Warbird Information Exchange

I dunno, I remember Atlanta getting smacked by a hurricane (maybe 1995?). The Georgia Dome was damaged for sure (I was setting a show there at the time), and lots of damage around the area. Its just a matter of time.

The recovery of LSFM is progressing slowly. The hangar walls have been replaced and reinsulated. The electric service has been restored and partial air conditioning is in place. The lower floor sheet rock has been installed and painting is in progress. The gift shop is about ready to open.

All the ‘flying aircraft’ are back except for the Stearman, the new AT-6 and the Bearcat. The B-17 is presently undergoing it’s phased airframe inspection. Hangar One will be open when the Museum opens. Hangar Two will be closed pending repair of the damaged ‘static’ aircraft.

Various rolling stock have been returned to service. Southwest Airlines picked up the tug they had donated and completely rebuilt it. The Collins Foundation Team from Ellington ‘adopted’ two Jeeps while other volunteers adopted the Command Car and other exhibits. These items were under six feet of salt water.

The Museum recently received a donation of a T-41 which is now on site.

If you are referring to the beach around my current location, I can not speak to 25 years ago however lots of beach restoration to correct storm damage and natural erosion. Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Island are probably a bit smaller then you remember. But from a new resident's(3.5 years) perspective they look okay. I think this whole area would disappoint you now in terms of cleanliness and just the population in general has changed.

So you don't like my Odessa idea D.Z.? Seems foolproof to me. Just think of a world class museum alone out in the desert. All the money to be made, all the impressional minds to educate, oh never mind I just woke up. It's been done before.

And I think they took some wind damage last spring.

Gotta be a LoneStar steakhouse somewhere in Georgia!

Rich

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Rich Kolasa
www.crystalgraphix.com

It could be a sucess IF the LSFM could be assured a location adjacent to the "Sand Dune National Park". Thats a tourist draw that could compliment the displays and artifacts. Do you think that this is close to Austin Acres?

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If God had wanted man to fly behind a flat motor, Pratt Whitney would've built one.

DZ you are right . I foregot about Austin Acres, that would probably outdraw any other aviatiion menu for miles around. And one thing about that part of the country- miles is what they got plenty of .....miles and miles and miles!

My wife and I were thinking about going to Galveston over new years. Is there motels to stay in? is the frerry running? is LSFM open at all? We went down there last new years. [back in the good ol days] any info would be appreciated. thanks and Merry Christmas!

There is no need to move the Lone Star Flight Museum hundreds of miles away. If, and one big If, it were to be moved, it only needs to get far enough away from any potential hurricane storm surge. This is what caused the majority of the damage. The museum should, and can, stay in the Houston or surrounding area. Why take it away from millions of people and put it in the middle of the desert, plains, or some out of the way location? Doesn't matter where you put it or any museum, there are dangers - look at what happened at Ezells. Midland gets very high wind storms, etc. North, northwest, or western Houston would be far enough away from the "dangerous" coast and keep it close to tourist money. I think Hobby or a small regional airport close to Hobby would be sufficient - not much surge danger even in south Houston. Hangars can be built or fortified for the winds (which are very rare occurences around here). One other thought........ there is a CAF wing at West Houston airport???

I personally like the Scholes' field location. It's right next door to Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn. I can go to Lone Star while everyone else visits the aquarium, rain forest, or Imax. To answer a previous "question" as to who would go to Galveston's Lone Star museum......... the thousands of people that visit Galveston every weekend. As a matter of fact, I'll be down there later this afternoon. It is a great location. In one small area you have something for everyone. I agree that it is succeptible to storm surge, and it is not feasible, or financially possible, to build everything 15 to 20 foot above grade like Moody Gardens did, but steps can be taken to minimize the risks. Ofcourse, these things take money. Moving the museum takes money. Everything takes money. I'm sure the individuals involved will decide on a course that is in the best interest of the museum, planes, and people.

Whatever happens, I know there are many volunteers and interested parties that will help keep Lone Star viable. Keep up the good work and good luck.

Tommy

I think you missed my being facetous about moving to Odessa!

The only way for the museum to survive is if the city does

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Don't touch my junk!!

Galveston will survive; where will us Texas go for a semi-close trip to the beach?

Heh, boring thread to those of us who live here. Of course it'll "come back" and "survive". This ain't our first rodeo, not by a shot. You may rest assured that the Birdmen of Galvatraz are here "fer a spell".

tex-fan:
Went to Galveston last Saturday for the first time since the storm. Many hotels are open-certainly recommend making a reservation if you're planning to stay on the island. LSFM was still closed. Moody Gardens was open but the IMAX wasn't operating nor was the the rain forest pyramid open. Only a few businesses on the Strand are open. Ferry is running but there's hardly anything left @ Crystal Beach. Most of the "tourist shops" along the seawall are closed. As mentioned Guidos and a few other restaurants along the seawall are open
Personally, as much as the city could use the revenue, I'd recommend waiting a while before visiting if I were you.