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If it wasn't for the high housing costs, waiting for the big one (eathquakes), and that Catherine and I both have good jobs, I would seriously consider moving to California. We have enjoyed our time here.
It has been a nice trip, and I found some time to get on the net today, so I thought I would write a report about my visit to Yanks last Thursday. As soon as I walked in the door (with my camera case and tripod) I was asked what the purpose of my photography would be. "Here we go again!" I was thinking. After assuring them the pictures would be for my own use, I was allowed to pay my admission. The gentleman behind the counter did explain that the if the pictures were to be published for profit that the museum would like a cut (I am paraphrasing here). I guess I can understand that since they go through much effort and expense to restore the aircraft.
Anyway... The main hanger is their display hanger. Inside were a number of classic aircraft on display including a Curtiss Robin and an N3N on floats! There were also a number of pristine aircraft displayed including a Canadair built Sabre in USAF markings, a F6F, P-47, Bell 47, Curtiss Owl, P-51A, P-51D, P-63, P-39 and a 40. I have not seen any of these airframes at airshows before, so I had a great time.
After leaving the main hanger I asked where to go to view airframes in the restoration hanger. I was directed though a door in another building and I laid my eyes one the first TBF Avenger I have ever seen before. Restoration does not appear to have started, but this should be a special airframe once done. I was also able to photograph an F4U-4 which is being restored, and just across the isle a Helldiver that is waiting for some attention. There was also the T-50 Bobcat, the B-25, P-38 (with a photo recon nose) and a Lockheed twin which appeared to be an Electra.
After leaving the restoration hanger I returned to the main desk to ask directions to get into the fenced in area surrounding the restoration hanger which holds a number of airframes/hulks awaiting attention. I was directed back into the restoration hanger where a staff member took me though the machine shop to a door to the outside. If you are at Yanks don't be afraid to ask about this outside area. Outside there were a number of airframes to point my lens at. The first one was a F-14, which appeared to be completely intact, although the engines may have been removed (I didn't check). I also noted two other F-14s on the other side of the restoration hanger which were not so complete, and the disassembled remains of a fourth. I also photographed an H-62, T-37, F-102, C-46, C-47, A-6, C-2, and a F-105. There were also a few other Sikorskys near-by, and the hulk/wreck of a Hawker Hunter. The Hunter was blue/purple. Anyone know anything about this airframe? There was also an A-4 Skyhawk in a rather tattered condition as well (not the one on display out front along with the T-38).
My visit to Yanks was a typical visit for me, get in, photograph every airframe and get out. There wasn't the interaction with docents that made other recent museum visits interesting, but access to the storage yard around the hanger was a bonus since I like to get my "before" shots to go with "after" shots sometime in the future after they have received some TLC. If you are going to be in the area I would suggest you visit the Yanks museum, however if you have only time for one visit and like interaction with docents, perhaps something like the PSAM or March Field would be more to your liking. If you like viewing the unrestored airframes before restoration than Yanks is the place for you.
I am returning home tomorrow, and will get my film into the photolab on Monday. I may have pictures ready by the end of next week. I should get a change to check replies on my other reports on Monday.
Regards,
Mike
P.S. Thanks for the tour of your Harvard BDK! Catherine and I enjoyed meeting you!
_________________ Mike R. Henniger Aviation Enthusiast & Photographer http://www.AerialVisuals.cahttp://www.facebook.com/AerialVisualsDo 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.
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Anyone can ID a complete airframe, but it's the bitsers and frames that make for fun.
