Back from Pima

New buildings exhibits and changes. They finally got the SR indoors
in a new and airconditioned hanger, hanging nicely from ceiling
displa along with several other large aircraft. D21 previously
displayed with it, has cracked wing (staff do not now what happened, )
and is currently being fixed in the restoration hanger.( being outside
I wouldn't doubt some troglodytes did some acrobatics on it!!!) More
buidling being planned with a 4k (?) sq foot bdlg scheduled to be
built next year. I'm told it will be a restaurant. They seem to be
moving ahead nicely and are apprently anticipating larger groups and
longer stays. Its really getting to be a "destination" . They sued
to have a skycrane without payload as the entry arch and that is now
displayed with the other helo's on the field. One of their new
exhibits (on "loan") is my favorite aircraft (you go Jimmy Stewart)
B-36. Trucked in and rebuilt in poking around the wheel wells reveals
a a panted metal plate with the names of all those involved in varous
aspects of the rebuild. the bombay just goes on forever. Finallly
got out to the B-29 tanker which is not in the best of shape.
Starboard inboard engine nacelle is oozing (it seems) some type of of
fluid all over the metal rusting it and a large portion of the
fuselage is showing similar damage. Sad, hope they can get to it,
hopefully their new apparent upswing will enable more cash to do the
restorations needed. If you've never been I would strongly suggest
going for any Aviation/Space enthusiast..........Doc