My wife and I took a drive down to the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA today. If you haven't heard, they have taken the plane that Reagan used as Air Force One, totally restored it, and put it on display in a huge building.
It is quite simply the most incredible thing I've ever seen in a museum, ever.
Say what you want about the man's politics...that's totally irrelevant. When you first walk into the building and see this giant Boeing 707, gleaming like it just rolled out of the factory, well it's nothing short of jaw-dropping. Then, to be able to actually walk through the plane and see it just as it was when it was in use...awe-inspiring does not even begin to describe it. They even have the actual case that was used as the "football", which contained all the nuclear codes. Cool, cool, coo.
If you have a spare few hours, and are in the area, I would highly suggest a visit. If you're a museum buff, you're not going to be dissapointed.
My wife and I took a drive down to the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA today. If you haven't heard, they have taken the plane that Reagan used as Air Force One, totally restored it, and put it on display in a huge building.
It is quite simply the most incredible thing I've ever seen in a museum, ever.
Say what you want about the man's politics...that's totally irrelevant. When you first walk into the building and see this giant Boeing 707, gleaming like it just rolled out of the factory, well it's nothing short of jaw-dropping. Then, to be able to actually walk through the plane and see it just as it was when it was in use...awe-inspiring does not even begin to describe it. They even have the actual case that was used as the "football", which contained all the nuclear codes. Cool, cool, coo.
If you have a spare few hours, and are in the area, I would highly suggest a visit. If you're a museum buff, you're not going to be dissapointed.
A cross between quasimoto and the elephant man..... But only the good parts!!!!!
Hello chewey46 it appears that you have not posted on our forums in several weeks, why not take a few moments to ask a question, help provide a solution or just engage in a conversation with another member in any one of our forums?
This actually was the primary A/F 1 for Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan,
G H W Bush, and for Clinton, until the 747 was commissioned during the Clinton years. Nixon rode it into 'exile.'
It was only 'lucky' for Ronnie, though--- note that no other president
was had much luck while utilizing SAM 27000 as a primary means of air travel.
Nixon resigned, Ford, Carter, and Bush Sr. all lost bids for re-election.
No wonder they put it in Simi.
Now, consider that John Travolta has one of those in his personal hangar...
__________________
Any advertisements embedded in the text of this posting are placed by the hosting service, and as such do not represent the author's endorsement of the named product or service.
Actually, a 747 got delivered in 1990 for the first Pres. Bush and this plane became a backup. GHW Bush flew it a few times, Clinton only flew it 5 times, and W only flew it once.
__________________ "Vegetarians are the enemy of everything good and decent in the human spirit." -- Anthony Bourdain
Promote skepticism and critical thinking. www.randi.org
Very cool J. I spent an entire day at the Smithsonian Air & Space when I was in DC. Didn't get to see any of the other Smithsonian museums, but the flying things was a must see. I love the polished aluminum on the belly of the fuselage! Wow!
I was on a flight last year. I had a nice window seat, with nobody in the middle seat next to me. Last two people on the plane were a mother and a small child. There were no two seats available anywhere. (Southwest airlines).
I gave up my window seat so they could sit next to each other. I ended up at the front of the plane, bulkhead seat in the middle. To one side was an older gentleman, and on the other was a man about my age. Turns out they were father and son.
We got to talking, and I found out the older man had just recently retired. I asked him what it was he used to do - he was the crew chief for air force one. He had served as chief since Ford, and had retired under the current president.
Fascinating discussion. I wish I had a longer flight and could have recorded some of what he had to say. I hope he writes a book.
I asked him a simple question at one point, namely: "which president respected the aircraft the most, and which one the least."
Reagan, in his mind had the greatest respect for the plane and Clinton, showed the least. I found that one comment to be utterly fascinating.
He had all kinds of stories about getting the plane ready for trips, maintenance nightmares, etc.
It was cool to sit next to one of the unsung heroes out there. Not just anyone can be crew chief for Air Force One.
__________________
Black Cherry "WartHog", DR suspension (front and rear), ICON UCA's, AFE CAI, ARB full length roof rack, Toyota Brush Guard & lights, Scuba Driver Mod, Baja 540c, body mount chop, Moto Metal 0951B wheels, Nitto Terra Grappler 285/70/17's
gotta love it....
Linear Mode
