviation Museum, undertook a historic project, resurrecting a B-25 Mitchell bomber, known as RCAF 5273 with serial number 44-30791. This storied aircraft, which had been owned by Northwestern Air Lease, spent years in a farmer's field before its acquisition for restoration.
Transformation from B-25J to B-25D
The ambitious project involved converting the airframe from a B-25J to a B-25D specification. Adorned with the tail number HO 251, the aircraft was restored to represent its ties with the 418 Squadron. The left side of the fuselage was graced with the 'Armed Knight's Head' crest, while the right side displayed the 'Daisy Mae' emblem.
The Historic Incident of Daisy Mae
HO 251 was not just an aircraft; it was a bearer of history. In 1957, F/O's 'Terry' Champion and M. Chykaliuk experienced a dramatic incident upon landing at the Edmonton Municipal Airport. A failure in the braking system led to the B-25 crashing through a hangar wall, marking an end to its service without any loss of life.
Meticulous Restoration
The restoration process brought the B-25 Mitchell back to life, fitting it with two Wright R-2600 engines and metal three-bladed propellers. Its armament of 8.50mm machine guns was also restored. The team meticulously worked on both the interior and exterior to honor its service period from 1946 to 1957.
A Tribute to Its Era
The aircraft's livery was restored to its original state, with most of the body in silver, a black-painted nose, and black and red wings. The nose art featured 'Lil Abner' character Daisy-Mae holding a bomb, and the other side depicted the Grey Cup with "City of Edmonton 418 Squadron" in bold yellow and black. The gunner's position was marked by a metal and plexiglass canopy. The markings "HO 251" and the RCAF symbol adorned the sides and underside of the wings, while "FW251" was emblazoned on the tail.
Collaborative Effort in Sourcing Parts
The restoration was a collaborative effort, with the aircraft engines, components, and accessories sourced from Brian Harrold, and the fuselage and remaining components from Terence Harrold. The parts included starters, generators, carburetors, fuel and hydraulic pumps, engine cylinders, flight controls, airframe components, and other essential pieces.
A Decade of Dedication
Spanning from 2002 to 2011, this ten-year project was a labor of love, dedication, and respect for aviation history. The B-25 Mitchell now proudly resides at the Alberta Aviation Museum, not merely as a restored aircraft but as a living testament to the era it represents and the people who worked tirelessly to bring it back to life.
This restoration project was more than the revival of an aircraft; it was a homage to the resilience and spirit of those who flew it and a preservation of a significant chapter in aviation history. The B-25 Mitchell at the Alberta Aviation Museum stands as a symbol of this enduring legacy.