Harvey visits the museum

Harvey Hodgin, the Museum's oldest(?) member and one of its biggest supporters, visited on the eve of his 98th birthday.  Harvey gave a big thumbs up to the new exhibit, They Answered the Call, the story of Martin workers in World War II.  Harvey regaled those present with stories of both his life (he got his first plane ride in 1919) and work for Glenn L. Martin.  He fondly recalled his talks with Mr. Martin and the time he spent working on various projects for the company.  He is looking forward the the centennial of the company in August.

A pleasant trip to Dover

Even the clouds and threat of rain couldn't dampen the day as nearly 50 members and guests took the bus ride to the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover AFB on Saturday, May 5.

Visitors board "Air Force Two"

The volunteers and staff at the museum could not have been nicer as they led the group through the extensive outdoor and indoor displays.

They opened the VC-9C especially for the group. "Air Force Two" transported vice presidents, first ladies, and heads of state during its working life from 1975 until 2011.  People commented that passengers enjoyed first-class accommodations.
Several other planes were also open for inspection, with the sheer size of some craft inspiring admiration.

After a box lunch, the group was led through the indoor displays. People commented on the level of  restoration that the planes received. Especially impressive were the restored B-17G Flying Fortress and C-47A Skytrain.

When the group reached the Berlin Airlift exhibit, it was especially appropriate that Museum member Fred Hall, a veteran of the Airlift, added some of his personal reminiscences. The Museum is fortunate to have members who have a personal story to tell about our historic aircraft.

The Museum is already looking at possibilities for group bus trips.  If you have a suggestion, please let us know. 

We would like to extend thank yous to the Dover volunteers who showed the group around, Just Class Motorcoach for a smooth ride, and Subway Sandwiches in White Marsh for the early morning delivery.

The 123-K Provider, built by Fairchild, gets a closer look.

Book a date with "Fifi"

The Commemorative Air Force will be flying into Martin State Airport May 21 for three days.
Here is your chance to ride on the only B-29 that is gracing the skies. Also due is the group's B-24 bomber and P-51 fighter.

The planes will only make one flight each on May 22 and May 23, so seats are limited.  You can buy your tickets online at http://www.formstack.com/landing/caf-baltimore.

During their layover, the planes will be open for tours: Monday 1 PM to 5 PM, and Tuesday and Wednesday 9 AM to 5 PM.  There is a charge to tour the planes.

The Museum will be open extended hours while the planes are in town.  Stop by to see the new exhibit on Martin Company workers in World War II -- "They Answered the Call."  Or pick up a t-shirt or model plane.

If you would like to volunteer to help during this special visit, call the museum at 410-682-6122 or email us at martinmuseum@gmail.com.

First Open Cockpit Day of the season

Visitors get a close-up look at the Douglas TA-4J.

The weather was perfect and nearly a hundred people of all ages enjoyed the first Open Cockpit Day of 2012 on Saturday at the Strawberry Point flight line.

The public had a chance to experience the first-class travel that passengers enjoyed aboard the Martin 4-0-4 airliner. Most commented on the roominess of the cabin and the legroom not enjoyed in the jet age.

Kids enjoyed sitting in the cockpit of the Douglas TA-4J trainer. Volunteer Richard Steinert went over the controls with the would-be pilots.  The engine had been taken out when the plane was delivered, so no flight plan needed to be filed.  This plane was used in Top Gun school as an "aggressor" aircraft. Rumor has it that the plane appeared in the film "Top Gun," but was not flown by Tom Cruise.

People were surprised by the tight quarters of the Martin RB-57A Canberra that was open to the public for the day.  The younger and more lithe visitors squeezed into the pilot's seat and the cramped navigator's space.  Although originally designed as a bomber, the plane saw more duty in a reconnaissance role.

The next Open Cockpit Day is Saturday, May 12 from 11 AM to 2 PM.  Bring your mom for an early Mother's Day treat.

What the well-dressed volunteer will wear

Richard Steinert wears new docent vest.

Al LaPorte admires Ted Cooper's highly visible flight line vest.

The volunteers who participated in Volunteer Appreciation Day Saturday got a sneak peak of the latest in museum-wear.  Docents will sport navy vests with the museum's logo.

Volunteers on the flight line will now be easier to spot while wearing their optic-green vests.  This should increase their visibility to both the public and pilots at Martin State Airport.

The changes are designed to make it easier for visitors to identify the people who can answer their questions.

Volunteer Appreciation Day

Volunteers enjoy refreshments.

A perfect day at the Strawberry Point flight line ended with refreshments as the Museum thanked its hard-working volunteers Saturday afternoon.

Earlier, they had shown dozens of visitors, young and older, the planes of the flight line.

Bob Dorr talks about Berlin air mission

Bob Dorr displays his latest book at his Museum talk.

Who was Frank Chrastka?  Bob Dorr asked that question as he began his presentation at the April 2 edition of the Museum's Monday Speaker Series.

Bob entertained the audience at the Lockheed Martin auditorium with excerpts from his latest book, "Mission to Berlin," the story of the largest air attack on a German target in World War II.  He got the listeners into the proper frame of mind by emphasizing the harsh conditions that American crews endured flying miles high in sub-zero conditions.  The cold and noise of the B-17s during the hours-long flight only made the Americans' exploits more impressive.

Bob did not dwell on the human toll, both in the air and on the ground, but made it clear that the war exacted a heavy price on both sides.  He also emphasized that it was the skill and ingenuity of the U.S. that made the difference in the outcome of the war.  As for Frank Chrastka, you'll have to read the book or ask Bob about the sergeant's tragic end.

What's on the horizon for the author?  He hinted that, come this Fall, he expects to have a book detailing the firebombing of Tokyo at the end of World War II. The Museum has already extended an invitation so Bob can talk about the air war in the Pacific.