Local Charm (and a blast from my past)

Had some time to myself today, so I went wandering, camera in hand.  I ended up driving around the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC), a place where I spent many wonderful visits as a boy watching the planes come and go.  And I finally took the time to visit the National Airline History Museum there.

Despite the grand sounding name, it's a volunteer run organization that began 25 years ago when a group of guys decided to restore a Lockheed Constellation to flying condition.  They named their group "Save A Connie". The organization expanded and now also owns a Martin 404, DC 3, and an L-1011.  The Connie has been grounded for several years due to some engine issues, but they hope to have it and the DC3 back in the air before long.

The museum itself doesn't really live up to the name, but it's worth a visit anyway.  The volunteers are very friendly and knowledgeable, and hey, there are big airplanes to see up close!

L to R: Martin 404, DC3, Constellation

Martin 404. (SAC stands for Save A Connie)

Lockheed Constellation

This shot is of the tail of the L-1011 where the engine used to be. This aircraft is not available for up close viewing right now, as it is parked on the airfield side of the fence.

There are also a couple of interesting non-airplane items at the museum.

This "rocket ship" is a smaller version of the one that greeted visitors at the entrance to Tomorrowland at Disneyland in California.  This rocket sat atop TWA headquarters in downtown Kansas City for many years.

And finally, the most recent addition to their collection, one my old ATC buddies will recognize immediately.

Yes, that's a real radar scope (Plan Video Display, if you want to get technical) that was used at the Kansas City Air Route Traffic Control Center in Olathe.  Perhaps even by me.

More pictures form my day out in KC next time.