Lyons Air Museum

[Ryan Keough]

Hey all,

I somehow missed the fact that Mark Foster recently left Planes of Fame to head a new museum being developed by Gen. William Lyons at Orange Co. Airport (John Wayne). It got me curious as to what the plans are for the museum... such as public access, growth of the collection, facility, etc.

I know that he has the B-25, A-26, and B-17 -- what other aircraft does the collection have or have plans to obtain?

Does the museum plan to develop or expand at the current Martin Aviation hangar space or do they plan to build an exclusive facility?

Are there plans for the museum to develop a ride program on the B-17 and B-25? Obviously a benefit of developing a museum is a possible 501c3 status and the ability to gain an exemption letter.

I'm just curious as I have been interested in the General's plans since he purchased Fuddy Duddy several years ago.

Thanks!
Ryan

[Warbird Kid]

Fuddy Duddy should be back on the grassy fields of Geneseo. I think the balance of power would be restored once more then.


What A-26, B-25?

[warbird1]

I don't know what the plans are, but if Mark's history of dealing with the POF's collection is any indication, the General's collection is in great hands. I've heard that Mark will still volunteer at the POF. At the last POF Airshow, Mark flew the Museum's Corsair. I believe this was after he was appointed to head up General Lyons' collection. I don't know if Mark flies the multi-engine stuff, but he has a history of flying the fighter type planes at the POF. Hopefully, he can encourage the General to branch out into fighters! General Lyons once had a P-38, but has since sold it.

I flew into Orange County not too long ago and saw a C-47 out on the ramp next to the B-17. I don't know if the C-47 was part of the General's collection or not, though.

[gary1954]

will POF "loan" aircraft they want to get out of the eliments to the General for display, and visavee?

[bomberflight]

This isn't first hand knowledge ~ rather something I had passed along to me a couple of weeks back.

There are no plans for a ride program with bombers

The Museum facility is planned to house the existing collection of airplanes plus a large chunk of his vast automobile collection. ( 100 plus cars ~ many of which are priceless )

Given the Generals age I would suspect he is trying to ensure his estate isn't sold off piece-meal at auction in the future.

Will the aircraft continue to fly in the future ? Good question !

[gary1954]

I was just wondering if with Mr. Mark going to the General's hangar if there was the possibility of POF displaying some of their aircraft at the General's place. I recall back in the mid 80's that POF had a bunch of stuff outside, did they manage to get all of their collection hangared? just asking...

[bdk]

The museum hangar at Martin is already well under way to completion and will be open to the public once the museum is officially opened (maybe later this year or early next year?). The bombers will be inside.

There is no direct relationship with POF that I am aware of other than everyone at the two museums are friendly towards each other.