It was heartbreaking to see the outdoor displayed aircraft and helicopters get trashed in the hail storms in 2010. I work fairly close to the museum and often drive by it on my way to grab some lunch. All the plexiglass, and many thin aluminum panels on their bird dog were destroyed. Especially hard hit were the Plexiglas canopies on the OH13 and OH23 that they have.
The repaired pieces are back on display after a very extensive and expensive refurbish, and the paint looks good from a distance and the darker colors are much better than the white they were before. I can remember going to the museum as a young man and seeing them all before they were painted. you could still see inside. I remember being shocked at the fact that all the instrument and controls were missing. As an adult I, now know why.
It's a very cool museum that is more than worthy of a donation if you visit. they work miracles with a very tiny budget. and refurbishment of the outdoor displays is very very costly.
Also of note is the firefighters museum up the street which is very cool and worth the time to go through as well.
The repaired pieces are back on display after a very extensive and expensive refurbish, and the paint looks good from a distance and the darker colors are much better than the white they were before. I can remember going to the museum as a young man and seeing them all before they were painted. you could still see inside. I remember being shocked at the fact that all the instrument and controls were missing. As an adult I, now know why.
It's a very cool museum that is more than worthy of a donation if you visit. they work miracles with a very tiny budget. and refurbishment of the outdoor displays is very very costly.
Also of note is the firefighters museum up the street which is very cool and worth the time to go through as well.
