USAF Museum, Wright Patterson AFB visit

[bdk]

I'll be on the base next week for business. Anyone have any tips? Is it dark inside? If so I'll bring a tripod.

Any secrets? Any back rooms to finagle access to? Any contacts I need?

Thanks,

Brandon

[DaveM2]

BK

Always seems to be a lot of complaints that it is very dark inside..the new hall was I think painted black, which obviously doesn't help matters ! So tripod essential..if you are allowed to use one ?

Dave

[TimAPNY]

Bring a good flash, Enjoy! Plan to spend a lot of time there. Hit the X & Presidential hanger first (so get there when it opens if you can) That trip will bring you right back to boot camp


I missed the B-45 and the RB-47. If you don't posting a couple shots of them you'd make my day. If the RB-47 is out of Restoration yet.

[AirJimL2]

I'll be on the base next week for business. Anyone have any tips? Is it dark inside? If so I'll bring a tripod.

Any secrets? Any back rooms to finagle access to? Any contacts I need?

Thanks,

Brandon

Brandon,

I've been in caves with more light than the new building! Take a tripod. The best back room to get into is the restoration tour. I think it is on Fridays and you need to sign up ahead of time. If you see it, get some pics of the CF-100.

Jim

[a10warthog36]

yes take a tripod and lots of film..plan on taking a whole day or two to see it all..use a flash too , but if you are using a digital a flash will make the pictures to dark , if the settings not right.. i should know i live there almost 2 to 3 times a month. you will have a great time. plus check out the web site they have also. it will let you know whats going on.. have fun..

[bdk]

Thanks all. My flash is useless beyond about 10 feet, so I'll bring a magnesium flare with me. I can color correct the images later.

Just kidding about that naturally...

I may only have a few hours, so I'll have to make the best of it.

[TimAPNY]

A few is better then none! The flash store was the same for me, But I have some pictures, Ok, like 800 or so. That Museum filled a whole CD with 2.1 megpix pictures.

Brandon:

If you have time while at WrightPatterson Museum, will you plz take a picture for me of the "exterior ID plates" located on the R/S fuselage of the AFM P-63E 43-11728?
There are 2 of them. One below the air scoop and another aft of it about 1 1/2 feet. Tks.

[TimAPNY]

I think that is hanging from the roof in the Hangers on W.P AFB.

If that one is the one that is Orange

[James Church]

Last time I was there (a few months ago...) the P-63 was on the floor in the WW II gallery. Nice to see it down from the ceiling of the annex... Jim

[bdk]

I'll do my best for the "special requests."

BK

[Waltz41]

I just got back from there, decided to take a little 'me' trip from philly out there over last tuesday and wed. i spent both days there and still didn't have enough time to see everything the way i wanted to!

The WWII stuff is great, their A-20 is beautiful and the p-61 is stunning. my digital camera did ok, i actually found it better not to use the flash in a lot of places on the digital, the only problem though was while the pictures were much more brighter, they were a bit blurry. couldn't figure it out, maybe play with the shutter speed if you have that. i drove myself almost nuts trying make sure i got the best shots between that and 4 rolls of regular film. (move people, move@!!!!)

and yes, definitley get to the R&D and presidential hangers, some really cool stuff there. i was impressed by the valkrye (sp?) and even the piper enforcer mustang! very great trip, can't wait to go back. if anyone wants to see something, i'll see if i have it, i can put it up in a few days after i'm back from ca.

brian

[Dave D]

Thanks all. My flash is useless beyond about 10 feet, so I'll bring a magnesium flare with me. I can color correct the images later.

Just kidding about that naturally...

I may only have a few hours, so I'll have to make the best of it.

Not to bad of an idea about the magnesium flare it might give you a bit better of light. I have to agree with everyone on here also. The tripod is a must!!!!!!!!!! The lighting of course is very, very dim. If your camera is anything like mine you might want to just set your camera on the "Bulb" setting and just let it set. They have a huge awesome collection. I spent a day down there many years back and it was just not enough time. They have so much that it truely is just to much to take all in, in one day. Good luck on the few hours. Must see's in my opinion. B-26, B-17, ME-262, P-61, P-63's, B-25, B-24, B-29 are just a TINY little bit of many beauties. I know I missed a TON. But have a great time. I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave D.