Recent trip to the Air Zoo

[mustangdriver]

I still really love this museum, and although nothing really new there, I thought some might still enjoy a few pics. I tried the high angle method that I learned here again on a few.















Not a great shot, but a cool effect in lighting on the SR-71.

[Mike]

Sad to see so many formerly-airworthy aeroplanes parked and polished up like so many shiny toys.

I'm off to Chino today - now that's what a collection should look like, oil and exhaust stains, chipped paintwork and all.

Still, at least the Cats are gradually escaping from the Zoo back into the wild!

[TAdan]

Thanks for the pics

I like the high-angled shots.

I think that is the first time I have seen that P-39. Now I know why my old Revell/Monogram kit had those "boxing rooster" markings on the decal sheet...

[mustangdriver]

Sad to see so many formerly-airworthy aeroplanes parked and polished up like so many shiny toys.

I'm off to Chino today - now that's what a collection should look like, oil and exhaust stains, chipped paintwork and all.

Still, at least the Cats are gradually escaping from the Zoo back into the wild!

Mike, not all of these aircraft were airworthy to start with. And although the ones that were are now static, there is nothing wrong with supporting this great museum. I am not a fan of chipped paint as that is not what someone's pride and joy should look like. If you want to see toys, you are heading to the right place. Chino.

[Holedigger]

Let's not start that whole spitting match over again. I would rather see warbirds, well preserved in an air conditioned display than turned into beer cans or moldering away in the weeds behind some hangar because of that "some day I'll get her flying where she belongs" attitude. Yes, I enjoy seeing them fly more, but usually you can't get close to the fliers on a usual basis, just the once or twice a year airshow, but static museums are there to enjoy year round. They have their place. For that matter, how many fliers are flying today because they were allowed to borrow or trade parts with static birds? There are a finite number of authentic plane bits out there, so the static birds are a valuable resource.

[Django]

Is/was the B-25 airworthy? I love those markings.

[mustangdriver]

I don't think the B-25 has been airworthy for many years, even when they flew the collection. I seem to recall, could be wrong, some issues with the wing spar. I really am sad to see them not flying some of their stuff, as I always support both static and flying museums. I just enjoy the museum, and rather than look at the negatives, I continue to support a very nice collection. As for them being shiny remember, they are shiny because they were flying warbirds exposed to alot of sun.

[Pat Carry]

Thanks Chris. The museum sure did a fine job on the XP-55!

[Steve Nelson]

Great to see the F-86 and MiG-15 back on the main floor. I haven't been over to the Zoo in quite awhile. We drove by the other day, but didn't have time to stop.

The B-25 was a former exec conversion, impounded by the gov't on suspicion of drug running back in the '70s. A car collector bought it, and eventually sold or donated it to the Air Zoo in several sections. The Zoo reassembled the aircraft, gave it a quick coat of paint, and had it on outdoor display for a number of years. It was given a full cosmetic restoration in the late '80s, but other than the cockpit the inside of the fuselage is basically empty..even the bombay bulkheads are missing. Still looks very nice, though. It was actually built as a cannon-nose H, but the Air Zoo couldn't find an H nose, so they rebuilt it as a J gunship.

SN

[cozmo]

Thanks for sharing.

[APG85]

Great pictures as always! The XP-55 is awesome. The P-40...

[N3Njeff]

JEESE.......................you post a pic of the BT, then the Ryan with the NASTY stearman in plain view.....................yet "I" can make out the Beautiful "STEP" of a N3N in the BT pic...................shame shame shame!!!!!!

[Holedigger]

How much make-up did one have to sell to get a pink P-40! I know it was a lot just to get a pink Caddie!!! Hmmmm, may have to start selling Mary Kay if that is what they are giving out!!! (I can always repaint it!)

[67N20]

Love seeing pictures from Museums I'll probably never get to visit. Thanks for posting.

[mustangdriver]

Sue Parish's P-40 is an interesting one. Although they say the camo paint would fade into pink when operating out of the desert, but I don't think that was her intent on this one.