Warbird Information Exchange

It got up at an unmentionable hour this morning after only 3 hours sleep resulting from a unintentional caffine overdose. I made my way to the airport and got on a plane. After arriving in Seattle I waited as long for my luggage to show up in baggage claim as it took to fly from Vancouver. But before I go off on a rant… back to the trip.

My first visit was to the Me-262 Project. The third airframe is progressing well. White 1 is still in the nest, but expected to leave for it’s new home soon. The 109 projects have not shown up yet. Rats. They are not allowing any pictures at all. Another bummer. Funny that they leave their main hanger door wide open.

The B-52 is still on the ramp near-by the Me-262 project. Other interesting sites included two Magisters painted overall gold on the field, with a Harvard in Golden Hawk. I spotted one Magister with the Harvard before. The second one was a surprise.

On my way out, I stopped by the Museum of Flight restoration facility. It is closed on Mondays and Fridays, the only two days I have off. RATS AGAIN! I did get a chance to peak around behind the building on the ramp. The green An-2 is not there anymore, but there was a T-28 parked in it’s place. They were also power washing the 727 prototype. I took pictures of what I could from the fence.

From there I headed off to Boeing new tour center, the Future of Flight. It is located at the north west corner of the field and overlooks the main runway and Boeing ramps. They have a fantastic upper deck for viewing activities around the airfield. If anyone get’s a chance to see any more activity from the Me-262 project this would be the place to go to watch it. They also have a very nice hall with aircraft hanging from the ceiling like at the MoF. There are also some airliner engines on display which are impressive as it gives you the ability to get up close to take in the size of the things.

After leaving FoF I took a drive down to Boeing Field to see what was new. I tried photographing a Beech 18 in rough shape on the east side of the field. I had seen it before but had no luck with pictures. Maybe this time. Nearby was another Fouga Magister in what appeared to be Belgium markings. That side of the field also gives you a chance to see the cargo converted airliners. I zipped around to the west side of the field to go to the MoF. I was out of time to go inside, but photographed what they have outside. The B-47 has been moved from the Boeing ramp to the lawn in front of the main entrance just down from the Harrier. Between them was what appeared to be a MiG-17, and near by on the ramp side of the fence was what appeared to be a MiG-15!!! Pictures were taken of course.

From there I headed south to find the car dealership “Jet Chevrolet”. I heard they had a MiG-21 on site. I found it. If I was actually paying attention I would have seen it when I passed by on I-5 on two previous occasions! Anyway it is a well weathered Polish Fishbed. I couldn’t find the data plate even with Rob’s suggestions, but then this was not a Russian built example. Pics were taken of course.

Now the good news. I have finally gone digital. All photos today were taken using my new Rebel XT and a 28-135 mm IS lens. I’ll sort through the pictures, post them on Webshots, and post the links here.

As for the rest of the week, I don’t have wheels until late Thursday, but will be getting around on Friday. I hope to visit the FHC and MoF.

Is there anyting in the Seattle area I am missing?

Gotta get some sleep.

Mike

_________________
Mike R. Henniger
Aviation Enthusiast & Photographer
http://www.AerialVisuals.ca
http://www.facebook.com/AerialVisuals

Do you want to find locations of displayed, stored or active aircraft? Then start with the The Locator.
Do you want to find or contribute to the documented history of an aircraft? If so then start with the Airframes Database.

Hey Mike... good to hear about your trip. Did you get out to Arlington yet to see the Paul Allen collection? I seem to remember that you had, but that's near Seattle. I believe that there are other aircraft based at Paine Field, such as Bill Roger's Sea Fury racer "Furias"... you might try asking around.

Incidentally, I loved your article on Mike Potter in the latest Warbird Digest, well done.

All the best,
Richard

Been there once before and going back again Friday morning. My "tour" is booked. I am looking forward to it. I wasn't pleased with the pictures I got before, so I hope to do better this time.



DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY CONTACT INFORMATION FOR BILL ROGERS???? That is one airframe I would like to see.



Well, thank-you very much sir. I liked how you photo worked with it as well. I figured Tim would pick that one.

Regards,

Mike

_________________
Mike R. Henniger
Aviation Enthusiast & Photographer
http://www.AerialVisuals.ca
http://www.facebook.com/AerialVisuals

Do you want to find locations of displayed, stored or active aircraft? Then start with the The Locator.
Do you want to find or contribute to the documented history of an aircraft? If so then start with the Airframes Database.

I am currently uploading to Webshots. Here are the photos albums that will be public...

Shots taken in Toronto between flights...
http://community.webshots.com/album/549418289RVHOHU

Shots taken in Vancouver between flights...
http://community.webshots.com/album/549416115bVNYQo

Shots taken at Paine Field...
http://community.webshots.com/album/549412417XQelTV

Pictures over the fence at the back of the Museum of Flight restoration facility...
http://community.webshots.com/album/549419276GYNXKg

Future of Flight Aviation Center at Paine Field...
http://community.webshots.com/album/549415808OFafdU

Boeing Field...
http://community.webshots.com/album/549415612SBtIMX

Museum of Flight...
http://community.webshots.com/album/549415722bfpfSN

Jet Chevrolet, the car dealership with a MiG-21...
http://community.webshots.com/album/549408451vCmmaI


I will be updating comments and captions as time permits.

Mike

_________________
Mike R. Henniger
Aviation Enthusiast & Photographer
http://www.AerialVisuals.ca
http://www.facebook.com/AerialVisuals

Do you want to find locations of displayed, stored or active aircraft? Then start with the The Locator.
Do you want to find or contribute to the documented history of an aircraft? If so then start with the Airframes Database.

I just finished uploading the Boeing Field, Museum of Flight and Jet Chevrolet pictures.

Mike

_________________
Mike R. Henniger
Aviation Enthusiast & Photographer
http://www.AerialVisuals.ca
http://www.facebook.com/AerialVisuals

Do you want to find locations of displayed, stored or active aircraft? Then start with the The Locator.
Do you want to find or contribute to the documented history of an aircraft? If so then start with the Airframes Database.