[stalag8611]

My Army Security Agency comrades will hold its 2009 reunion in Seattle, and we are in the process of setting an itinerary that's doable for veterans & their spouses. The men enjoy visiting military type locations as long as they're user friendly; we're all in our 70s. So, for any forum member who's been there, is it worth considering as a reunion stop? I plan on going even if we don't add it to the iusual three day reunion tour. I noticed on its Internet website that some planes in their collection are not on display, e.g., a BOING B-17 for cryin-out-loud.

[mustangdriver]

Some of the big stuff is not on display yet as they are building a large facility to house the heavy iron. Instead od leaving it outside, alot of it is in storage hangars on the field.

[slammin]

I think it is a nice place. The inside is very well laid out. There are basically 4 areas. The first area is very open and 2 of the walls are exterior and all glass, so it is well lighted. There are only a few stairs to negotiate as the walkways around some of the aircraft go up a few feet. Some of the planes on the ground there are the M-21(SR-71), Goodyear Corsair, FW-190, Skyhawk, Mig-21. There are also lots of planes hanging from the ceiling. The DC-3 and some other interwar civilan types come to mind. The next wing is the original boeing factory. The interior shows some of the construction tecniques and machines used on the first airplanes. The next wing is 2 levels. WWII stuff on the bottom, WWI stuff on the top floor. There is elevator access to the top floor. WWII collection includes a P-38, P-51, Spitfire, Yak, P-47 etc. Also lots of airtifacts and videos on display. This wing has no windows and dim lighting. It is very well done. All the aircraft displayed in revements or on a carrier deck etc. The last part is the airpark across the street. The concord, 707(airforce 1), 727, 737, and 747 are on display. Last time I went there you could go into the concorde and 707. This is weather dependent. They also have an F-14, A-6, a Fiat jet, Mig-17, Harrier, and B-47 outside the main museum. They also have a nice cafe and gift shop. Both are a tad expensive IMHO, but what do you expect. The cafe has indoor and outdoor dining. The outdoor dining overlooks boeing field and a few of the museums outdoor aircraft. The giftshop sells some diecast. They usually have a few of the latest corgi and HM releases. Lots of model power too. I've seen some Gemini, Carosel and FM stuff there from time to time. Be warned, it is usually over MSRP. The 15% member dicount will knock it down to about MSRP.

I used to work across the street, so I'd stroll over during lunch or after work. It is definetly worth a visit. I'd be happy to offer any help I can.

Chris

[stalag8611]

Chris,
You feedback is exactly what I was looking for. It sounds perfect for this gang and I'm going to copy and forward your response to the team leader for this reunion. The MoF website does a good job; however, there's nothing like boots on the ground to know what to expect. We're Snowbirds in Hilton Head, SC for three months and next week we're heading for the N.A.S. museum in Pensacola and the Air Force Armament Museum in Shalimar (Elgin AFB). An old friend is a Brig. Gen. (ret) [3 F-4 tours in Nam] who lives in Shalimar and I look forward to his hands on walk around.

The Seattle reunion is scheduled for late September, so we've plenty of time to set up. We have some Marriott time shares in H.H. that we exchange and we'll do that in the SEATAC area for two weeks. Both daughters are left coasters, so this is a perfect opportunity for a double-play. I'll probably be in touch with you later. Thanks again for your excellent input. Is this a great forum, or what?
Wayne