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Visiting the NMUSAF in Dayton...

Wed Aug 22, 2007 7:54 am

I am heading to Dayton Ohio for the Trans Am Nationals this weekend. I will be spending all day Friday at the NMUSAF. I have been there several times before so I was just looking for any advice on seeing something "different" or if their was anything unusual or cool I should keep an eye out for.


I plan on taking the Restoration Hanger tour and if possible the Presidential / R&D hanger tour.

I have a brand new point & shoot digi cam with an empty memory card so I'd be happy to try and get some pics if anyone has any special requests.

Thanks for any help. :)

Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:47 am

If you get your fill in Dayton head up I75 North for 20 miles and peruse the Waco Historical Society flyin on Saturday. See some ol' bipes weather permitting.

http://www.wacoairmuseum.org/fly_in.htm

Wed Aug 22, 2007 11:10 am

Make reservations ahead of time for the Presidential Aircraft Hangar at NMUSAF. It is something interesting to take a look at that is often missed when people go.

Wed Aug 22, 2007 11:21 am

The restoration is the behind the scenes tour and is held only on Friday's at 12 Noon. I believe it takes around 2 hours ... You need to call to see if there are any available openings. The number to call is 937 255-3286 ext. 302 to make a reservation.

The museum does not take reservations for the Presidential & R&D gallery. It is on a first come first served basis. I suggest you immediately go to the reservation desk for the Presidential trip which is located near the Bob Hope exhibit. As you enter the museum, go thru the gift shop area and turn left. There will be two volunteers at the desk signing up visitors for the Presidential. The buses run on the hour and they give out wrist bands.

If you can get on the restoration tour, you should try for the Presidential early so that you can be back in time.

I will be volunteering this coming Friday morning in the Modern Flight Gallery.

Enjoy your visit.

PS .... I recently moved from NJ (Monmouth County) to the Dayton area.

Wed Aug 22, 2007 11:30 am

Misterg97 wrote:
I will be volunteering this coming Friday morning in the Modern Flight Gallery.

Enjoy your visit.

PS .... I recently moved from NJ (Monmouth County) to the Dayton area.


I'll be there at 9:00 am sharp Friday morning (and stay till you guys kick me out! :lol: )

I'll be there with my father and I'll keep an eye out for you in the Modern Flight Gallery. :)

Wed Aug 22, 2007 11:44 am

Even if they tell you on the phone that there are no openings, stop by the desk first thing in the morning on Friday and put your name on the waiting list. I got over that way last year.

Good luck and enjoy,
flyingsailor

Wed Aug 22, 2007 12:10 pm

I have been volunteeering every Friday morning for the past 7 months. Only twice have they announced over the loud speaker system that there is an opening on the behind the scenes restoration tour. With the B-17 Memphis Belle there now, I would guess there is more of an interest to visit that area.

Wed Aug 22, 2007 12:11 pm

If you have not seen the missile gallery yet, make sure you check it out. Its very impressive.
Last edited by Pat Carry on Wed Aug 22, 2007 1:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Wed Aug 22, 2007 12:33 pm

Thanks for the heads up, I'll be sure to try and get a spot on the Restoration tour as soon as I get there. I did the tour once before and loved it, I am hoping to see the Memphis Belle this time.

Last time I saw the Missile Gallery it was still pretty new and only a few rockets were in there.

Wed Aug 22, 2007 12:55 pm

If you wait till you get to the museum regarding the restoration, your chances will be very slim to none, believe me.

I strongly suggest you call as soon as possible using the number I sent. They may already be filled up for this Friday as we are still in the vacation traveling season.

Last Friday, a visitor from Illinois told me he signed up for the restoration tour that day some 5 weeks ago as he wanted to see the "Belle"

Keep in mind that we now have a B-2 Stealth in the Cold War Gallery.

Wed Aug 22, 2007 1:00 pm

Misterg97 wrote:If you wait till you get to the museum regarding the restoration, your chances will be very slim to none, believe me.

I strongly suggest you call as soon as possible using the number I sent. They may already be filled up for this Friday as we are still in the vacation traveling season.

Last Friday, a visitor from Illinois told me he signed up for the restoration tour that day some 5 weeks ago as he wanted to see the "Belle"

Keep in mind that we now have a B-2 Stealth in the Cold War Gallery.


Thanks for the advice! I'll have to give them a call then.

I saw the B-2 when it was in the Resto. hanger and now in the Cold War Gallery. I like the way it is presented and illuminated. You barely notice the "bandaid" on the wing from all that testing. :D

Wed Aug 22, 2007 1:38 pm

What's open on Tuesday, and first half of the day on Wedneday? Will be there on Sept 25th.

Wed Aug 22, 2007 2:04 pm

Everything except the restoration tour as that is only available on Fridays .. I believe they only take some 27 people to restoration but not firm on that number.

The museum web site has all kinds of information and you can plan on what you would like to see, what gallery it is in, etc. before you arrive.

If I can be of any help .. will sure'ly try.

Wed Aug 22, 2007 2:25 pm

Just called for Sept 28th and its full already. darn :cry:

Wed Aug 22, 2007 2:41 pm

The Restoration Hanger did take a lot of time, if you go over there you might need two days to see the museum....
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