WIX Archives

Re: NASM He 219

Posted by Pat Carry on Tue Mar 18, 2003 06:54:31 PM

In reply top NASM He 219 posted by Chris Martin on Tue Mar 18, 2003 11:58:02 AM

Chris, The Garber facility closes to the public on the last day of this month. This is being done to facilitate the movement of planes to the new Dulles Center. According to an email I received just the other day from the museum,70 artifacts (I'm not sure if that includes space related vehicles) will be in place in the new building when it opens in December. The movement of planes from Garber actually started this week with the transportation of the 1st plane, a Piper J-3 Cub, to Dulles. Although I'm not certain where all the planes will end up in the new building, I assume the Piper Cub will be a hanging display. As far as the HE 219, I believe the plane received a rather extensive restoration although probably not as much as the Hurricane and the Serian received. The 219 has been in the shop for about a year and a half and during that time their web cam showed quite alot of work being done to it. In regards to other restorations, I know they are doing more cosmetic work than total rebuilds which is fine with me. Before I die I would like to see as many planes on display with as you say "the wings attached". Total rebuilds would take the museum another 100 years! For as large as the new building is, the whole collection will not fit inside of it. For example, they have no plans to display the B-17G! For a list of what will be in the new building see www.nasm.si.edu/nasm/ext/artifacts_air.htm It should be a great place and I'm proud to say I have been a member of the Air and Space Society since they started raising funds for the building.

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