Warbird Information Exchange

I agree. Hope they don't get a C-5 and leave her outside for years.

I too like the "short" C-141. Not many left.

I believe the reduced lighting helps with long term preservation.

Seeing that a 5th building (one that would possibly house a C-5) is at least 15 years down the road, a C-5 as part of the collection is destined to sit outside for many years. Speaking of sitting outside the museum, I wonder what plans the museum has for the Lockheed C-60 Lodestar? It can not be in good shape after siting outside now for several decades.

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

I was thinking about the poor Lodestar when I was at work today!

I can see how it may not be viewed as significant as a lot of others and may not be as big of a priority but it really doesn't take up that much room, it sure would be nice to see it inside. For being outside it doesn't look all that bad but I suspect when it is eventually opened up for restoration they'll find a bit of corrosion.

These are from last spring.

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I am actually glad to see that they decided to not include the C-5 in the new hangar. When I found out about the initial proposed layout I was astounded they planned to include it. (BTW, thanks for posting the new layout, this is the first I learned of it.) I couldn't stop thinking how many different aircraft they could fit in the space needed for a single C-5. I have nothing against the C-5, I just think it's better that multiple smaller aircraft are better preserved than a single huge one.

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Tri-State Warbird Museum Collections Manager & Museum Attendant

Warbird Philosophy Webmaster

I looked at the model of the expansion when I visited the museum Saturday. Looks like they have room for a lot of stuff in there. It also looked like a lot of the Cold War and Korean/Vietnam aircraft were shuffled around with temporary barriers set up. There's a lot of room at the end of the Cold War hangar by where the Shuttle trainer is. I don't know what they have planned for that area, but it looks like they could fit several aircraft there if they wanted to.

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Matt

Out of curiosity where does the "Swoose" and "Memphis Belle" fit into the scheme of things? Seems to me that by the time that Bldg 4 is complete these aircaft should be nearly ready for display.

Also, to mention a few more aircraft needing display space : KC-10 Extender, E-3 Sentry, T-43 Gator B-23 Dragon, EC-135 ARIES...

The Memphis Belle is slated to go on display by the end of 2014. Unless things have changed, Shoo Shoo Baby is destined to leave the NMUSAF for the NASM in Virginia. Therefore Memphis Belle will forever be parked in her spot. The Swoose is 10 years away from being restored and placed on display so they will have to find some space by then or as my dad often said, "we will cross that bridge when we come to it."

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

quote]
I am actually glad to see that they decided to not include the C-5 in the new hangar. When I found out about the initial proposed layout I was astounded they planned to include it. (BTW, thanks for posting the new layout, this is the first I learned of it.) I couldn't stop thinking how many different aircraft they could fit in the space needed for a single C-5. I have nothing against the C-5, I just think it's better that multiple smaller aircraft are better preserved than a single huge one.[/quote][/quote]

Nahh I still would have preferred the C-5 going inside, but appreciate your difference of opinion. I understand they all can't make it inside, but long term I think this is the only place a C-5 has a chance to be inside- maybe as they will be in use for a few more decades, they can get a C-5M when they have the space. I think with a little more planning they could have fit much more in there UNDER the wings of the C-5 than the original diagram showed- heck you could get some missiles, helo's or small aircraft inside it and have a walkthough display.

Just a reminer .. The Cold War area behind the Shuttle Compartment is in the process to be completed accoriding the attached photos. Visitors will get a bird's eye view of inside. I believe, due to the size, viewing may be in line as with the Presidential aircraft.





As to the barriers in the SEA gallery, that are is in the process of a restoration with new displays such as the one coming on the 111. I believe the AE single seat will be inclulded in SEA once restoration is complete.

As to the C-5 etc., during my 6+ years of volunteering to date, the most sought aircraft, that I have been asked about, are the SR-71 Blackbird along with the XB-70 Valkyrie. The XB-70 along with selected Experimental are currently scheduled to be in the new builiding.

Just my two cents and not looking to open up any cans of worms.

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Jerry
S/Sgt. - USAF Radio Operator '52-'56
C-119 "Flying Boxcar" - Korea & Japan

Volunteer: National Museum of the US Air Force (2007-2016)
LTM 381st Bomb Group Memorial Association

Speaking of the NMUSAF, any WIXers going to be there tomorrow? I'm headed over to have a look around...would be great to meet a fellow WIXer.

Haa, thanks for the input. As active duty I never had an issue driving over to the annex, and actually enjoy the "charm" of the annex. Feels like you are in on the best secret in the world. No bells and whistles, small crowds, just a great collection. Absolutely agree that the XB-70 has to be a huge draw, and glad it appears it will be center stage for building 4. Was always surprised that X-15 was not in a more prominent place in the main musem and was moved over to the R&D annex for a good many years.

Thanks for the info Jerry. I didn't realize the size of the Shuttle trainer exhibit. Looks very interesting. I figured the SEA aircraft were being moved around for the A-1H or another new addition. It looks like there is a good plan in place for new additions and exhibits. NMUSAF is always a great place to visit and something I will always look forward to. The C-123 and Caribou both look fantastic with the work that has been done on them in the SEA gallery. There is always something new on display or some improvement made one or more aircraft.

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Matt