Pima Air Museum photos from 1974

[RMAllnutt]

I came across this collection of photographs online, and thought everyone might like to see what the Pima Air Museum looked like in 1974. It's astonishing to see how far the museum has come, but these images also represent a really fascinating view of what the aircraft had been in their previous lives, before being restored, and repainted. Please make sure to comment on the guy's images, as he's done a very creditable job.

Cheers,
Richard

http://rides.webshots.com/album/577361140ARAYYI

[Pat Carry]

A very kool link! What a transformation between then and now. Most of the collection at that point was just pieces! It shows what dedication and hard work will do.

[JBoyle]

A slight correction....I believe it opened in 1976.

From their website...
"The Museum opened in 1976 with 75 aircraft as part of the nation's bicentennial celebration by the..."

I visited it a couple of weeks after it opened and IIRC, it consisted of a small trailer where the ticket seller sat and some airframes freshly dragged over from AMARC.

Great fun....they had a disassembled B-50...I took a piece of fabric from its shredded rudder. I still have it.
Also, I saw that wingless F-94 was in the brush.
I crossed the rope line to look at it...
Probably not a good idea with rattlensnakes...

I have color slides...somewhere.

[RMAllnutt]

It is amazing what Pima has become, considering its beginnings. Just shows you what a dedicated core of staff and volunteers can give you. I hope to visit one day myself.

Cheers,
Richard

[Ken]

Didn't realize the B-25 survived with its Clayton exhaust stacks.

[the330thbg]

Wow.., that B-29 aka 330th BG 'K-40' sure has come a long way!!!!!!!!! This is a great link.., thanks!