|
| |
| Our Museum officially opened at the Squadron Open House on September 28 &
29, 2002. However, it is by no means "finished", as we intend to
continue to improve both the facility and the collection. |
 |
 |
|
Items currently on display include an extensive collection of flying helmets,
several examples of training materials used by aviation cadets of the WWII era,
ration cards and other items reflecting "life on the home front", and
a collection of German memorabilia. |
| |
|
|
The first aircraft assigned to the West Houston
Squadron, the C-47 "Dragon Lady", painting by Col Dieter Klein,
model by Col Eric Jones |
Painting by Col Dieter Klein (come to the
museum to learn the story behind it); poster by Col Ron Fountain |
The museum is now available for tours by appointment. There is no
admission fee, but donations are greatly appreciated. Contact the
WHS
Field Collections Officer (Don Johnson) or the webmaster
(Steve Sehnert) to schedule your visit.
We welcome school and Scout groups, but request that visiting groups have at
least one escorting adult for each ten children.
|
WORK SESSIONS AT THE
MUSEUM
Work sessions at the hangar are held virtually every
Wednesday evening. Since the successful opening of the Museum,
the crew has been tasked with several other projects, and all help
is appreciated. C'mon out, we have fun! Contact the Webmaster to confirm
the schedule for any given week. The
Construction of the Museum (an epic saga) ... |
Become a Sponsor of our museum!
On the main hangar floor, we have four aircraft engines on static display:
 |
An Allison V-1710 V-12; this type of engine was used in the P-38, P-39, P-40,
P-63, and early P-51 fighters. |
 |
A Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1 radial; this type of engine was used in
the BT-13 trainer and C-45/JRB transport |
 |
A Ranger L-440 inverted in-line six; this type of engine was used in several
primary trainers. |
 |
A Franklin 4AC-176-B2 horizontally-opposed
65-HP four-cylinder, originally used in the J-3 Cub |
Our meeting room features many pictures and
paintings of WWII aircraft. Two of the outstanding pieces are murals done
by Squadron members:
 |
The back wall features a painting by Col Ron Fountain of
Corsairs taking off in the South Pacific |
 |
On the east wall, a display by Col Dieter Klein shows a
flight of B-24 and B-17 bombers under attack by German fighters, with a
P-51 engaging one of the attackers. |
|
