Spotting at Paine Field

mrhenniger · **Posted:** Mon Jan 10, 2005 4:19 pm

So, I had some time off this morning. I went for a drive north of Seattle to Paine Field at Everett. The Museum of Flight restoration facilities at Paine are not open on Mondays, but I did go to the Me 262 Project. When I got there I dropped a donation in the jar and was given a tour. I was allowed the photograph the airframes that are not yet sold. They did not want me to take pictures of "White 1" and "TT" alias "Tango Tango".

The tour began with a walk through the hanger in which White 1 calls home. The lady giving the tour indicated they had just finished some work on the brakes. Apparently the pilot had indicated they were grabbing too much.

The tour continued into the second hanger where TT is being assembled. The cowls were off the engines. Apparently they were working out the bugs with the engines where the electrical system switches over from drawing on the APU Power Cart (external power) to drawing on the internal power. She also mentioned that it would be going to the paint shop soon. When I saw it was an mix of bare metal and primer. The control surfaces hadn't yet been installed.

I then got to walk up a platform overlooking the last three airframes, and got a good look inside the cockpit of airframe #3. I asked if the instruments in the panel were the final set and she indicated that they may not since some are not considered airworthy as some time as passed and standards have changed. I photographed these airframes from above, and I was allowed to photograph the shelves used to store the various canopies. The tour guide also indicated the some of the glass (I forget the name of the actual material) needs to be replaced in the canopies since the frames were fixed to tight during initial assembly and cracks had formed.

We then headed back to the office passing through the first hanger where White 1 was parked. White 1 was no longer there! I took a peak through the window and saw it on the ramp getting some attention. I had been told they had just finished some work on the brakes. Hmmm.... I got a picture of the wings for the third airframe which were being assembled in the first hanger and previous out of view behind White 1. I think the lady could see the wheels turning in my head, and she ended the tour smiling.

Off I went to the parking lot and jump in the rental car. I scooted off to another point on the airfied close to the Museum of Flight facilities. About 45 minutes later White 1 made a run down the runway. It looked great. As it taxiied back I shot frame after frame. Unfortunately I was quite a distance away, and if it was any other airframe I would not have bothered.

That about 1 1/2 hours ago. Still have a big stupid looking grin on my face.

Going to work now. Hopefully I have a chance to visit the Museum of Flight facilities tomorrow morning before work.

Regards,

Mike

TimAPNY · **Posted:** Mon Jan 10, 2005 4:36 pm

When I traveled for work they sent me to the worst places and I had to work 12+ hours everyday. I did get to see some nice stuff a couple times.

Sounds like you are making the best of things! Thanks for the info and sharing.

mrhenniger · **Posted:** Mon Jan 10, 2005 4:50 pm

TimApNy wrote:

When I traveled for work they sent me to the worst places and I had to work 12+ hours everyday. I did get to see some nice stuff a couple times.

Yesterday was my birthday. I put in a 13 hour day and got back to my hotel drained. But seeing White 1 makes up for it!

Mike

jaybird · **Posted:** Mon Jan 10, 2005 8:05 pm

I can't tell you how many times I've tried to sneak out of whatever-city-local-office I was visiting at the time to make it to a museum. I've yet to find one with evening hours. They all seem to close at 5pm. :cry:

My last trip to Portland was the same....wrapped up my business at 4pm with no time left to get to Evergreen for a look at the Spruce Goose, Corsair, etc. I think on the old board I put a post about almost getting locked up for the night at Champlin's, the result of yet another last minute attempt to get in some quality moments with some warbirds.

I wish more museums were open from noon to 8 or something like that......

mrhenniger · **Posted:** Mon Jan 10, 2005 8:16 pm

I know what you mean. I have been lucky that my basic hours have been 12 noon to 10 PM, but unlucky that they have been so consistently long (I am start wear out). However, it has allowed me to run off an do stuff in the morning. Even though I should be using that time to get more rest, the mental relaxation from visiting warbird museums, more than makes up for it. It also doesn't hurt that I am working in the build right next door to the Museum of Flight. It is a convenient place to go for lunch. :roll: