Going to the NMNA tomorrow

[Steve Nelson]

Any pic requests?

SN

[michaelharadon]

The cut away PBY, structural bits from the Cabot that are part of the indoor flight deck display, the PB4-Y and other things going on in the restoration hangar. Thanks for asking!

[warbird1]

Yes - anything in the restoration area involving any of the Lake birds, specifically the recent Hellcat.

Also, I've heard they've done a re-restoration on the Zero. Pictures of that would be nice too!

Oh, also the PB2Y and P5M and P-40 and Buccaneer and Vindicator!

Yes, I know I'm demanding!

Thanks!

[Steve Nelson]

I'll see what I can do. Unfortunately, I understand the work on the Zero consisted of a new (but highly inaccurate) paintjob. I'd forgotten about the "new" Hellcat. We plan to take the restoration shop tour..I'll see if I can get any pics of it.

SN

[Pat Carry]

Everything or maybe just the NC-4.

[Owen Miller]

The Hellcat is standing vertically beside a Lake Bird SBD.
Also of interest in the resto hangar is the Coronado and
the Privateer. And wait till you see the huge hangar
addition nearing completion.

[Pat Carry]

Hey Owen, Any idea how many planes will be moved inside the new building?

[Django]

Anything and everything!

PB4Y-2 please! And PLEASE pester them some more for me about them getting Hal Olsen involved in (re)painting some of his nose art on it when they are ready. Several of us have sent emails to the museum, but no replies back. In fact, if you could get a specific contact person to submit the letter to, that would be much appreciated too!

[Steve Nelson]

Here are a few snaps from today. The tram was broke, so they weren't running the regular restoration tour. Fortunately, a very nice museum volunteer took me back there, after I explained that I wanted to get some pics of the R4D "Que Sera Sera" for a friend, whose Uncle flew the plane in Antarctica. I was having to shoot fast, so I didn't get a lot of detail pics, but here's what I got of the restoration hangars:

The PB2Y is coming along..the volunteer told me it's their top priority right now.



Looks like the "new" Hellcat has been disassembled and cleaned (first pic is sideways, to get the whole fuselge.)





And the Privateer..I'm really looking forward to seeing her finished. In case you're wondering, I had the camera on the end of my monopod to get the overhead shot.





Mort to come!

SN

Last edited by Steve Nelson on Wed Aug 04, 2010 12:08 am, edited 1 time in total.

[michaelharadon]

Very cool. Thanks

[warbird1]

Thanks for the pictures, Steve! I know it's a pain in the butt to transfer and upload to the internet. I appreciate your efforts and look forward to anything else you post.

[Django]

Very nice! Thanks!!

Did you happen to speak to anyone about nose art for the Privateer?

[Owen Miller]

Pat, they are going to put as many inside as they can.
Captain Rasmussen is using a floorplan for both the exist-
ing structure abd the addition along with some scale
silouettes to figure how he wants things laid out.

It will be a massive undertaking but those guys are up
to it.

[Pat Carry]

Pat, they are going to put as many inside as they can.
Captain Rasmussen is using a floorplan for both the exist-
ing structure abd the addition along with some scale
silouettes to figure how he wants things laid out.

It will be a massive undertaking but those guys are up
to it.

Thanks for the info Owen. When the new bldg opens up I will have to on a road trip and check it out!

[Owen Miller]

Pat, plan on the first week of May, 2011. It will be
the Centennial of Naval Aviation. The annual symposium
will last the entire week. There are all manner of
activities being planned. If half this stuff comes to
pass it will be memorable.

Matter of fact a LOT of WIXERS would enjoy this!

Owen