NMUSAF Outside

[iainpeden]

The last ones from NMUSAF (until I go again).

There are a number of aircraft outside – mainly some larger ones they haven’t got under cover. Apparently there are discussions about adding another building – problematic because there needs to be clearance for the runway – or extending some of the other buildings. The fourth gallery (opened in 2016) cost $48m.

The historical buildings are interesting, but neither was open; the Nissan huts came from Debden. It was harder to get information about the control tower; while it contains artefacts, furniture etc. from England I couldn’t get a definitive answer about whether the building itself had also been brought over or a copy built.

There’s a large, wooded, area contain many memorials, which I wish I had time to photograph. The one pictured is a memorial to the Mighty 8Th.

Next stop, Pax River and (nearly) everything in FS36440 and white.

IMG_6976 by Iain Peden, on Flickr

IMG_6977 by Iain Peden, on Flickr

IMG_6978 by Iain Peden, on Flickr

IMG_6979 by Iain Peden, on Flickr

IMG_6980 by Iain Peden, on Flickr

IMG_6982 by Iain Peden, on Flickr

IMG_6983 by Iain Peden, on Flickr
This is a view across the airfield to the restoration centre; the tri-motor is a Northrop YC-125 Raider (the only other survivor being at Pima)

IMG_6984 by Iain Peden, on Flickr

IMG_6986 by Iain Peden, on Flickr

IMG_6989 by Iain Peden, on Flickr

IMG_6990 by Iain Peden, on Flickr

IMG_7045 by Iain Peden, on Flickr

IMG_7046 by Iain Peden, on Flickr

[Mustang531]

Thanks Iain, some great shots once again. Now is it an EC-135 or a C-18 that's preserved? The Convair looks interesting. I did read somewhere that a control tower was carefully dismantled at an old USAAF base in the UK and shipped over to the USA, maybe this is it. I'm sure it could be googled.

[Nighthawke]

The official website says it is a reproduction:

https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit ... rol-tower/

[paddyboy]

Hi Iain

Another interesting set

Nos. 5 & 6 look anything but aerodynamic

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[raptor9]

Greatly enjoyed those Iain. Many thanks for them all. My late friend was lucky enough to photograph the XB70 out side in the sunshine. Enjoy the rest of the trip. We will!!. Regards, John.

[iainpeden]

Thanks Iain, some great shots once again. Now is it an EC-135 or a C-18 that's preserved? The Convair looks interesting. I did read somewhere that a control tower was carefully dismantled at an old USAAF base in the UK and shipped over to the USA, maybe this is it. I'm sure it could be googled.

The official map says EC-135E.

[Supra]

These are great shots of changed/added items at this excellent museum. Last time I went the XB-70 was still outside & easily pictured from all angles! The designation of 135 variants has always been a mystery to me, but for me this one 'Bird of Prey' has always been an EC-18 (ex 452nd Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif)
But then again I've seen it noted as an EC-135E ARIA. (Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft), so who knows?

[Lunespotter]

There is a WWII Control Tower that was moved brick by brick, from the UK, at the Virginia Beach Military Aviation Museum. When visited three years ago it was being reassembled. Our otherwise very knowledgeable guide wasn’t sure exactly where it came from.

[teeonefixer]

Fabulous set of photos and storyline, thanks (some changes since I went in 1992)

There is a WWII Control Tower that was moved brick by brick, from the UK, at the Virginia Beach Military Aviation Museum. When visited three years ago it was being reassembled. Our otherwise very knowledgeable guide wasn’t sure exactly where it came from.

It came from RAF Goxhill on the south bank of the Humber. In the early days of USAAC operations there was the need to acclimatise US fighter pilots to British weather and crowded skies

[Malcolm]

Fabulous set of photos and storyline, thanks (some changes since I went in 1992)

There is a WWII Control Tower that was moved brick by brick, from the UK, at the Virginia Beach Military Aviation Museum. When visited three years ago it was being reassembled. Our otherwise very knowledgeable guide wasn’t sure exactly where it came from.

It came from RAF Goxhill on the south bank of the Humber. In the early days of USAAC operations there was the need to acclimatise US fighter pilots to British weather and crowded skies

I visited 2 weeks ago - it's now complete and open to visitors. It's not in the main museum though - you have to go on the guided tour part to the active end of the airfield, together with the Cottebus and WW1 hangar.

The guide seemed concerned that us Brits would be upset that they had "stolen" part of UK history. From my point of view (FWIW) there were literally hundreds of WW2 control towers that could have been preserved but were left to go to ruin. Personally I'm happy that someone cares enough to preserve at least one - even if it is on the other side of the pond.

[teeonefixer]

I visited 2 weeks ago - it's now complete and open to visitors. It's not in the main museum though - you have to go on the guided tour part to the active end of the airfield, together with the Cottebus and WW1 hangar.

The guide seemed concerned that us Brits would be upset that they had "stolen" part of UK history. From my point of view (FWIW) there were literally hundreds of WW2 control towers that could have been preserved but were left to go to ruin. Personally I'm happy that someone cares enough to preserve at least one - even if it is on the other side of the pond.

I agree Malcolm, good to see it preserved as it is an important part of their history and also the links between us.