posted 06-04- 03:27 PM               

During take-off and landing I was in the tail gunner's position but moved to different positions while in flight. Believe me, walking on the 10 inch catwalk over the bomb bay doors while in the air is a real thrill. Stood behind the pilots and watched for a few minutes too. I have been on B-17's several times before but never in the air. A day I'll never forget.

The static displays so far include a P-40, C-47, Corsair, P-38, Bf 109 (German built, not Spanish..very rare), P-51, TBM Avenger, Spit XVI, SNJ Texan, Mig-15, 1903 Wright Flyer replica nd others. Most of these are kept in flying condition but they rarely fly them due to their value. They had stairs up to the Spit cockpit so I had a good look at it. The pilot instruction card said to use full right rudder on takeoff - thought that was interesting.

Oh yeah, almost forgot , the museum showcase is the Sprucegoose, one big motha'!

The link below tells more about the collection with pictures of several of the planes if you're interested.
http://www.sprucegoose.org/

[This message has been edited by Jerry (edited 06-04-2001).]

posted 06-06- 10:41 PM               

Jerry,
Have you ever visited the Tilamook Air Museum? I took three of my last four Fall vacations in Oregon and had an opportunity to stop and see it in the Fall of 1999. Really impessive Hangar with a fantastic display of aircraft. They claim to have the largest collection of flyable warbirds in the Pacific Northwest and one of the top five privately owned aircraft collections in the nation. http://www.tillamookair.com/
The huge hangar is visible 2 miles away from Highway 101 (which also has some fantastic views).

Thanks for the link on the McMinnville Museum. I could view the large greenhouses (thats what they looked like) where they had the Spruce Goose on my way from Portland to the coast but have not had a chance to view it in person. Will have to add it to the list for this Fall.

posted 06-06- 11:23 PM               

The Spruce Goose is the center piece of the Evergreen museum. It is about 90% complete. The tail cone, elevators and flaps still have to be put on, and it's not set up to look inside yet. The building is 121,000 sq. ft. in one large room and the Goose fills it up...massive! Even though the museum is open now (today was the first day it was open to the public) the official Grand Opening won't be until November. So that might fit into your Fall trip. It will take them that long to finish the Goose and get the remainder of the collection indoors. Some of the planes are to be suspended from the ceiling and none are right now.

Let me know when you're coming through. There are a couple of other aviation sights I could show you...like a B-17 being restored locally and a company that sells Mig-21's.

P.S. I have an aunt who lives in North Platte. Used to spend vacation as a kid on their cattle ranch near Thedford. How far away are you?

posted 06-07- 12:07 AM               

Thanks Jerry!