Warbird Information Exchange

good point. i'd throw a 20 down for an interior tour!!

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!

The interior was restored in Texas in the late 90's/early '00's. Despite decades of effort, the succession of groups there was unable to raise funds for permanent display site, so the USAF gave her to Pima in '06. Glad to see her getting the TLC she deserves.

I'd gladly shell out a few bucks to spend some quality time in the interior.

For the record, the pics of the restored interior aren't mine - they were shot by Don Pyeatt, who was instrumental in the effort to keep #2827 in Ft. Worth. See the story herehttp://www.cowtown.net/proweb/last_one.htm or buy the CD: http://prowebfortworth.com/

Don has lots of Peacemaker goodies here: http://www.cowtown.net/proweb/B36_Home.htm

Skydaddy hit one of the major points. There are a lot of ways to get hurt in there and people do sue over their own stupidity. The other problem is that over the years the main hatch on the side of the plane has become non-operational. We tried to fix it but decided it was going to be more effort than it was worth. What that means is that the only way into the airplane after the bomb doors are closed is through the nose gear well and while that is ok for a once in a while sort of thing it isn't exactly an easy access path. Also letting people in virtually guarantees that stuff will be broken and or stolen. It happens even with guided tours.

The people in Fort Worth did a fantastic job on the inside of the plane and we want to keep it that way.

James

I'm playing devil's advocate here just so everyone knows -



Why and for who, if no one will ever see it?

Tom P.

Because its the job of a museum is to preserve historic artifacts for future generations?

Or maybe we just want to torture you with the knowledge of what is in there that you can NEVER EVER SEE!!!!!!!

James

Very well said. And just because it is not open to the general public does not mean that some people will not see it. When veterans of the aircraft in the NMUSAF come in, we open them up for them. And they are allowed in to check it out. A museum is to preserve and display.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

Looking at al that vast expanse of Olive Green and the posibilities for some heroic nose art pops to mind-what would it be? A Roman orgy?

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

I'm going to put this out for discussion.

I really enjoy the Pima Air Museum ( I use to be stationed at DM and visited the museum often). Why put a top coat of paint on a plane that is going to roast in the Tucson sun for years? Maybe they should leave it "as is" until the time comes that a hangar can be built and then prep and put the final coat on. I know it won't look pretty, but I saw many beautifully painted planes emerge from the restoration shop at Pima only to fade in the blistering Tucson sun. Thoughts...?

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"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

The topcoat is silver; that'll protect the plane better than olive primer. The aircraft sat outside for decades in North Texas, a few more years won't do it much harm, especially after the TLC it's received.

As regards seeing inside, a stand rolled up to the canopy would do. The museum could also shoot panorama pics of the interior and post them online (hint hint!!)

I was able to tour the inside of the B-36 at the NMUSAF quite a few years ago. Very impressive plane on the inside. The sheer size is amazing. The B-36 is the plane that I remember the most about and I was able to get in the B-17, P-51, P-38 , P-40, and I think maybe the P-47.

Hey Chris...I'm sure you have told us before, but does the NMUSAF still have open cockpit days? I totally agree with letting some of the old-timers inside the airplanes during off-hours...any chance an old-timer like me could get inside the Big Stick there at Dayton? Or the Valkyrie?? I would readily sign a waiver and pay whatever to get inside the one you have there at Pima James

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Earn my respect and never lose it.
Demand my respect and never gain it. -Me

...just another plane dreamer.

They still do, about twice a year. They usually have a select number of aircraft open, and you can get in. The b-70 is a bit of a challenge, but some of the others are opened. I had the honor of escorting a SAC vet into the B-36. It was amazing.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

Outstanding! Do you know if the cockpits are opened-up for special occasions like reunions only or is this a planned thingy? Is it only veterans that are allowed? Should I send extra money ahead of time with my membership dues

Yeah, yeah...I know, don't get too excited about sitting in the cockpit of the Big Stick and making airplane noises, correct When I got caught fondling the F-14 at Grissom, I quickly learned that not all of us are as badly afflicted with my disease

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Earn my respect and never lose it.
Demand my respect and never gain it. -Me

...just another plane dreamer.

What exactly is wrong with the hatch? There must be a way to fix it? Just curious...

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"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

Is the glass all going to be painted gray like most of the other a/c at Pima? I assume this is to protect the glass from the sun?