A Unique Project with Historical Wings
There are job sites and then there are moments in time you don’t forget. Today was one of those moments.
Our Trew Slinger crew had the privilege of working at the BC Aviation Museum in Sidney, BC, helping construct new walking paths around one of the most remarkable aircraft ever built: the legendary Hawaii Mars water bomber.
Standing beneath its massive red-and-white wings, it’s impossible not to feel awe. This iconic aircraft once soared above British Columbia’s skies, battling wildfires and protecting communities across the province.
Our task wasn’t airborne, but it was just as important to the visitor experience – building gravel pathways that would allow people to safely walk around and appreciate the aircraft up close. The end result? A clean, durable, and accessible trail system that complements the history on display while preserving the museum grounds.
The photo above captures the moment perfectly — our Trew Slinger gravel truck parked in front of the Hawaii Mars, a meeting of two powerful machines from two very different eras. If you zoom in closely, you can even spot me standing beside my truck — a small figure dwarfed by one of the largest flying boats ever constructed.
Precision Gravel Slinging for a Legendary Site
Creating a smooth and stable walking path requires the right material and technique. For this project, we used a blend of crushed gravel and compactable aggregate, ideal for forming even, weather-resistant surfaces that stand up to both foot traffic and Vancouver Island’s variable climate.
By using our specialized slinger truck, we were able to place the gravel exactly where it was needed – even in tight or delicate areas near aircraft displays and existing landscaping. This method eliminates the need for heavy equipment to drive across sensitive ground, reducing damage and ensuring a cleaner, faster installation.
Each load was carefully distributed to form an even layer, then levelled to create a natural walking surface that feels solid underfoot yet blends seamlessly with the museum’s outdoor exhibits. It’s one thing to move gravel – it’s another to sling it with precision. That’s where Trew Slinger Service really shines.
The BC Aviation Museum: Where Heritage Takes Flight
Located near the Victoria International Airport, the BC Aviation Museum is a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The museum’s collection spans decades of flight history — from vintage aircraft restorations to firefighting planes like the Hawaii Mars that symbolize British Columbia’s resilience and innovation.
Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting both civil and military aviation, see rare aircraft up close, and learn about the people who helped shape aviation across the province. The addition of new gravel walking paths now makes it even easier for guests to tour outdoor displays, including historic helicopters, jets, and bombers.
The museum’s star attraction, the Martin Mars — specifically the Hawaii Mars — is the last of its kind. Built during World War II as a transport aircraft, it later served for decades as a water bomber, dropping thousands of liters of water over forest fires across BC. Standing beside it today, you gain a real appreciation for the size and engineering behind this flying giant.
Our work at the museum wasn’t just about moving gravel — it was about helping create an experience where people can connect with aviation history in a tangible way.
Slinging Services for Pathways, Driveways, and More
At Trew Slinger Service, we specialize in precision aggregate placement – using our modern slinger trucks to place material exactly where it’s needed, saving time, labor, and equipment wear. From gravel pathways and driveways to soil placement, sand bedding, or mulch distribution, our team delivers materials cleanly and efficiently.
Whether you’re a homeowner building a new walkway in Langford or Colwood, a landscaper shaping a park in Victoria, or a contractor improving access routes in Sidney or Saanich, our slinger trucks make it easy to move and place aggregate with pinpoint accuracy.
We can sling materials up to 100 feet from the truck, even over obstacles like fences or garden beds. This makes it ideal for areas where traditional dump trucks or loaders can’t reach — perfect for museum exhibits, residential backyards, or steep-grade sites.
When precision matters, our team ensures every load is placed exactly as planned. The result? Cleaner sites, faster completion, and reduced manual labor — all while delivering the perfect finish.
A Partnership of Craft and Community
Working on this project was more than just another day on the job. It was a collaboration between local tradespeople, museum volunteers, and aviation enthusiasts – all coming together to preserve something special for the next generation.
A big thanks goes out to Russ and Auz, who helped bring us in on this incredible project. Their vision for improving visitor access while maintaining the integrity of the museum’s grounds made this a meaningful and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Standing under the shadow of the Hawaii Mars, you’re reminded how much human effort goes into both building the machines of history and maintaining the spaces that honor them. Our role may have been on the ground, but it’s a privilege knowing our work contributes to something greater – a community landmark that celebrates British Columbia’s aviation legacy.
Final Thoughts
From slinging gravel walkways to delivering structural aggregate, Trew Slinger Service continues to support projects that shape our local communities across Langford, Victoria, and the Saanich Peninsula. Whether it’s building durable pathways at public museums or helping homeowners create better access on their properties, we’re proud to combine precision equipment with local expertise.
If you find yourself visiting the BC Aviation Museum, take a walk along those newly built paths. Notice the smooth gravel under your feet, the gentle grade, and the unobstructed views of aircraft like the Hawaii Mars — all made possible through careful material selection and expert slinger placement.
Just like the planes that tell stories of innovation and endurance, our team takes pride in every load we sling – crafting pathways that connect people, places, and history.
Got questions about your residential top soil lawn care, gravel driveway or new building aggregate? Call today for your free quote or send us a message on our contact page here.
