Planes of Fame-Valle

[Chris]

I went to the Grand Canyon last week and stopped in at the POF at Valle Airport. There were two T-6s in restoration, one looked like from the ground up. Anyone in the know as to who these belong to (POF or private) and what the future holds for each?

[bdk]

Might belong to John Seibold.

http://www.1st100.com/part3/siebold.html

[Chris]

Thanks Brandon

[stephenk]

Chris,
I have heard of the Valle location but never realized how remote it is. After taking my son to school in Tuscon in August, on the indirect way home Chicago, my wife HAD to see the Grand Canyon so we had to pass by Valle.
Due to to time restrictions, I was only able to get passer by photos of Valle. The wing assembly and 4 engines on the west side of the hanger looked interesting. C-97?

Did you have an opportunity to see what it is from?
It was disappointing to see the Connie with the open door and missing nose dome. Was that still the case when you visited?
There also appeared to be a lot of interesting "stuff" in the fenced area south of the Museum.
I guess I need to return and check out the region more completely. You have lot going on in Arizona.

Thanks, Steve

[Cherrybomber13]

I believe the deal is they will some day combine the engines and wing section with the B-50 fuse inChino. I was there in May spend 2 hours drooling over all the purty planes. The Connie looked decent when I was there. Ill post some shots over the weekend If I get as chance (I shot 4 gigs)

[K5DH]

I'd sure like to see that straight-winged Thunderjet restored to flying condition!

Dean the wishful

[Chris]

Hay Stephenk, The Connie radome was off for some refurbishing work and is inside the building. The door was open because for a small donation, you can walk through it. The C-97 stuff is from a scrapped C-97 and is being stored until they can be mated to the Lucky LadyII B-50 fuselage in Chino. The tail surfaces are there also as are several engines too. The jets are in decent shape except for the vampire which has severe wood delamination. The MiG still has the engine in it. Next time you're by there be sure to stop by and take a look. Also a couple hangars over is the Wheels and Wings museum. It is privately owned but is generally accessible if you ask at the main terminal. Here's a few more pics of some of the stuff
Wheels and Wings Museum





Planes of Fame





Outboard wings and tail surfaces from C-97


center wing and engines




inside the museum

[stephenk]

Chris and Drew, Thanks for the additional background! And Chris The photos are great, but now I really regret not having time when I was there.
I have been considering an "adventure" ride on my bike. With family now in Tuscon and Chandler, and you now adding to the inspiration with your photos, it is likely to happen sooner than I had imagined.

[bdk]

P.S. I used to own that Curtiss Robin, but as a project not a flyer.