Mid Atlantic Air Museum Visit 11/23/07

[TAdan]

I went out to Reading PA to check out the MAAM yesterday. I have only been there for the WW2 weekend, so this was a great chance to check out how the museum looks during the rest of the year.

I was able to drag my fiance along, because it was for my birthday.

We were the only visitors there and Rich at the front desk and Joe our tour guide let us really have the run of the place. There is nothing like walking through a quiet hanger filled with war birds. It was great.

It was very chilly out so I did not get as many outdoor pictures as i would have liked. I had not realized that the museum had such a large collection.

Here are a few of the pics I snapped. They have the planes packed in very tight.

Martin 404

The P-61 is really coming along nicely (and quickly)...



Rear compartment...



F-84


Nose to nose with a Sonerai






And for Gary, the Engine test trailer.



And leaving I spotted these goodies. Does anyone know if those are the P-61's wings? Edit: P-61 Wings and Neptune engines.

Last edited by TAdan on Mon Nov 26, 2007 8:44 am, edited 2 times in total.

[Pilotgrl24]

Those are the P-61 wings.

[Pilotgrl24]

Oh, just noticed, the little red and one plane on the wall, your close, it's not a cassutt, but a sonerai.

[Chris Brame]

In the photo of the P-61 wings, what are the engines/props from? Neptunes maybe?

[Pilotgrl24]

Your correct, those are engines and props for the Neptune.

[TAdan]

Thanks for the help ID'ing some of the things Pilotgrl24

[vernicator]

Nose to nose with a Sonerai

LOL!! Although to be really imprsseive she should be juggling or playing a violin at the same time.


Great pics.

[TAdan]

LOL!! Although to be really imprsseive she should be juggling or playing a violin at the same time.


Great pics.[/quote]

Well its taken a few months to get this far. We had to start with the beach ball...

[Mudge]

That EAL Martin 404 brings back some memories. Couldn't possibly count how many times I was in the belly pits of one of those (maybe even that one) when I was a "ramp rat" for Eastern in '54-'55.

Mudge the tarmac terror

[Mark V]

I find it odd that the wings of such an historic aircraft, one that is being restored to flying condition, are stored OUTSIDE! Space is always a consideration, but given the small amount it would take to prop them up against a hanger wall, why on earth are they outside.

The work on the P-61 is stunning - always love to look at the latest shots but I have to say - that was my reaction when I saw the photos of the wings outside - can only guess there is a perfectly valid reason, maybe they decided after 50 years outside a few more are not going to do any harm pre restoration?

[TAdan]

That EAL Martin 404 brings back some memories. Couldn't possibly count how many times I was in the belly pits of one of those (maybe even that one) when I was a "ramp rat" for Eastern in '54-'55.

Mudge the tarmac terror

I love that EAL scheme on the 404. I saw it flying about 10 years ago at a show in NY and have been a fan ever since. It isnt currently flying, but my tour guide said it could with some $ thrown at it.

[APG85]

The paint on the 404 is awesome (even though it's faded). Any pic's of it flying?

[K5DH]

I really dig that straight-wing F-84 Thunderjet! Any chance it will ever be restored to flying condition?

Cheers!

[TAdan]

I really dig that straight-wing F-84 Thunderjet! Any chance it will ever be restored to flying condition?

Cheers!

I was glad I finally got to see it up close. I didnt get a great look at it, it was near an active taxi way and was very cold out so I didnt get to snoop around it as much as I would have liked. To my untrained eye it looked to be pretty solid.

I do not know who owns it. But I'd love to see it flying.

My guide mentioned that it has been put on hold until the P-61 is complete.