When entering the Bean Commercial Truck Centre at 119 Hooper Street in Carleton Place, if you look up, you’ll be greeted by an unusual sight. Hanging from the support beams are two half-scale replicas of very famous World War One aircraft.
One is a brightly painted red Fokker DR1 tri-plane, the type flown by Manfred von Richthofen and the other is a Sopwith Camel, which was flown by Carleton Place native Captain A. Roy Brown. Brown was credited with shooting down the German ace, known as the Red Baron on April 21 2018.
Both craft were made by members of the Hackberry Men’s Shed. Their president, Doug Johnson explains the inspiration behind the project.
While the original plans were just to create skeleton models without fabric coverings, Johnson says one of their members came up with a better idea.
Both planes took over 5 years to complete and it was an all-hands-on-deck effort according to Johnson
Men’s Sheds are community-based spaces where men—often retired or socially isolated—can gather to connect, share skills, and work on hands-on projects like woodworking, repairs, or community builds. Originating in Australia and now supported globally by groups like the Men’s Sheds Association, they promote mental health, reduce loneliness, and provide a sense of purpose through informal, peer-based social interaction in a welcoming, workshop-style environment.
Keith Bean the host of the display, said he was amazed at children asking all kinds of questions about the planes, which have been up for a few weeks, as they didn’t seem to have much knowledge of Canadian war history. Bean’s Commercial Centre is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 6 pm.
Story by Brian Turner
