Note from the Director First our apologies-there has been so much happening the past few weeks that we have not taken the time to provide you an update. The good news is today's update if full of-good news. Several projects that have been in the works for a while are moving ahead quickly. Mike Leister |
|
C-121 Gets a Nose Job
Thanks to our friends from the 512th AW Metals Fabrication shop we finally have the correct nose on our "Connie". Since civilian airliners had a short nose and military  C-121s had a longer nose to accommodate weather radar we needed to complete the conversion of our Connie from its real career as an airliner to our display as a military C-121C. Since there is only one existing radar extension available and it could only be used as a pattern several reservists used this project as a training exercise in fiberglass construction. The result is an excellent radome extension for us and valuable training for the reservists.
|
|
New Workshop
Our new 75' x 75' restoration workshop is coming along well. The floor has been poured  and the steel framework will mostly be in place by the end of November. We are losing overall space due to our relocation from some old hangars on base that are being razed but the good news is we will have a workshop right within out campus which will enhance security and give us direct access to our shop tools. It will also have enough electrical capacity to support our shop tools and better lighting.
|
 C-124 Update
Our C-124 is unique in several ways. It is the only "A" model left in existence which also makes it the oldest C-124 in the world. It also served in four different Major Commands-SAC,TAC,MATS and AFRES (come visit us and we'll explain what the alphabet means). We had not put markings on the plane due to funding, a broken high-lift and the press of other work. Finally we are getting the proper markings on her and, appropriately enough it is former C-124 crew members that are doing the work. Thanks also to our museum graphics shop that makes almost all our decals and lettering in-house.
|
 Engine Barn is Electrified
Our new Engine Barn (actually a Quonset Hut that we use to display our engine collection and the cutaway Cessna aircraft) now has electrical power thanks to the 436 Civil Engineering Squadron. Now we can operate our cutaway R-4360 engine and J-85 jet engine. It will also help our crew that is working on the finishing touches of our completely cutaway T-41 Cessna (that's the military designation for a standard model 172). Many thanks for your support.
|
 Main Hangar Painting
It's been many years since our main hangar has been painted and it was beginning to show. Fortunately we are now getting a fresh coat of paint and some masonry repair so that we continue to represent the Air Force and Dover AFB well. By the way this hangar was only expected to last for the duration of WW II so I'd say it's doing pretty well at age 67.
|
