NASM remodeling the Museum on the Mall...

[Warbirdnerd]

The DC-3 was removed earlier this week. It has been hanging from the roof since 1976.
Headed to Dulles for restoration/storage until the remodeling is complete...


https://www.airspacemag.com/airspacemag ... 180972973/

[tulsaboy]

That DC-3, if I remember correctly, was taken directly out of service from Eastern Airlines and donated to the Smithsonian. So it would be really interesting, I think, to see the inside of it. If it was taken directly out of service, it should still be fully equipped as an airliner inside. Does anyone know if it was restored prior to being hung on the mall?
kevin

[old iron]

The NASM DC-3 was accessioned in 1953, so there was a fair amount of time between then and movement into the Mall Museum in the mid-1970s. I do not know if the aircraft was stored inside or outside over that time, but those stored outside sometimes lost parts. All that said, my guess is that the DC-3 was only cleaned, not restored, prior to display (there were a lot of exhibits that needed more work).

[DH82EH]

I'm pretty sure I've seen pictures of that DC-3 with a bent wing after it got dropped.
It got repaired and was then hung successfully.

[Chris Brame]

All that said, my guess is that the DC-3 was only cleaned, not restored, prior to display (there were a lot of exhibits that needed more work).

That's what I remember reading in Air Classics at that time - the interior was intact and was very carefully cleaned, but not redone.

[Cubs2jets]

My understanding is that Eastern Air Lines refurbished N18124 prior to donating her to the Smithsonian in 1953. Here is a picture of her after delivery to Washington National Airport, but before disassembly and transport to storage.

C2j

[APG85]

I'm pretty sure I've seen pictures of that DC-3 with a bent wing after it got dropped.
It got repaired and was then hung successfully.

The cables slipped when they were initially hanging it in the museum in 1975/76. One wing came down and hit the floor. They repaired it quickly and hoisted the plane up. I believe there's a picture of this in the the book: "The Aircraft Treasures of Silver Hill"...

[Pat Carry]

Because of this renovation work, no work is being done to "Flak Bait". The last I heard Flak Bait will not be completed until 2026. Bummer

[JohnB]

I recall reading at the time the DC-3 suffered damage to its wingtip.
It was due to be hung the next day. The NASM contacted the USAF and they provided one from the bonyard and flew it to D.C.v