A strange bit of history…
I knew this was the first Air Force One, but I ‘thought’ it was actually in the museum at Wright Pat… Sigh…
This is truly a shame if it’s lost.
Ironically, the Sacred Cow, Roosevelt’s and Truman’s VC-54, IS in the museum. Link HERE.
http://www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/news/article_bf6db020-efbc-11e5-a80d-cf5222f88bf4.html
Why didn’t the Smithsonian restore it?
Hey Old NFO;
Thanks for the video, I was surprised to see this one on “private” hands. I am surprised that several museums haven’t made a play for it, it would be a crown jewel. I like “Connie’s” anyway 🙂
Karl Stoltzfus of Dynamic Aviation, Bridgewater, VA now owns Columbine II (Bur. 48-610).
Unless they’ve been moved they are in a special hangar on the base proper. The hangar next door has a lot of the experimental stuff including the XB-70. You have to sign up for the the tour at the main museum and they put you on a bus and drive you over. Just an FYI for anyone planning a visit.
I don’t know if it’s the actual Air Force One, but there’s a Connie with the colors and the insides of Air Force One at the Museum. Go here and look for Presidential 2/3 view. You’ll be under the left wing of it.
Brad,
The museum opened a new wing to the main building this year. I haven’t been there since the wing opened but I believe the presidential planes are located there.
Why would we not have that in a museum? 🙁
Ahh yes the Constellation. I traveled on one frequently between NYC and Boston in the 1960’s.A commuter.
I liked it.Eastern Airlines was the company.
The Connie was my most favorite airliner until the 707 came online.
Very graceful looking.
Marc/r- Thanks for the update, GOOD news indeed!
Bob- I do too, although the Navy version wasn’t ‘quite’ as luxurious…LOL
Brad- Thanks!
Juvat- That’s ‘interesting’… Makes one wonder…
Fargo- Good question!
Charles- Eastern had a BUNCH of them!
drjim- And a comfortable ride too! 9 feet of wing ‘flap’ in turbulence… LOL
It flew to VA back in the early spring, note the Wikipedia page even reflects it: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbine_II
It had been parked at KAVQ for quite some time, along with a few other Connie airframes. I’d seen it, but never noticed the nose art.
I’d heard they had a heck of a time finding cowling parts for the ferry flight(s) to Virginia. Wish I’d seen it fly then.
It’s an encouraging story, just like having 2 airworthy B-29s at last.
That is a very cool video. I hope they can spark some interest to get it restored. I feel like now I know the “rest of the story”…
Thanks!
Suz
Steve- Thanks!
Suz- Apparently there IS a rest of the story, and that is good news!
Old joke about “my grandfather’s hammer”…
“It’s 80 years old. I’ve replaced the head twice, and the handle six times.”
Similarly, the parts they’ll have to locate or fabricate to bring this beautiful aircraft up to speed will make it like “my grandfather’s hammer”.
I’d be mighty tempted to remove the data plate and affix it to another Connie… like replacing the hammer’s head!