More than 50 years after its demise, the CF-105 Arrow still evokes mixed emotions. Not only the Arrow, but all of Avro Canada’s postwar projects were significant undertakings for this country’s aircraft industry. Avro Canada and Orenda Engines were really “the” places to work during the period of 1945 to 1959. Unfortunately, a few of these projects would never be fulfilled.
 
Marc-André Valiquette, an Avro passionate, has decided to share his passion of the Arrow. He has written the first book of a three volume series about the Avro Canada company. The series is bilingual (a first) and tells the story of the Malton plant, from its birth in 1938 to its demolition in 2003 (also a first). The series is entitled: "Destruction of a Dream, the Tragedy of Avro Canada and the CF-105 Arrow".
 
In details, the series consists of three 96-pages volumes:
 
The first volume, A. V. Roe Canada’s “Per Ardua Ad Astra” is presently available. It recounts the rise of the company, from its birth as National Steel Car up to the manufacturing of the CF-105 Arrow. Second World War achievements, post-war adaptation, the C-102 Jetliner, the CF-100 Canuck and the start of the CF-105 Arrow project are some of the subjects covered.
 
The second volume is dedicated to the Arrow itself, from its rollout up to the RCAF Boeing Bomarc acquisition. Launch February 2010 in Toronto.
 
The third and final volume of the series deals with the last few weeks of the Arrow project, its cancellation, post-cancellation projects, “Avroites” reunions and work at the Malton plant up to its demolition in 2003. Launch October 2010 in Montreal.
 
The goal of this series is to bring to the reader new information, documents and pictures about the Avro and Arrow story. Marc-André has a large collection of documents and pictures , and fortunately has been able to meet over the last 30 years with many interesting people who have worked on this project.

Each volume is in profusely illustrated with B&W and colour images and fully bilingual.
96 pages, soft cover, 9 x 12 inch landscape format. 

Go HERE to see these books
  

1. Uploaded the following new sets:
     
   # 465   DH Mosquito B.35 - "F for Freddie" - Calgary 1945
   # 466   DHC-4 CC-108 Caribou - RCAF-CAF 1960-71
   # 467   DHC-4 Caribou - RCAF-UN 1960-65
   # 468   DHC-4 Caribou - United Nations 1965-71
     
2. Next releases should be: a set for Trans Canada Airlines Lockheed L-10A Electra; three sets for the Cessna L-182 Skylane; two or three sets for the Lockheed Hudson in the RCAF.
     
     

1. The CanMilAir Decals 2010 Calendar is now available for free download HERE for those wanting to print their own. Alternately, a commercially printed and coil bound version is available for purchase.
   
     

1. Uploaded the following new sets:
     
   # 459   DHC Dash 8 CC-142 - Wraparound Camo - 1987 to 1993
   # 460   DHC Dash 8 CC-142 - Overall Grey - 1993 to 2000
   # 461   DHC Dash 8 CT-142 - Converse Greys - 1989 to 1993
   # 462   DHC Dash 8 CT-142 - Overall Grey 1993 to 2003
   # 463   DHC Dash 8 CT-142 - Overall Blue 2003 +
   # 464   Douglas B-18A Digby Mk. I - Eastern Air Command 1940-41
     
     

1. Several new additions to the Squadron Histories page, thanks to Darryl Pajot.  This page now contains almost 60 illustrations with descriptions of published works. There are still over a dozen entries that lack only a cover photo. To be sure, there are still a great many more that can be added. 
   To view the collection, please click HERE
     
     

1. Added two further sets of nose art to the Chinook set # 415 for the CH-147D models currently in Afghanistan. Now included is nose art for 147206 ("Jack'D up") and 147203 (red winged female demons).
    
     

1. Uploaded the following new sets:
     
   # 451   Canadair CF-104 Starfighter - 441 Sqn pedestal mounted at CFB Cold Lake
   # 452   Canadair CF-104 Starfighter - Tactical Air Meet 1978
   # 453   Canadair CF-104 Starfighter - 441 Sqn Checker 30th Anniv of CFB Baden-Soellingen
   # 454   Grumman GE-23 Goblin - 118(F) Sqn 1941-42
   # 455   Piaggio 180 Avanti - AVMAX Leasing
   # 456   Boeing-Vertrol CH-113 Labrador 10401 1964 (Lab with non-white fuselage flash)
   # 457   Canadair F-86 Sabre Mk 4 - 444 Sqn 1953
   # 458   Avro Vulcan B.2 - Goose Bay, Labrador
      
      
2. Work is nearing completion on five sets for the DHC Dash 8 in Canadian military service. Included will be two sets for the CC-142 in Camo with black markings and OA Grey with darker grey markings. Three sets will be for the CT-142 "Gonzo" - two-tone grey with converse markings, overall grey with black markings and overall blue with white and yellow markings.
     
     

1. Well here it is October and August and September were just a blur! I hope everyone had a great summer!
   
   Okay, to bring everyone up to speed with the goings on here at CanMilAir, let me start by thanking everyone for their patience these past six weeks. Even though I had asked for a bit of a lull, I still received about 30 orders in the last 6 weeks! I was able to nibble away at the oldest orders and a few of the smaller ones, but now that everything is more-or-less back to normal, I am still about 5 weeks behind with processing orders. I will continue to plug away and hopefully I won't get any further behind!
   
   I have received most of my consumables order, but what I didn't get won't have an negative impact for a month or so. By then I should have received the balance of my order and will be back to having fully stocked shelves.
   
   I was not idle during the past month or so as I have several new sets ready to upload. Watch here for a list of the new sets in a few days.
     
    

1. In the last month or so I have received more than a few orders containing significantly more than the usual number of decal sets. This has had the effect of putting me somewhat behind schedule. Currently, I am working through orders submitted in the first week of August, so I am running about 3 weeks behind. This is not usually a problem as I can get caught up fairly quickly provided I get a lull in the incoming orders. When the backlog reaches 8 weeks I book a few days of vacation time from work to devote more of my time to printing decals.
   
   Unfortunately three things are conspiring to put me even further behind schedule. 
   
   One, I am running low on decal paper and ink. I will be ordering more supplies in the next day or two, but I fear I will exhaust my current stock before the new supplies are received.  Those larger-than-normal orders can quickly affect the stock levels of my consumables!
   
   Second, the next four weekends are 100% booked with personal and family commitments. Since the weekends are when I am able to get most of my printing done, I will fall even further behind. 
   
   Third . . . I'm tired. I desperately need to take a break from the constant demands of having two full-time jobs, so I am taking a few days off.  Since January 1, 2009 I have custom printed 621 decal sets from 220 orders received. That averages out to receiving about one order of three decal sets a day, every day, for 8 months. 
   
   I ask for everyone's patience during the next 60 days as I work through the inevitable backlog these events will create. 
   
   Thank you.
     

1. Added the following new sets to the catalogue:
   
   # 447   Cessna L-19 Bird Dog Cdn Army 1956 - Natural Metal or Wraparound Camo
   # 448   Cessna L-19 Bird Dog Cdn Army 1962 - Natural Metal or Wraparound Camo
   # 449   Cessna L-19 Bird Dog Cdn Army 1967 - Overall Dark Green with White lettering
   # 450   Cessna L-19 Bird Dog CAF 1970 - Overall Dark Green with Black lettering
   
   

1. Added the following new sets to the catalogue:

   # 438   Dassault Falcon 20 - National Research Council of Canada
   # 439   Grumman Wildcat/Martlet V - 852 Sqn HMS Nabob 1944
   # 440   Grumman Wildcat/Martlet VI - 881 Sqn HMS Puncher 1945
   # 441   NA Harvard II 1941- John Gillespie Magee Jr., VWoC
   # 442   Curtis P-40N Kittyhawk - 260 Sqn WC "Stocky" Edwards, VWoC
   # 443   Consolidated Canso - Province of Nfld  water bomber
   # 444   Consolidated Canso - Prov of Nfld "Forest Service" water bomber
   # 445   Consolidated Canso - Buffalo Air NWT water bomber
   # 446   Consolidated Canso - Nfld + NWT water bomber (Optional White Striping Only)
     

2.  Added more content to the "Salute to Canada" page.
     
3. Made several cosmetic and organizational changes to the CanMilAir "home" page
     
4. Work is progressing rapidly on several sets for the Canadian Army Cessna L-19 "Bird Dog" and L-182 Skylane.
    

1. Things were very busy around here once I got back to it, but all is in good shape now. 
     
2. I finally had the chance to update portions of the website this weekend. Photo Gallery #13 has been filled with seven new photos as well as half of # 14. The 1:1 scale Photos page has a new entry that is not my usual type of work and I have recently shipped a few new projects, so stay tuned for the pictures!
    
3. New sets coming soon include the Vintage Wings of Canada Kittyhawk and newly painted Harvard. Also look for a new Silver Star set for the National Research Council of Canada's T-33. I have re-worked the B-17 Flying Fortress set # 059 and it will now include markings for the later natural metal birds. But the big surprise will be the Newfoundland Forest Service Canso's in "peas and carrots" scheme of Orange, Green and White striping.
    
     

1. It is home improvement time again. 
     
   Effective immediately, I will be working on other high priority tasks around the house for the next couple of weeks, consequently, I will be unable to answer emails or print orders until the home projects are completed. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and I will be returning to my desk and getting CanMilAir back to normal on June 7th.  
      

1. A significant milestone has just occurred at CanMilAir Decals - our 1000th order! With our 4th anniversary just a couple of weeks away (June 21st), this means we have processed an average of one order every 1.5 days continuously for four years!
     
   William Lawlor of Penticton, British Columbia, placed the 1000th order on May 12th, and in appreciation, he received his decals absolutely FREE! 
   
   My heartfelt thanks go out to all of my 627 customers in 26 countries who have made CanMilAir Decals a success! 
     

1. Finally got a chance to update a few misc pages - Gallery # 12 is now full so I have created Gallery # 13 and added three models to it. I have added two squadron books to the Squadron Histories page. Finally, I have added a couple of pics of the 1:144 scale FE Resin CF-105 Avro Arrow to the 144(R)CAF page.
    
    

1. My PC came back yesterday and is once again purring like a kitten so normal operations have resumed. Thanks to all for their patience.
    
      

1. Over the past few days, there have been intermittent connection problems with the shopping portion of my website. While working to try and track down the elusive problem, I have caused my computer to crash. So my PC is off to be repaired and I am sure that when I get it back, there will be a ton of work getting everything back in order again. I apologize for the inconvenience, and I ask for you to be patient until I get everything straightened out again.
     
     

1. Happy Easter!
    
2. Four new sets uploaded this weekend:
    
   # 434   Dassault Falcon 20 - CC-117 1972 with 412 Sqn in CAF Era markings
   # 435   Dassault Falcon 20 - CC-117 1982 with 412 Sqn in SYM Era markings
   # 436   Dassault Falcon 20 - CC-117 1984 with 414 (EW) Sqn
   # 437   Bristol Bolingbroke Mk. IVT - Target Tug 1943
   
   

1. Nothing much to report lately, it has been business as usual and things have been moving along fairly steadily. I was able to clear a large backlog of orders and am now working pretty much on current orders.
    
2. A couple of new sets were added since the last update and I will be adding several more in the next day or two. These are:
    
   # 426   Canadair CF-104 Starfighter - 421 Sqn 1983 
   # 427   NA Harvard Mk.4 - 1956 
   # 428   Canadair Tutor - Golden Centennaires 
   # 429   Douglas Boston III - 418 Sqn Intruders 1942-43 
   # 430   Armstrong Whitworth Siskin III A - 1926 
   # 431   Armstrong Whitworth Siskin III A - "Alcock + Brown "
   # 432   Armstrong Whitworth Siskin III A - 1931 
   # 433   Armstrong Whitworth Siskin III DC - 1931 
    
   

1. The following new sets have been uploaded today:
     
   # 422  Canadair CT-133 - NRC
   # 423  Spitfire Mk. IX - 442 Sqn 1944 "Y2K"
   # 424  Boeing 727-200 - Cargojet
   # 425  DH Vampire FB.5 - 421 Sqn 1951
   
     

1. The following new sets have been uploaded today:
    
   # 411  Canadair Dash 7 - CC-132 1979-87  
   # 412  Boeing B-29 Superfortress - "Enola Gay" 1945  
   # 413  Vought F4U Corsair II - Don Sheppard - Jan 1945  
   # 414  Vought F4U Corsair II - Don Sheppard - May 1945  
   # 415  Boeing CH-147D Chinook - 2009  
   # 416  Avro CF-100 Canuck - 414 Sqn - 1976  
   # 417  Canadair CT-133 Silver Star - 417 Sqn Special  
   # 418  Consolidated Canso - 162(BR) Sqn - 1944   
   # 419  Consolidated Catalina - 413 Sqn 1941 
   # 420  Consolidated Catalina - 209 Sqn 1941/42 Bismarck 
   # 421  Fairchild PT-26A Cornell - 1943-45 
    
    

1. I have added the following sets to the catalogue:
    
   # 404  Canadair North Star - National Aeronautical Establishment
   # 405  MBB BK-117 (aka CH-143) - AETE
   # 406  Douglas Dakota DC-3 - Trans Canada Air Lines
   # 407  Fairey Swordfish - Vintage Wings & Canada Aviation Museum
   # 408  DH-82C Tiger Moth - Vintage Wings & Canadian Museum of Flight
   # 409  HMCS Bonaventure Deck Markings - 1:400 scale
   # 410  HMCS Bonaventure Air Wing 1965 - 1:400 scale

   
    

1. Nothing much to report around here that would be considered "news". Predictably, incoming orders have slowed down after the flurry caused by the release of Pat Martin's latest book. This will enable me to produce and ship the current orders. 
    
   
2. From everyone here at CanMilAir, I would like to wish one-and-all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
   
    

1. Patrick Martin's newest book is now available for purchase! 
    
   Royal Canadian Air Force Aircraft Finish and Markings 1947 - 1968  Volume 2
   
   This is a companion to the original RCAF work published in 2003 and illustrates RCAF aircraft finish and markings features used between 1947 and 1968. 
   
   All aspects of fleet-wide features are detailed. Each of the 46 aircraft types are detailed with a history, drawings and photos of all known schemes. 
   
   Text runs 198 pages, with over 830 photos. A further 75 colour photos are used in the colour section. 
   
   Published 2008. 
   Coil Bound - 8˝" x 11"
    
2. This book can be purchased HERE

1. The good news: The "decals" section is now back on line. I would like to thank everyone for being patient with me while I was away enjoying some surf, sun and golf in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
     
2. The not-so-good news: Due to record sales levels in 2008, I was forced to register CanMilAir with the Canada Revenue Agency and apply for a GST account. Consequently, all Canadian orders will be charged 5% GST.
     
3. I was not completely idle during the 2 week down-time, as I have added the following new sets:
   
   # 396 BOAC VC-10 or Super VC-10 1963 - Part 1
   # 397 BOAC VC-10 or Super VC-10 1963 - Part 2
   # 398 BOAC VC-10 or Super VC-10 1963 - Part 3
   # 399 BOAC VC-10 or Super VC-10 1963 - Part 4
   # 400 BOAC VC-10 or Super VC-10 1963 - Part 5
   # 401 Canadair F-86 Sabre Mk5/6 - Hawk One 2009
   # 402 BAe Hawk T1 - RAF Red Arrows - 2008
   # 403 Canadian Vickers (Northrop) Delta - 1936-39
     
4. I have also added another photo to the Customers Gallery # 10.
   
    

1. I have temporarily removed the "decals" area of the catalogue. This portion will be off-line for a period of approximately 3 weeks to allow me to go on a small vacation and not have to worry about orders coming in during my absence. Watch for this section to be back on-line around November 15.
    

1. FREE DOWNLOADS !  I have made the annual CanMilAir 12 month calendar available as a free PDF download. 
   Go HERE to download your copy! 
    
2. Next up for a free download will be the CanMilAir catalogue. With the current 34 page size, printing it was just too expensive. 
   Go HERE to download your copy! 
    

1. A rare event here at CanMilAir is that ALL orders received have been printed and will be mailed out tomorrow. This is for all 30 orders received from Sept 7 to Oct 11 inclusive. 
   I am finally completely "caught up" !  
    
2. Customer Gallery # 10 is now about half full with a couple more photos to be added and I have placed two new "before" photos to the 1:1 scale photo gallery for full size aircraft. Check back in the summer 2009 to see the "after" photos!
    
3. I will be adding the multi-part decal set for the BOAC VC-10 as delivered in 1963 in the next day or two as well as the 2009 F-86 "Hawk One" from VWoC. 
    
4. I have turned OFF 18 sets that contain "Orange" RESCUE titles and SAR bands. I am having a lot of trouble with the Orange cartridges and until I can get this problem sorted out, I would prefer not to have a ton of them awaiting to be printed. 
    
5. Now that I'm caught up, maybe I can spend some time working on some of those sets that I have under development!
      

1. New sets uploaded:
   
   # 389 Canadair T-33 Silver Star - RCN VT40 1956
   # 390 Canadair T-33 Silver Star - RCN VU32 1961
   # 391 Canadair T-33 Silver Star - RCN "Red Herring" 1966
   # 392 HMCS Bonaventure Markings - Primary Set
   # 393 HMCS Bonaventure Deck Markings - Accessory Set #1
   # 394 HMCS Bonaventure Deck markings - Accessory Set #2
   # 395 HMCS Bonaventure Deck Markings - Accessory Set #3
   
2. Gallery # 9 has been filled and # 10 has been created and I will add a few photos to it in the next few days.
     
3. Upcoming sets will include a multi-part set for a BOAC VC-10 and the F-86 Sabre "Hawk One" celebrating the centennial of powered flight in Canada in 2009.
     

1. One new set uploaded:
   
   # 388  Canadair CT-133 Silver Star - Golden Centennaires 1967
    
2. Two more finished models added to Gallery # 9 - both from modellers in Victoria BC.
    

1. Four new sets uploaded today:
    
   # 384  Boeing PT-27 Stearman - Canadian Warplane Heritage
   # 385  Canadair CT-133 Silver Star - "Black Knight" 1993
   # 386  Dassault Falcon 20 - CC-117 1967 - As delivered
   # 387  Canadair CT-133 Silver Star - AETE 30th Anniversary
     
   As well, set # 010  Canadair T-33 Silver Star - 1960 in RCAF+3 markings has been updated with additional details and the Gimli diamond.
     
2. In the last couple of weeks, I have been able to reduce the turn-around time for processing decal printing orders from 5 weeks to less than two weeks.  I will be having some vacation time in August, so hopefully I will be able to get it back down to about 1 week. Please remember that the processing time is totally dependant on the volume of orders as I have only so much time to spend at it.
     
3. A rather unique event happened at Oshkosh last week when two Canadian Forces CT-133 Silver Stars made an appearance.  SEE PHOTO  What made it so different was they were both in FIP era Canadian Forces markings and there are no longer any Silver Stars in service with the Canadian Air Force! Both of these privately owned aircraft have had their CF markings supplied by CanMilAir Decals. One in 2-mil black self adhesive vinyl and the other was spray painted using self adhesive vinyl spray masks. See  HERE  for more details on these and other full size aircraft CanMilAir has supplied markings for.
       

1. I've uploaded 4 new customers model photos to the Gallery # 8 page so this page is now full. Hard to believe these gallery pages now contain 80 photos of finished models!
     
2. Four new sets have been uploaded:
     
   # 380  Canadair CT-133 Silver Star 414 Sqn - Overall NM in SYM or FIP era markings
   # 381  Canadair CT-133 Silver Star 1FTS Gimli - Overall NM in CAF era markings
   # 382  Consolidated Canso Early SAR - AB+3 era with full wrap-around SAR band
   # 383  Consolidated Canso Late SAR - RCAF+3 era with interrupted SAR band
      

1. I finally got around to uploading some new sets.
   
   # 375  Avro Lancaster Mk. X from 428 "Ghost" Sqn (16 Mar 1945)
   # 376  RCN Tribal Class Destroyers (1944-45)
   # 377  Gloster Meteor F Mk.3/4 (1945-48)
   # 378  Gloster Meteor T Mk7 (421 Sqn 1951)
   # 379  Bede BD-5B/J - CT-175 - 431 Sqn Snowbirds (circa 2015)*
   
   * The Bede is a "tongue-in-cheek" look at a potential Tutor replacement on a DND fiscal shoestring. A six plane formation of the world's smallest jet aircraft. They'd probably all fit into the back of one Hercules for transport from city to city! 
   You'll find it in the "Other" category.

1. Nothing much to report on lately. I have been busy filling orders and getting them mailed out to the customers with as little delay as possible. I seem to be working on a 2 week turn-around that slowly creeps up to about 3 weeks, then I take a couple days vacation from my day job and get myself caught up. This cycle seems to be repeating about every 4 to 6 weeks.
    
2. One of my Alps printers died last week leaving me with one machine that is showing its age and one brand new machine.
     

1. All background changes have been made, and the decals category is ready to go back on-line. Not all of the changes will be welcome ones, but I will explain the reasoning fully when the category goes back on-line. 
   Because of the coming long weekend and the list of things around the house requiring my attention, I will defer the re-opening until Monday evening or Tuesday evening at the latest.
     

1. I have temporarily disabled the "Decals" category while I work on making some changes. These changes require that I clear out all current orders so they won't be affected. Sorry for the inconvenience. More details will follow in a few days.
     

1. Added 3 new finished models to Gallery # 7
     

1. I have recently updated the following sets:
2. # 040 - Canadian Army Voyageur - added window outlines, walkways, "cut-here" dashed door and window outlines, corrected font issues.
3. # 204 - Transport Canada DHC Dash-8 "Surveillance" - added flag and NASP crest.
4. # 288 - Vickers Wellington 407 Sqn - changed code letters to Brick Red.
5. # 029 - Canadair Challenger OA Blue - minor colour changes.
     

1. Say Hello to the newest member of our family - JAKE   
     

1. Six new sets have been uploaded with a little something for everybody this time! 
     
   # 369 - A CF-188A with a twist - for the Hasegawa "Egg Scale" Hornet! Choice of squadron.
   # 370 - From the movie "Transformers" - Barricade (a.k.a.  a Saleen S281 in a police package).
   # 371 - Bristol Freighter Mk.31C - 1952-53 in VC Era markings.
   # 372 - Bristol Freighter Mk.31C - 1953-55 in AB+3 Era markings with choice of codes.
   # 373 - Bristol Freighter Mk.31 / 31C - 1955-67 "camouflaged" in AB or RCAF +3 Era markings.
   # 374 - Bristol Freighter Mk.31M - 1966-67 in RCAF+3 Era markings with white upper cabin and zigzag.
     

1. I have recently been in contact with Radek Skoumal of FE Resin in the Czech Republic regarding the possibility of their producing a resin kit of the CF-105 Avro Arrow in 1:144 scale. I have also asked that he consider doing an Avro CF-100 Canuck and a Canadair CT-114 Tutor. Radek has agreed to seriously consider the Arrow as a new project for FE Resin. Many years ago Paul Gold of Starr Miniatures started work on a resin Arrow and Canuck, but the projects were never completed.
   
   To the best of my knowledge, Radek and his partner Erik Faustus split the operation of FE Resin with Erik doing the 1:72 scale projects and Radek the 1:144 scale stuff. I am sure that, like all new design ventures, he would be very interested to know how popular such a kit would be and if it would sell in enough quantities to justify his design and production expenses.
   
   I ask that if you would seriously be interested in purchasing a resin kit of the Arrow in 1:144 scale to email Radek at: feresin AT volny.cz and let him know about your interest. If you would also be interested in a Canuck or a Tutor, please make your wishes known to him as he may be swayed by popular opinion. I have sent him what photos and drawings I have on hand for the Arrow, but I am sure he could use as much information/photos/drawings as he can get.
   
   I would not attempt to guess at the price of this kit if, and when it becomes available, but I can offer the fact that FE Resin currently offer about 50 resin kits in 1:144 scale and their prices range from $15.00 to $25.00 US dollars, with most falling in the $18.00 to $21.00 range. FWIW, I just purchased two 1:144 scale kits directly from their web site using PayPal (Sikorsky H-19 and L-19 Bird Dog) and the shipping was $9.50 USD from the Czech Republic to Canada.
   
   The FE Resin web site is at: http://fe-resin.net/eng/
   
     

1. I have uploaded a new set  
     
   # 368 - Lockheed WV-2 "Warning Star" - US Navy VW-11 Sqn, Argentia, Nfld. from 1956 to 1961.
      
2. I've added a new sub-category to the main decals section called "Aviation Museums".  As the name implies, this is a collection of sets that will allow the modeller to build an aircraft found at a Canadian aviation museum.
    
3. To try and be as "green" as I can and avoid unnecessary use of paper, when ordering multiple copies of a single decal, only one brochure and "zip-lock" poly envelope will be included. If you require as many brochures and poly envelopes as decals, let me know so I can include them.
   
    

1. As it turns out, I was entirely responsible for the email disaster I am still working through. Maybe my lesson can be of benefit to others, so I will explain how it happened, and how to prevent it for others out there using MS Outlook.
     
2. The problem: With MS Outlook 2000 all email messages, folder structure and address book entries are contained in a compressed file with "pst" as the extension. Little did I know that there is a MAXIMUM allowable size for this file! The file can not be larger than 2 GB. After that size is reached, Outlook refuses to even open. The solution is to run a couple of an apps, one of which chops 25-50 MB (or more) out of the file and sets it aside in a new "pst" file. The trouble is wherever the cut takes place, data is lost. I eventually had to hack my main pst file into three separate pieces and then only one of these pieces would open (and it wasn't the biggest piece!). Huge amounts of data was lost. 
     
3. The solution: Use the Auto Archive feature ruthlessly! I had only set just a couple of my larger email folders to auto archive (one was after 4 months and the other 8 months) but I left all the other folders intact so I could refer to the messages easily. The problem is that over time, because of all the saved messages in those folders the pst file grows larger and larger until that 2 GB size limit is reached. I had messages that were 4 or 5 years old! What was I thinking?!
   Now, each and every one of my email folders is set to archive contents that are older than 4 to 18 months (depending on the importance of the folder).
     

1. My email program (MS Outlook) died on me tonight.  I have recovered a large amount of saved messages, but I do not know which or even how many messages were lost forever. This has also affected my "contacts list" and I have lost almost the entire contents of my address book. It will take a long time to build it back up to the size it was! Before the crash, I had something over 500 contacts listed in my address book - now I have 75!
     

1. I've added a few new photos to the Gallery page #7. 
2. I have uploaded a new set (yes, just one set!)
     
   # 367 - Boeing Stearman NS2-2 1941 (this is in US Navy markings but is owned and operated by the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association (CH2A) in Windsor, Ontario.
     

1. The following 6 new sets have been added to the catalogue:
    
   # 361 - Sikorsky S-76A - Ornge Air Ambulance (located in "Other")
   # 362 - Fairey Firefly FR.1 - HMS Puncher 1945
   # 363 - Fairey Firefly FR.1 - HMCS Warrior 1947
   # 364 - Fairey Firefly FR.1 - HMCS Magnificent 1949
   # 365 - Fairey Firefly T.1 - RCN 1948-50
   # 366 - Fairey Firefly AS.5 - 825 Sqn 1950
   
    
2. All orders received prior to March 11 have been printed and shipped.
   

1. Now that my supplies are all back in stock and the model show is over, I can get back to clearing up the backlog of orders received since the end of January. Please be patient as I am currently processing orders placed 2.5 to 3 weeks ago. 
     

1. For the first time, CanMilAir Decals was out in public at the Hertitagecon2 show held by IPMS Hamilton at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting many future and current customers!
     

1. After a 3-week layoff, my decal paper and ink carts have arrived and I have resumed printing. As you can see in the entries below, I used the time to upload 15 new decal sets bringing the total to 360!
     

1. The following 7 new sets have been uploaded into the catalogue:
    
   # 354 - Canadair Sabre Mk 2 - 413 Sqn 1954
   # 355 - Canadair Sabre Mk 2 - 427 Sqn 1953
   # 356 - Republic P-47D - USAAF Col Neel Kearby 1943-44  (located in "Other")
   # 357 - Spitfire Mk IX - F/L Wilson 441 Sqn 1944
   # 358 - Spitfire Mk IX - S/L McLeod 443 Sqn 1944
   # 359 - Spitfire Mk XVI - W/C "Stocky" Edwards 1945
   # 360 - Lockheed F-104C Starfighter - Star Trek TOS  (located in "Other")
    

1. The following 2 new sets have been uploaded into the catalogue:
    
   # 352 - Canadair Sabre Mk 2 - 434 Sqn 1953
   # 353 - Canadair Sabre Mk 2 - 434 Sqn 1954
      

1. The following 6 new sets have been uploaded into the catalogue:
    
   # 346 - Canadair Tutor - Red Knight 1968-69
   # 347 - Bombardier Global Express BD-700 - Michael Lee-Chin / AIC Ltd
   # 348 - Canadair Sabre Mk 6 - 427 Sqn, 3 Wing Zweibrucken, circa 1958
   # 349 - Canadair Sabre Mk 2 - 430 Sqn - W/C James "Stocky" Edwards
   # 350 - Canadair Sabre Mk 2 - 430 Sqn - VC Era markings 1951
   # 351 - Canadair Sabre Mk 2 - 427 Sqn 1954
     

1. I've added a brand new page to the Main Menu called "restoration" showing how CanMilAir Decals can be used for 1:1 scale Canadian warbird restorations with photos of completed projects.
     

1. Due to a record number of orders in December and my sixth highest number in January, I have exhausted my printing supplies far sooner than I had anticipated. Additional decal paper and ink cartridges have been ordered, but until that shipment arrives all decal printing has ceased and I ask that if you plan on placing an order for decals, that you wait until I am able to resume printing. 
     
   This supply shortage does not affect any other section of my catalogue - so I am still taking orders for reference books, roundel prints and aircraft profiles.
    
   All current decal orders up to and including #1105 have been printed and will be shipped early next week. I'll post a notice on this page as soon as the new supplies arrive and normal production has resumed.
    
   I apologize for any inconvenience this delay will cause. 
     

1. Updated Customers Gallery # 6
     

1. Happy New Year !  Best wishes to everyone for the year!
     

1. I have created a new web page intended to be a comprehensive listing of published official and un-official Canadian squadron histories. A link to the Squadron Histories page is included in the sidebar at the top right of the main page. For a direct link to the page go HERE 
     

1. Added two more sets:
    
   # 344 - Spitfire Mk XVI - ACM Sir James Robb
   # 345 - NA Harvard Mk IV - Vintage Wings of Canada
   

1. I've added 16 new sets tonight. They are: 
   
   # 328 - Dakota IV - 435 Sqn CBI - "X" June 21, 1945
   # 329 - Dakota III - 435 Sqn ETO - "P" April 1, 1946
   # 330 - Dakota III - 436 Sqn CBI - "P" RCAF Memorial Museum
   # 331 - Dakota III - 436 Sqn ETO - CFB Petawawa
   # 332 - Dakota IV - 435/436 Sqn CBI - CWHM
   # 333 - Dakota III - 437 Sqn ETO - Operation Market Garden, Arnhem 1944
   # 334 - Dakota IV - United Nations Middle East 1958
   # 335 - Dakota III/IV - No. 1 Air Division NATO 1955 
   # 336 - Dakota III - Canadian Coast Guard 1976-95
   # 337 - Dakota DC-3 - Spirit of Harbour Grace (civil)
   # 338 - Canadair Silver Star CT-133 - Camo SYM Lo-Viz markings
   # 339 - Canadair Silver Star CT-133 - Camo FIP Black markings
   # 340 - Avro CF-100 Canuck Mk IV - 440 Sqn NATO 1958
   # 341 - Hawker Hurricane Mk IV - Vintage Wings of Canada
   # 342 - NA P-51D Mustang IV - Vintage Wings of Canada
   # 343 - Spitfire Mk XVI - Vintage Wings of Canada
     
2. I've added a new Customers Gallery page - #6
     
3. May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a safe & Happy New Year ! !
     

1. I spent the day putting the finishing touches on the eight Twin Huey sets. They are now uploaded into the catalogue. They are:
     
   # 320 - Bell CH-135 Twin Huey - OA Green CAF Era 1971-73
   # 321 - Bell CH-135 Twin Huey - OA Green SYM Era 1973-83
   # 322 - Bell CH-135 Twin Huey - Camo SYM & FIP Era 1974-98
   # 323 - Bell CH-135 Twin Huey - 427 Sqn MEDEVAC
   # 324 - Bell CH-135 Twin Huey - MFO Sinai 1986-90
   # 325 - Bell CH-135 Twin Huey - UN Honduras 1990
   # 326 - Bell CH-135 Twin Huey - UN Haiti 427 Sqn
   # 327 - Bell CH-135 Twin Huey - OA Yellow SAR 444 Sqn
    
2. My next task is to print this weeks decal orders and get the Dakota sets up and available.
         

1. I got a jump start on this months new releases and uploaded 11 new sets. They are:
    
   # 309 - Canadair CL-44 Yukon Proposal - 1957
   # 310 - Canadair CL-44 Yukon 15501 - 1959
   # 311 - Canadair CL-44 Yukon 15502 - 1960
   # 312 - Canadair CL-44 Yukon 15555 - 1962
   # 313 - Canadair CL-44 Yukon 15926 - 1964-65
   # 314 - Canadair CL-44 Yukon 15932 - 1966
   # 315 - Canadair CL-44 Yukon Unification - 1967
   # 316 - Canadair CL-44 Yukon 15930 - 1968
   # 317 - Canadair CC-106 Yukon 15932 - 1969
   # 318 - Lockheed Ventura GR. Mk. V - 1 AAS Trenton
   # 319 - Kamov Ka-32 - DART Pakistan 2005
     
2. Next uploaded batch will include eight sets for the CH-135 Twin Huey and at least eight Dakota sets. 
    

1. Lest We Forget . . . . 
2. Well, I am finally caught up! All orders received (up to and including # 1018) are printed and packaged. Paid up orders will be mailed Tuesday and the remainder upon receipt of payment.
3. I have finished creating nine new sets for the Canadair CL-44 (CC-106) Yukon. These will be made available at the end of the month.
4. Work is continuing on the Dakota and Twin Huey sets.
   

1. Added 11 new sets to the catalogue today consisting of the following: 
   
   # 298 - Slingsby T67C Firefly CT-111 - No 3 CFFTS
   # 299 - Ford 6-AT Tri-Motor - 1929-37
   # 300 - Canadair F-86 Sabre Mk 6 - 414 Sqn
   # 301 - Canadair F-86 Sabre Mk 6 - 439 Sqn
   # 302 - Canadair F-86 Sabre Mk 6 - 421 Sqn
   # 303 - Canadair F-86 Sabre Mk 5/6 - 430 Sqn
   # 304 - Canadair F-86 Sabre Mk 5/6 - 416 Sqn
   # 305 - Canadair F-86 Sabre Mk 5 - 438 (Aux) Sqn
   # 306 - Canadair F-86 Sabre Mk 5 - 401 (Aux) Sqn
   # 307 - CE-144 Challenger 600 - 2 Greys
   # 308 - CE-144 Challenger 600 - OA Grey
   
2. Work is continuing on several sets each for the following: Douglas Dakota, Canadair Yukon and Bell Twin Huey.
     

1. I have completed the design of the 2008 edition of my CanMilAir 12-month calendar. This planner-style calendar features photos of 12 models submitted by customers using CMA decals.  See  the Calendar Page for pics and to order. 
   
   PLEASE NOTE: I will be holding calendar orders so they can be batch printed and will ship all calendars in the first week of December.
    

1. I have added the final two completed model photos to Customers Gallery 4 and created the next gallery page, #5. With 10 models per page, there are now photos of 40 models completed with CanMilAir decals on these gallery pages. 
2. Besides the Slingsby I mentioned in the last message, I have completed work on seven new Canadair Sabre sets and a set for the Ford Tri-Motor acquired by the RCAF in 1929. Nearing completion are a half dozen sets for the Douglas Dakota. These sets concentrate on the period from 1944 to 1946 with 435, 436 and 437 Sqns in ETO and CBI/SEAC. Included will be a few museum examples (CFB Petawawa, CFB Comox, RCAFMM at CFB Trenton and the CWHM in Hamilton). Also completed is a set for the Canadian Coast Guard Dakota C-FTDH.
     

1. As requested by a customer, I have finished a decal set for the Slingsby T67C Firefly (CT-111) intended for the Dujin T67M 1:72 scale resin kit. For a review of this kit, go HERE. All 12 registrations are included allowing any CT-111 to be built. This will be CanMilAir set # 298 and will be uploaded at the end of the month.
    

1. A new optional shipping feature has been added. 
   Canada Post Xpresspost is a premium shipping service that provides fast, guaranteed delivery and is trackable. 
   The service provides next day to 2 days regional (Ontario and Quebec), and 2 to 3 days national delivery, between most major Canadian urban centres.
   It is also available for my USA and International customers at slightly higher rates.
   Further details are provided in the catalogue under "Decals".
2. I have started a new sidebar on the web site. It is called "Did You Know . . ." and is located on the left side, below the Hit Counter. In this space, I will share some general statistical information about CanMilAir Decals. I hope you find it interesting.
3. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving !!
     

1. Seven new sets have been added to the catalogue:
   
   # 291 - Canadair F-86 Sabre Mk 6 - 444 Sqn
   # 292 - Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet A - Top Aces
   # 293 - Hawker Hunter F.58 - Northern Lights
   # 294 - Avro CF-100 Canuck Mk IV - 432 Sqn
   # 295 - Avro CF-100 Canuck Mk IV/V - 409 Sqn
   # 296 - Avro CF-100 Canuck Mk IV - 428 Sqn
   # 297 - Avro CF-100 Canuck Mk V - 425 Sqn
     

1. Since re-opening the web store, orders have been pouring in. While I am very thankful for everyone's patronage, it does have its drawbacks. This surge in orders has increased my turn-around time from a typical 7 to 10 days to about 3 weeks. I ask for your patience as I am only able to work at this during my spare time in the evenings and on the weekends. As it should be, my full-time job of 30+ years and my family must take priority. Thank you.
     

1. Well, the vacation is finally over and the store is back on-line!
2. The shopping cart software has been upgraded to the current 4.5.2 version with many changes to the web site - some of which will be obvious while others you may not notice. 
3. The Customers Gallery #4 page has been updated.
4. 20 new decal sets have been added including sets for two new a/c types - the Vickers Wellington and the Bristol Blenheim (which depicts the aircraft flown by Sgt Andrew Prince who was the fist Canadian military casualty of WW II on September 4, 1939).
5. I have finally added 250 profile prints by Canadian artist Richard Banigan. These prints will be shipped directly to the customer by the artist. 
   I am really excited about these prints as a large number depict the same aircraft or aircraft type/scheme as my decals! Now you can have a full colour profile print to match your model!
   At present only the "C Series" of Canadian profiles (and a few "B Series" RAF) have been added. I intend to add over 350 more profile prints in the coming weeks for the other countries listed, so stay tuned! 
     

1. Well, the first week of my three week "Summer Shutdown" is almost over. I have not been idle these past few days. All current orders have been completed and shipped providing payment has been received. This now gives me a clean order book for when I make the software changes after returning from my holiday trip. 
2. A new feature - I have added images to many of the category headers giving the catalogue pages a brighter look and a more visual guide to navigation.
     

The first week (Aug 6 to 12) will be spent wrapping up current orders. I will not be accepting new orders during this time but will be available to answer messages.

For a portion of the second week (Aug 13 to 19) I will be away for a few days vacation and I feel that because I will not be around to process orders and answer emails, it would be best to close up shop for a short time. 

The last week (Aug 20 to 26) will be spent adding over 200 aircraft profiles, over a dozen new decal sets, updating several key pages on the web site, and most importantly - upgrading the software built in to the web site and the database that runs behind it. I will be available to answer questions during this week, but I will not accept orders since I will be changing things in the background.

I plan to turn everything back on and resume operations on, or before, Sunday August 26.

1. Created a new gallery page "Gallery #4" with two new submissions from past customers.
     

1. Updated Customers Gallery #3.
2. Eight new sets have been completed and will be uploaded during my planned "summer shut-down" in August. Details and dates of the "shut down" will be announced after the beginning of the month.
     

1. Upgraded and made a major correction to CC-144 Blue Challenger set #029.
2. Marking sizes for the new CC-177 Globemaster III have been confirmed. I have adjusted set # 248 accordingly and it now contains accurate sized elements. It turns out my photo-interpretation skills weren't half-bad. Half of the elements were bang-on, and half were off by only a few inches.
     

1. This afternoon I have received official permission to release the 2007 and 2005 Demo Hornet sets. My thanks go out to Jim Belliveau who made this possible!
2. Work continues on several other sets including: AETE 30th Anniversary Hornet, the 1991 Tiger Hornet, the 2004 D-Day Hornet, the 439 Sqn Tiger Starfighter on display at CWHM, Top Aces Consulting Alpha Jets and the 75th Anniversary Griffons from 400 Sqn.
     

1. Updated VC Era Avro Lancaster set # 031.
2. Updated CC-177 Globemaster III set # 248.
3. Added seven new sets (# 264 to # 270): 1984 Voodoo "Lynx One",  three Lancaster sets and three CF-18 Hornet sets. Note that two of these Hornet sets are unavailable until permission is granted by DND.
   

1. Added a new product from Patrick Martin. Pat has put together a pair of prints containing over 60 full colour profiles of the Aircraft of the Royal Canadian Navy. Images of these can be found on the "Books" page immediately below his RCN Finish and Markings book.
2. Updated the Customers Gallery # 3 page.
    

1. Added a Guest Book to the site. 
2. Please take a few moments to let me know you were here.
   

1. Uploaded a total of 14 new sets today!
2. Ten sets (#250 to #259) for the Avro Anson Mk I, II, V and VI.
3. Four sets for early SAR Lancaster Mk X (#260 to #263)
4. This brings the total number of new sets introduced this month to 21.
   

1. Uploaded set # 249 Avro Lancaster Mk X - 407 Sqn circa 1953
   

1. Answers are now posted on the Quiz page for questions 4, 5 and 6. 
2. Three new questions have been added - good luck to one and all!!
   

1. Uploaded five new sets tonight for the Noorduyn Norseman (# 243 to # 247) spanning the years 1942 to 1953, including the example at the Canada Aviation Museum. 
2. Uploaded the CC-177 Globemaster set (# 248). Notice that until confirmation is received either through channels at DND or by photographs, this is a "best guess" as to the final look. See PHOTO 1 and PHOTO 2 taken recently in the paint shop.
3. Work is almost finished on the last of the Avro Anson sets. These should be uploaded in the next few days.
4. In development are two or three sets for early RCAF Lancaster Mk X with special attention to the early SAR schemes.
   

1. Once again I am fully caught up with all orders completed for which payments have been received. As well, all the supplies I ordered last December have finally arrived, so I am now fully stocked.
2. Several changes have been made to the appearance of the web page, some of which will be more obvious than others. For example, I replaced the roundel image found in the top left corner of every page. Previously, I used about a half dozen examples but now have assembled over 40 different roundel images so each and every page will feature a different roundel. 
3. Design work for new decal sets continues in my spare time. I have completed a set for the new Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III. The first two of the four examples are expected to arrive in CFB Trenton in August. 
   This set is not yet available to purchase as I am waiting for confirmation on the sizes of a few of the elements. 
   Also completed, but not as yet uploaded, are several sets for the Avro Anson with two or three more in the final stages of design. These will include Mk I, II, V and the single Mk VI and include RCN examples. Except for the Mk I sets, these will require various amounts of modifications to existing kits. 
   Lastly, I am working on a few sets for the Noorduyn Norseman - one of which is a sharp looking overall yellow RCAF air ambulance from 1943 or 1944.
4. My next major task is incorporating the profile prints mentioned below, into my on-line catalogue. As there are literally hundreds of them, this may take some time!
   

1. Please note there are a few changes on the "contact us" page.
      

1. Introducing a brand new feature here at CanMilAir . . . . a Canadian military aviation quiz by Patrick Martin. Go to Pat's CMA Quiz page and give it a try!!
2. Also added a new product - full colour aircraft profiles by Canadian artist Richard Banigan! I still have a few things to iron out, but these profiles will be added to the catalogue in the coming days, so watch for them!
     

1. Added photo of a completed DHC-3 Otter by MCpl Larry Wilson to Gallery 3.
     

1. Uploaded three new Avenger sets. TBF-1 HMS Nabob 1944 (# 240), AS 3 circa 1951 (# 241) and AS 3 circa 1953 (# 242).
     

1. Uploaded four new sets. 
2. Two new sets for RCN Banshee (# 236 and # 237) cover the later period with 24" and 18" fuselage roundels and the larger 24" underwing markings to complement the two original sets with earlier markings.
3. A set for the CH-149 Cormorant (# 238). This set is intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, the Italeri/Testors kit decals which have some items missing and others that are inaccurate. All serial numbers are available.
4. Another Hornet set (# 239), this one covers the 1997 Maple Flag Hornets used as Aggressors and flown by 441 Sqn . All serial/Bort numbers used are available.
    

1. Uploaded two new sets for the CF-18 Hornet (# 234 and # 235). These are for standard service Hornets in both FIP and SYM Era markings with choices for all squadrons. In the next few days watch for two new Banshee sets, a Cormorant set, another Hornet set, three Grumman Avenger sets, and some Avro Anson sets.
    

1. All decal orders, for which payment has been received, have been printed, packaged and will be shipped out later this morning.
2. Now that my back log of orders has been taken care of, I will resume uploading several new sets that have been created in the past few weeks.
    

1. Orders received up to March 31 are being printed and will be shipped out Monday afternoon.
    

1. Out of a total of 40 outstanding orders, 25 have now been completed. These consist of all orders received up to and including March 16.
2. I have been advised that the remainder of my ink order will ship early next week. 
3. I want to thank everyone for their patience in what has been, for me, a very stressful period, what with the uncertainty of my ink delivery.
    

1. Orders up to and including # 767 have been printed and either shipped, or will be shipped next time I am at the post office. I am currently working through orders received in the first half of March. 
    

1. I have received most of the ink cartridges I had ordered. Not included in this shipment were a large number of White cartridges that I had ordered. Since I had a few White cartridges on hand, I have resumed printing and will get as many orders completed and shipped as possible. I expect to receive a few White carts from an alternate supplier later this week, so I am hopeful I can get most of my backlog of orders cleared up.
    

1. Completed CF-188 Hornet FIP set with select option for any one of 8 squadrons and will wait until the matching SYM set (with 9 squadrons) is finished before uploading both sets.
2. Work continues on an accurate set for the CH-149 Cormorant to replace inaccurate kit decals.
    

1. Upgraded RCN Banshee sets # 077 and # 078 by adding extra details and optional fuselage roundels in preparation for two new Banshee sets which will cover the later 1958-62 marking scheme. These two new Banshee sets are finished and will be uploaded when the two new Hornet sets are finished.  
2. I have been advised that my ink shipment should be in my hands by mid week. 
      

1. Corrected # 213 Voodoo Hawk One set by adding yellow Last 3 numbers for nose gear doors used only on the second (1984) and Gate Guard versions.
     

1. Uploaded eight new sets for Canadair CP-107 Argus (# 224 to # 231) covering 1957 to retirement in 1981.
2. Uploaded set # 232 for Snowbirds support CT-133 Silver Star and # 233 for CF-188A 409 Sqn Activation.
     

1. Uploaded five new sets for 431 Sqn Snowbirds (# 219 to # 223) covering 1971 to the present.
2. Upgraded CF-188 Hornet sets #069 and #199. 
3. Work is 95% finished on CF-188 188761 409 Sqn Activation special 2006.
     

1. Uploaded four new sets for the Canadair CT-114 Tutor (# 215 to # 218) covering the years 1963 to present.
2. Finished work on eight Canadair Argus sets and the Snowbird's Silver Star.
     

1. Uploaded two CF-101 Voodoo sets - 409 Sqn Hawk One (# 213) and 414 Sqn EF-101B Electric Voodoo (# 214).
2. The Hawk One covers 101012 in 1977, 101057 in 1984, and the Comox Gate Guard 101057. 
3. The Electric Voodoo set covers 101067 as delivered in 1982, all-black "Bat One" 1982-87, and the CFB North Bay Gate Guard.